Buyers’ guide to solar heating

Interested in getting around 70% of your home's hot water free each year? The latest solar thermal heaters can provide you with this service. Read our guide to see if itd be right for your home... What is it? A solar water heater is a series of tubes (usually 2.5 square metres), mounted on south-facing roofs, that use the heat of the sun to warm a mix of water and anti-freeze. This is then pumped into a large hot water tank, thereby heating it up. When the water mix has transferred its heat it is pumped back to the roof to be heated again. How well does it work? Temperatures of 60 degrees celsius are easily achievable, and this will produce more than hot enough for baths and showers. Solar heaters dont have the capacity to fill a radiator, but in the summer months there will be sufficient hot water for showers and baths. How much hot water will it produce? Even on cloudy days a solar water heater can supply up to 50 per cent of your hot water needs. In the summer this can easily increase to 100 per cent. Over the year, you could expect up to 70 per cent of your hot water to come from the solar system. That works out at about £50 a year off your bills! How much will it cost? Expect to pay £2,000-£3000 for a basic system, and up to £3,500-£4,000 for a more efficient evacuated tube system. Remember, grants are available in some areas, so speak to your council before you buy. Where should I start? Contact the Solar Trade Association for a list of installers, but bear in mind that before you take the plunge youll need a site visit to check your home is suitable.

Buyers’ guide to solar heating

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