Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal systems, also known as water heating systems, use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment to suit many applications.

How does it work?

For solar hot water there are three main components

• Solar panels or collectors - are fitted to the roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. There are 2 main types of collector:

  • Flat plate systems - which are comprised of an absorber plate with a transparent cover to collect the sun's heat, or

  • Evacuated tube systems - which are comprised of a row of glass tubes that each contain an absorber plate feeding into a manifold which transports the heated fluid.

• A heat transfer system - uses the collected heat to heat water;

• Hot water cylinder - stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.

The benefits

Solar water heating can provide you with about a third of your hot water needs. The average domestic system reduces C0 2 by around 325kg per year and about £65 a year of your hot water bills, when installed in a gas heated home.

Access Renewables provide systems from leading manufacturers using only tested, certified products. We install systems according to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme and in some cases we can access grants and interest-free loans.

For more information on the grants available, visit an area from the list above which most describes you. Alternatively, for help or assistance with planning a solar thermal hot water installation or to arrange a free quotation, simply complete our Quotation and Assistance form.

Disclaimer: Some information produced by Energy Saving Trust (www.est.org.uk). Costs and performance information quoted are typical costs and in no way provide any warranty or guarantee of accuracy.