Solar Heating

Active Solar Heating systems generally consist of roof mounted Solar collection panels that convert sunlight into heat energy. There are two types of Solar Heating collectors, vacuum tube collectors and the more conventional flat panel collectors. The vacuum tube collectors are more efficient and cover less area and generally have less of a visual impact on the building to which they are installed.

These systems may be used to supplement domestic hot water, swimming pools or to contribute to the building heating system.

The systems commonly comprise of Solar collectors, pre-heat tank, circulating pump, controls and pipework connecting the circulating fluid between the collectors and the hot water storage tank.

Using Solar energy to help heat the buildings hot water demand will contribute to the reduction in use of fossil fuels.

Clearly, given that the availability of Solar Energy is less during the winter months these systems are more efficient during the summer although they can still contribute when the day light hours are less and the Solar effects are reduced during winter.