Solar thermal hot water

evacuated tube solar panel

This technology uses a flat plate or evacuated tube system to collect heat from the sun, in order to heat the hot water that is used for washing up, baths, showers etc. The solar panels normally take up 3 to 4 m² of area on your roof.  The heat is normally transferred into your hot water cylinder but it is possible to have solar hot water systems with a combination boiler. 

flat plate solar panel

Generally around one-quarter to one-fifth of a households heat demand is for hot water. So for example; if you have central heating and pay £1000 per year for your oil or gas, around £200 to £250 of this is for hot water. Alternatively if you use 20,000 kWh of gas per year, around 4000kWh to 5000kWh is likely to be for the hot water you use. 

Solar Thermal Hot Water factsheet