Blog | Solar Water Heating

What Are Solar Water Heating Systems?

Solar water heating is a cost-effective and energy efficient solution to generate hot water for your building. Read our guide to find out what these systems are, how they work, the costs involved and the pros and cons of these type of systems.

What is Solar Water Heating?

A solar water heating system converts energy from the sun for water heating purposes. Since this system relies on sunlight rather than electricity, you can greatly reduce your building's carbon footprint.


It is worth noting that because the amount of solar energy available does vary at different times throughout the year, this heating system is not sufficient on its own to meet hot water requirements all year round. However, immersion heaters or boilers can be combined with these systems to make up for this.


Having a solar heating system in place puts a lower strain on traditional boilers and therefore large energy savings can be achieved.

How Do Solar Water Heating Systems Work?

Solar water heating systems use energy from the sun to heat water for commercial and domestic buildings. Solar collectors gather solar energy and use this to heat water stored in a hot water cylinder. These collectors are typically located on the roof of a building with high levels of sun exposure although they can be fitted elsewhere.


A boiler or immersion heater can also be used to further increase the water’s temperature where required.


There are two main types of solar collectors:


Evacuated tubes: Numerous glass tubes mounted on top of roof tiles

Flat plate: Hot water solar panels with a flat glazing integrated into the roof or fixed on roof tiles


As well as the solar collector, insulated pipes will need directed from these collectors to a hot water cylinder.

Costs

Installation costs of these water heating systems vary dependent on the size and type of system. 


The average installation cost of a domestic system ranges from £3,000 to £5,000. However, these large initial costs are counter-balanced by the cost savings achieved over time. Solar heating systems can greatly reduce your monthly energy bill.


Moreover, homeowners with these systems may be eligible for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. This scheme provides financial rewards to British homeowners for the renewable heat they generate, counterbalancing high initial costs. 


It is worth noting that the more efficient a building is, the less heat that will be lost and therefore only minimal heat will need to be generated. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Cost-effective: These systems not only reduce energy and utility bills, but some homeowners can also receive financial payments through the RHI scheme
  • Lower carbon footprint: By adopting this renewable heating system, you will reduce the carbon emissions of your building
  • Work all year long: Though these systems perform most effectively in the summer months, they still heat water in the winter although secondary support through a boiler or immersion heater may be required
  • Low maintenance: Once installed, these systems often require very low maintenance and typically have a 5–10-year warranty

Cons

  • Needs support: Though a boiler or immersion heater is a necessary addition during the colder months, the costs involved are lower than without a solar heating system
  • Large initial costs: Installation costs of these systems are higher than traditional gas and electric heating systems. However, these are counterbalanced by significant cost savings being achieved over time

Summary

A solar water heating system is an energy efficient solution to heating your building’s water. Though installation costs can be large, these are balanced by the limited additional costs required and the long-lasting durability of these systems. These heating systems are a cost-effective solution to lower your carbon footprint.


At DARe-me Consulting Engineers, we are experts at creating innovative building services design while ensuring your building complies with regulations and environmental guidelines. Contact the team today to find out we can design a suitable solar water heating system for your project. 

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