Solar Heating

Today, over 70% of the world’s average household’s energy go into space and water heating from solar power is a renewable energy that is a great alternative to commercial energy and can dramatically help in financial saving.

Solar water heating has become the renewable technology of choice for most households as it offers a quicker payback. On an average basis, this payback is from 7 to 15 years and then use of Photovoltaic energy which is 20 to 30 years. This gives a more immediate financial impact on your energy saving needs which can be achieved through solar water heating.

Solar heating may take a little more from your paycheck for installation as solar water heating needs plumbing and heating expertise to size up, install and balance effectively so this isn’t your typical DIY job. If you are keen on getting solar water heating, then look for companies with recognized plumbing and heating certification such as CORGI, IPHE or APHC and experience in installing solar systems.

How does solar water heating work? This mechanism uses radiation from the sun to heat water using panels that are often installed on the roof. These panels transfer the radiation and turn them into energy to heat water. Installing and sizing a solar panel needs the necessary requirements. If the solar heating system is sized properly, then it can provide up to 70% of all your water heating requirements even down to the swimming pool or Jacuzzi. Using solar heating, the average domestic household can reduce carbon dioxide emissions for up to 400kg or 50% per year.

Solar heating isn’t the same as generating electricity from the sun or using photovoltaic (PV) energy in which solar energy is used to directly generate electricity. Many people tend to confuse solar heating with solar energy generators.

When installing solar panels, it should be mounted or located at the south-facing side of your pitch roof where there is no shade at an angle of between 20 to 50 degrees to get maximum sunlight. If not located on the roof, then if you are installing solar panels on the ground, use an angled frame. For average domestic installation you would at least need 2 – 5 square meters of roof area and you may also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.

There are two types of solar collectors available in the market today. These are the Flat Plate Collectors and Evacuated Tube Collectors. Evacuated tube collectors are tubes are evacuated with each tube filled with a liquid copper conductor inside. As the liquid heats up from sunlight, it rises to the top of the tube where the heat is transferred in a manifold to the water from the cylinder.

The other type which is the flat plate collectors, water passes through the whole plate where while passing, it is heated before returning to the cylinder. Flat plate collectors can more easily be integrated into the roof fabric and tend to have a lower profile than evacuated tubes- which is a more preferred choice by most home owners.

Each system or type has its own advantages and it really depends on what you need and want in terms of price, efficiency and aesthetics. Generally, the evacuated tube collectors are more efficient and slightly more expensive than the flat plate collectors.