for a brighter future tomorrow
Solar Water Panels
Solar water heating systems use the sun’s free energy to heat fluid in panels on your roof. This can then be used to supply heat to your general hot water system or something more specific such as a swimming pool. Intelligent energy solutions provide solar water heating that will heat water even on a cloudy day.
When water heating is required, but sufficient energy from the sun is not available, it is usual for domestic systems to have a hot water back up system. A conventional boiler, combi boiler, geothermal or air heat pump heating system can then be used to add the extra heat the water requires.
Depending on specific usage, we would expect a properly specified solar water system to provide between 30 and 70% of your hot water needs over a year.
Types of Solar Heating Panels
There are a number of different types of solar panels. Solar panels can also be described as solar collectors. The UK typically utilises two types of solar collector.
- Flat plate Solar Collectors / Panels
- Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors
These types of panels are now described in more detail.
Flat Plate Solar Collectors / Panels
This type of collector is made up of an absorber plate which is linked to pipes filled with a heat transfer fluid. As the sun's radiation hits the absorber plate the energy is converted to heat which transfers into the fluid. This fluid carries the heat to your hot water tank. If the panel is expected to function all year round, it will be glazed to retain the heat. The whole assembly will be contained in an insulated weather proof housing. Unglazed panels are typically used for solar swimming pool heating.
Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors
This type of collector has a narrow strip of absorber coated copper that is joined to a heat pipe. The heat pipe is filled with a liquid that is designed to transfer a large amount of heat. This absorber assembly is contained within an evacuated, weather proof, glass tube.
The vacuum ensures that heat does not escape through convection and conduction.
A number of these tubes are then assembled onto a manifold. This manifold carries the fluid that heats your hot water cylinder.
Flat Plate Panels vs Evacuated tube Collectors
- Which is right for me?
Intelligent Energy Solutions supply and install both types of panel and each has advantages and disadvantages. The system you choose will depend on your personal circumstances and we would recommend that you talk to an installer who can offer you both products. This will allow you to openly discuss the benefits and make an informed decision as to which is most appropriate for you.
Intelligent Energy Solutions have two branches that cover the whole of England and Wales. These branches are based in Loughborough near Leicester in Leicestershire and in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. This means that we are geographically close to Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Please feel free to give us a call to discuss your requirements.
For more information visit our news and information journal about solar water heating panels and collectors.
You can also click the following link for the solar water specific information in our overview brochure