Solutions

Heat water for your home using energy from the sun

Solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler, heat pump, or immersion heater is then used to top up the heat, or to provide hot water when solar energy is unavailable.

The benefits of solar water heating:

Hot water throughout the year: the system works all year round, though it is at it’s most efficient in the summer months.
Cut your bills: sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.
Cut your carbon footprint: solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and doesn’t release any harmful CO2 or other pollutants into the environment.

solar hot water panelsolar hot water panel

How do solar water heating systems work?

Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof. These collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water which is stored in a hot water cylinder.

There are two types of solar water heating panels, they are evacuated tubes (like in the picture above) and flat plate collectors. Flat plates collectors can be fixed on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof, and look similar to a roof light.

A boiler, immersion heater or heat pump can be used to top up the heat to reach the temperature that you specify when the solar water heating system does not reach that temperature.

Larger solar panels can also provide energy to heat your home as well.

Is a solar water heating system suitable for my home?

Do you have a sunny place to put solar panels? You’ll need around 5 square metres of roof space which ideally faces south (SE or SW also viable) and receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day. Alternatively, if you do not have a south facing roof and if you have space, you could install two panels, one facing east and one facing west. Panels don’t always need to be fixed to a roof, they can be mounted on a frame.
Do you have space for a larger, or an extra, hot water cylinder? If a dedicated solar cylinder is not already installed then you will need to replace the existing cylinder, or add a dedicated cylinder with a solar heating coil.
Is your current boiler compatible with solar water heating? Most conventional boiler and hot water cylinder systems are compatible with solar water heating. If your boiler is a combination boiler (combi) and you don’t currently have a hot water tank then a solar hot water system may not be compatible.
Do you need planning permission? In England most solar water heating systems don’t need planning permission, but it is always best to consult your local planning office if you live in a Listed Building, or a building in Conservation Area or World Heritage Site. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you will need to consult your local authority.

Cost and savings

Costs for a typical solar water heating system range from £3,000 to £5,000.

A solar hot water system could cut your hot water bills by as much as 60%

Maintenance costs are very low, there is no annual servicing and maintenance requirements. You should check over your panels every year and have them checked more thoroughly by us or another installer every 3-5 years. EcoLogicLiving systems are highly efficient, high performance solar panels, working year round, making this one of the most cost effective renewable solutions available.