Solar Water System FAQs

How reliable are solar hot water systems?

A government survey was conducted and a sample of 700 solar water heating systems analysed. The main findings were:
Solar systems can work reliably for 20 years or more. There is little if any difference between current system performance and that when the system was new.

Why install a solar hot water system?

Installing a solar water heating system has considerable environmental benefits and reduces carbon dioxide emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. It is a really good way to make your building more environmentally friendly. It can also save you money - a professionally and properly installed solar water heating system should pay for itself inside 15 years on fuel bill savings alone. Not to mention the increase in the value of your commercial building by up to £5,000 and extended boiler life of up to 60% as a result of installation. Government grants are also available.
 
How much does a solar hot water system cost?

As a rough guide you can expect a solar hot water system to cost around £5,000 in a domestic house. For a commercial building the potential cost of an installation depends entirely on the size of your building, the buildings primary use and the number of people who are based there. For more advice on costs for commercial applications, please contact us.

Does it have to be sunny all the time?

There is a common misconception that solar water heating is ineffective in the UK for climatic reasons. Whilst it is clearly not as effective in the UK as it could be in Spain for example, a good modern system will make a significant contribution to water heating requirements.

What happens when it is cloudy, raining or snowing?

It is important to point out that solar water heating systems work off diffuse radiation as well as direct radiation from the sun. This means that the system will still work in such circumstances when the weather is cloudy, raining or snowing. The only time when the collectors' operation would be interrupted is if a layer of snow is covering them for any length of time.

How much hot water will it provide?

A correctly sized solar water heating system should provide most of the hot water needs of an average commercial building for the sunniest four or five months of the year. The rest of the time they will contribute to the overall requirement, which is subject to the requirement of the property. Typically between 50% and 75% of the hot water requirement can be met by having a solar water heating system.