Solar water heating systems
utilise free heat from the sun
to warm domestic hot water

Solar Water Heating Systems

Perhaps the best-established of the renewable energy options, solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. The systems use solar panels, called collectors, which are fitted to the roof. These gather the heat from the sun, which is used to warm water in a hot water cylinder. Larger solar panels can also provide energy to heat your home – though usually only in the summer months.

Solar water heating systems work provide hot water all year round, though the water temperature may need to be given a boost with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter.

The immediate advantage is a reduction in domestic fuel bills: sunlight is free, so once the system has been installed the savings are immediate. And of course, solar heating is a renewable, environmentally friendly system that will reduce a building’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Solar water heating systems can be expected to reduce a household annual water heating bill by up to £80, and will cut a household’s carbon dioxide emissions by up to 570kg per year.

As with other renewable energy systems, maintenance costs are very low. And if the system is installed by an expert technician, the panels will need to be checked only once every two or three years to ensure they are working as efficiently as possible.

Barkwell Plumbing and Heating have many years’ experience of installing, maintaining and servicing solar water heating systems. And we can provide all the advice you’ll need on tailoring the system to make sure it is working at maximum efficiency for any building in any location. For more information and expert advice, just get in touch on 01837 650060 or email us.