Contrary to popular belief the amount of solar radiation received across the UK makes our country ideally suited to delivering a highly efficient solar water heating system. Devon & Cornwall benefit from the highest solar coverage of all the UK. As sunlight is free, once the installation has been paid for, your hot water costs will be reduced.
The system works all year round and can produce most of your hot water in the summer. A typical well-sized solar water heating system can provide up to 60% of your annual hot water requirement.
Solar hot water systems (also known as Solar Thermal) harness heat from sunlight by capturing energy which is radiated by the sun within solar panels or collectors. There are two main types of solar collectors, evacuated tubes and flat plate. These can be fixed directly on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof. AS Renewables can advise on the preferred type and location for your home.
The energy collected in the solar panels is moved down pipes to the hot water cylinder within your home by a pump. The only small associated cost of running a solar thermal system will come from this pump, however this will only run when the temperature in the panel is higher than the hot water cylinder, reducing your electricity requirement. Installing a solar thermal system reduces the need to use gas, oil or electricity to heat the hot water you require, lowering energy bills as well as your carbon footprint. Call AS Renewables for further information.