Solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater is then used to make the water hotter, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable. There are two types of solar water heating panels; they are evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors. Flat plate’s collectors can be fixed on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof.
A complete solar system will require:
- Solar panels
- A heat transfer system
- A hot water cylinder
Solar panels or collectors are installed to your roof and collect heat from the sun’s radiation; when water passes through the solar tubes or plates, it heats up and is then pumped into your hot water cylinder. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to transfer and heat the stored water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during the day so you can use it when required.
