Solar Hot Water Heating

Solar Hot Water Heating Panels

What is it?

Solar water heating converts the sun's energy into useable heat, this heat is transferred to your hot water cylinder supplementing the original boiler supply.

How does it work?

Solar panels are attached to your roof and through a heat transfer system are connected to a solar hot water cylinder, usually located in your airing cupboard. The cylinder stores hot water that has been produced during the day for when you need it.

Solar Heating Method

Will it suit my house?

Ideally solar panels are fitted to a south facing roof to ensure highest exposure to the sun, however, they can be fitted to a south-east/south-west facing roof provided there is minimal shading.

The roof will need to strong enough to support the panels due to their weight, which can be quite heavy. Panels can be fitted to flat roofs, gable ends or an outbuilding. Typically you'll require 2 to 5 square metres for the installation.

A special hot water cylinder is required and this can be a conversion of an original one or if this is not possible then a new one may be required.

How much?

Costs are very much dependant on many factors, including the number of panels installed, ease of installation and type of existing system and how easy it is to convert, typically costa range between £4,400 - £5,000.

Do I require planning permission?

In conservation areas planning permission may be required, please consult your local authority for rules and regulations in your locality, if you live in a listed building you will not be allowed to attach solar panels to it, you may consider installing an 'A' frame hidden in the garden somewhere.

Benefits

  • A typical system will cut your heating bills by up to 90% in the summer and up to 30% in the winter, on average this equates to approximately 50-70% reduction in your costs.
  • You can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by anything from 400-750kg per year.
  • Modern technologies allow solar panels to make the best use of the british climate, even in cloudy/broken sunshine.
  • Your house value will increase, possibly covering the costs, if not more. A recent survey by MORI found people are willing to pay up to £10,000 more for a home built to high environmental standards.

Are there grants available?

There are grants available from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (phase 2). You will need to obtain a quote from a certified installer and then apply for a grant.

Get a Free Solar Quote from British Gas