Solar Collectors

On average, Active Solar Heating systems provide 20 years' or more useful service
Systems are generally considered to be very reliable
The majority of users say they are "very satisfied" with their systems

Over the period of one year you will get 72% of your hot water FREE!

Solar Tubes, also known as "collectors", can be fitted to a building’s roof. They use the sun’s heat to warm water, or another fluid, which passes through the tubes. The fluid is then fed to a heat store (e.g. a hot water tank) and helps provide hot water or a source of hot water for central heating for the building. Solar tubes work throughout daylight hours, even if the sky is overcast and there is no direct sunshine. Solar tubes can also be used to contribute to space heating demand. The cost of a professionally installed solar system for heating hot water can vary greatly. If you are considering investing in this technology you should ask what are the requirements for your needs and value for your money.

When choosing a system there are a number of factors to consider. Almost any roof type is suitable,however a south facing arrangement could gain 100% of the light available during the day.

This Chart gives an indication of the amount of energy achieved in watts per m2 depending on the type of weather that day.

If the roof was to face South-East or South-West there will be a reduction in yield by 5-10%.
Collectors can be mounted with an inclination of between 20° and 90°.

As shown in the graph below,
optimal collector performance is achieved on a south facing roof at an angle of 45°

For a family of four, a well designed Active Solar Heating system should contribute between 1,500kWh and 2,000kWh, which will be equivalent to 40% to 50% of the household's water heating energy needs. The value of this saving will depend on the type of energy displaced.

Systems for outdoor swimming pools using the relatively inexpensive unglazed collectors can be particularly cost effective.