Solar Thermal

Solar Thermal Hot Water is the most commonly used renewable energy in the UK, with typically 50%-60% savings on a well designed basic system. Modern solar systems absorb diffused radiation as well as direct sunlight to allow solar gain even on cloudy days.

How Does It Work?

Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof.

These collect heat from the sun and use it to heat up water which is stored in a hot water cylinder.

Solar Thermal Benefits

  • Hot water throughout the year

    The system works all year round, though you’ll need to heat the water further with another heat source such as a boiler, immersion heater or ASHP or GSHP during the winter months.

  • Reduced energy bills

    Sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.

  • Lower carbon footprint

    Solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.

Key Selection Questions

When assessing the suitability of a Solar Thermal installation you will need to answer the following questions ;

Is there a good southerly facing location where solar panels can be installed?

Solar panels will work best if facing directly south at a pitch of between 30 to 45 degrees, but will still perform if their orientation is any where from due east to due west. Evacuated tubes can also be rotated to gain an improved performance.

Will the panels be impacted by any shading or falling leaves?

Any shading or debris falling on the panels will reduce their performance.

Where will the hot water cylinder be located in the property?

The solar system will connect into the hot water cylinder, the cylinder will need to have a 2 coils inside it so that one coil can be used by the boiler and the second coil by the solar system

Kingspan
Powernaturally offer Kingspan Solar Panels, the brand leader in the market, with a full range of panels from the standard flat plate panels that can be fixed both on roof and in roof for a clean aesthetic appearance to the more sophisticated evacuated tubes that are surface mounted but can be affixed at any angle from completely flat to absolute vertical and any angle in between.

Flat Plate Panels

Solar Roof Thermal
On Roof

Designed for the UK climate, Kingspan Solar panels are one of the most popular solar collectors on the market providing a cost-effective solution for both commercial and domestic applications and delivering excellent levels of efficiency and performance. Flat Panel Data Sheet

Key Features

  • Can be used on new build and existing homes
  • ‘In-roof’, ‘on-roof’ and A-frame options
  • Weather-proof seal
  • Aesthetically pleasing – sleek and subtle design
  • Robust and hard wearing
  • Highly insulated to reduce heat loss
  • A lifespan of 25 years
  • 10-year guarantee
  • MCS approved and Solar Keymark certified

Evacuated Tubes

on roof evacuated tubes
On Roof

Available as either a wet or dry system, highly flexible in both location and sizing of system to suit the application, with ability to easily replace components when required. Superior technology of vacuum system provides greater heat transfer and efficiency. DF100 Data Sheet HP400 Data Sheet

Key Features

  • Can be installed horizontally and vertically, on flat roofs and facades (DF400 type)
  • Highly efficient – super fast heat transfer
  • Up to 30% more efficient than traditional flat plate panels
  • Designed especially for Northern European climates
  • ‘Plug and play’ for ease of installation and maintenance
  • 20 year guarantee
  • MCS Approved and Solar Keymarked

FAQ

Choosing the right location?

Its important to consider the orientation of the panels to the sun for maximum solar gain and the impact of any possible shading from nearby trees or buildings. As accredited Solar Thermal installers, Powernaturally can advise on the best panel choice and orientation to achieve your maximum solar gain.

Keeping the panels clean?

To achieve the maximum solar gain panels need to remain free from dirt, this can be managed if the panels are angled correctly to allow rain to self clean the panels.

East – West Configuration?

Where space is limited it is possible to split the panels and site them in two different locations, this will require some additional pipework but Powernaturally can advise.

Will I need to change my existing hot water cylinder?

To transfer the heat produced from the thermal solar panels a connection is required to a separate dedicated coil inside the hot water cylinder. Hence a solar cylinder will need to be fitted that has 2 coils, one for the existing boiler and one for the solar thermal system

Key System Components

 Panels
Panels

Mounting Rails & Fixings
Mounting Rails & Fixings

Pump Station
Pump Station

Solar Controller
Solar Controller