Renewable energy

Solar water heating systems gather energy radiated by the sun and convert it into useful heat in the form of hot water. This technology is well developed, with a large choice of equipment to suit many applications. Solar water heating works alongside conventional water heating systems to provide hot water.

The benefits of solar water heating systems:

• It can provide almost all of your hot water during the summer months and between 50 to 70% year round.

• It will reduce your impact on the environment. The average domestic system can reduce CO2 emissions by 0.25-0.5 tonne per year, depending on the fuel replaced.

Different types of system – solar heating or Photo Voltaic voltage (PV) cell There are two types of solar water heating systems: flat plate systems and evacuated tube systems. Evacuated tube systems are more efficient and therefore can be slightly smaller whilst achieving the same output. The system which best suits your needs depends on a range of factors, including:

• Amount of south-facing roof slopes.

• Existing water heating system (some combination boilers may not be suitable for integration with a solar water heating system).

• Photo Voltaic Cells convert the sun rays to electricity to power your house and if there is surplus this can be fed back to the grid for which you will receive credits. For further information to go www.cen.org