You can save up to 60% of your annual hot water bill by using a solar thermal system. During the summer months you could reasonably expect to receive almost 100% of your hot water needs. Even in other seasons of the year, including winter, your system will contribute towards heating your water.
In most cases a solar hot water installation can easily be integrated into your existing hot water system.
Solar collectors (panels/tubes) on your roof collect heat from the suns radiation even on a cloudy day. This in turn heats your hot water storage vessel (thermal store/cylinder). If the panels cannot generate enough energy to heat the water to the required temperature, your usual heat source (boiler/other heating method) will take over.
Based on today’s gas, oil and electricity prices, a system should pay for itself within 6 years. The payback time will reduce significantly as energy prices increase.
A Southerly facing aspect is ideal; however, options are available for an East to West collector installation.
