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Solar
Solar water heating systems use heat from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater. The technology is well developed with a large choice of equipment to suit many applications.
Benefits
- can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and about 50% year round.
- reduces your impact on the environment - the average domestic system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by around 400kg per year, depending on the fuel replaced.
Different types of system
What best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including the area of south-east to south-west facing roof, the existing water heating system (e.g. some combi boilers aren't suitable) and your budget.
A competent professional installer should assess your situation and discuss with you the best configuration to meet your needs.
Solar water heating and your home
Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools.
For domestic hot water there are three main components: solar panels, a heat transfer system, and a hot water cylinder. Solar panels - or collectors - are fitted to your roof. They collect heat from the sun's radiation. The heat transfer system uses the collected heat to heat water. A hot water cylinder stores the hot water that is heated during the day and supplies it for use later.
Is my property suitable?
Preferably you will need 2-4m2 of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You'll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.
Cost and maintenance
The typical installation cost for a domestic flat plate collector system is £2,000 - £3,000. Evacuated tube systems will cost £3,500 - £4,500, for a small increase in efficiency.
You can also fit or build the system yourself. It may be cheaper but will take longer and you'll need a certain level of skill. However, DIY jobs are not eligible for grant funding.
Solar hot water systems generally come with a 10-year warranty and require very little maintenance. A yearly check by the householder and a more detailed check by a professional installer every 3-5 years should be sufficient (consult your system supplier for exact maintenance requirements).
Are there grants available?
Yes, householders and community groups in Scotland can access grants from the Scottish Executive. These grants are managed jointly by the Energy Saving Trust and the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company. Householders can access capital funding of up to £4,000 (ex-VAT) and community organisations can access up to £10,000 for feasibility assistance and up to £100,000 for capital assistance.
For more information call the Energy Agency on 01292-521896 or the EST helpline on 0800 138 8858.
Energy Agency Case Studies
To view case studies on solar water heating projects, click on the following
Latest News
Documentation
28/11/2011
Scottish Energy & Environment Conference (SEEC) 2012
Ayr Racecourse
7 February 2012
09/08/2011
Insulate your home against rising energy costs- apply NOW
Recent price increases by energy utilities now mean householders are paying more than ever on their energy bills.....
09/08/2011
MSPs visit Energy Agency
09/08/2011
Achieving our Potential:
An analysis of area-based approaches to improving
energy efficiency in Scotland’s homes........
06/06/2011
Hadyard Hill project featured in European publication
See EST solar hot water factsheet, and case studies 1 and 2.
For further information on SCHRI grants see www.est.co.uk/schri.
Further information can also be found at solar trade association.
Accredited installers and accredited equipment.
