Flat Plate Solar Collectors | UK Flat Plate Solar Collectors Suppliers

Solar panels are just one of many ways to save energy and reduce fuel utility bills in modern and older homes in the UK. We recommend starting out by viewing the section regarding Renewable Energy Resources as a starter for home efficiency savings, with an introduction to some Green Energy solutions for the home owner. This section serves to provide homeowners with further facts and information to help reduce energy consumption, and thus maintain a sustainable future through the reduction of CO2 emissions further enhancing "green" credentials, while saving money in the process.

Solar Water Heating is a method used to supplement your domestic or commercial business hot water system, by using flat plate panels in the roof of your house, or other type of property. The solar panels use the radiation from the sun to directly heat water within the collector. The heated water can be tapped into an existing central heating system if required. Obviously, the system is most effective when there is full sunlight available during the day, reduced levels of sunlight lead to a reduction in the supplementary hot water available to your domestic hot water system. This website provides details on renewable energy products for builders, property developers, architects and plumbing & heating engineers, businesses and the UK Homeowner.

Solar Collectors

Flat Plate Collector Panel

These panels contain a liquid that circulates through panels, the liquid is heated by sunlight, this in turn passes through a coil in a water tank which heats the water in the tank. There is usually a pump and a controller to circulate the liquid around the system. Solar thermal systems can be used for any size of premises. Flat Plate Collectors need to be mounted on a south facing part of the property, as this area receives sunlight for most of the day.

What is meant by "Payback Time"?

Quite simply the payback time is determined by your initial outlay for your chosen renewable energy option (the hardware and installation costs) verses the time it takes for your savings in energy costs to pay for the green energy solution you have chosen for your project. Thereafter, you begin to save money on your utility bills. A typical low cost solution for home energy generation is a domestic wind turbine for your home, as the initial costs are lower than say the installation of solar panels or a ground source heat pump, these installations may take longer to pay for themselves. It is worth considering seeking specialist advice for any renewable energy option to determine if the solution is the right one for your needs.

Solar Water Heating is a renewable energy source, and could be fitted to many UK households as it offers a quicker payback time than some other forms of renewable energy supply's. Cheaper and more affordable options that can have an immediate effect on reducing your reliance on grid electricity or mains gas is detailed in Home Energy Saving ideas.

Flat Plate Solar Collectors - Supplier

Benefits

Help to reduce CO2 emissions for domestic systems, they are easy to install and maintain, and are easily integrated with other existing heating systems to supplement hot water requirements during the winter months. This type of system helps to reduce hot water heating energy costs, and lowering your utility bills.

Installation

Several installation options are available, for example: surface-mounted for pitch or flat roof, A-frame, in-roof and canopy. For solar thermal systems to operate they must be connected to a twin coil cylinder, this cylinder is much larger than a conventional hot water cylinder for the home. One coil receives heat from the solar collector on the roof, while the second receives heat from the conventional hot water source (e.g.the domestic boiler).

If there is insufficient sunlight at the location you may have to re-size the hot water cylinder, it is advisable to seek professional advice from an installer who can advise you about sizing for your individual needs. Consideration should be given to the amount of space required for cylinders when designing and planning a particular project. Aprrox 2 to 4m2 of a South-East to South-West facing roof space will be required in most cases. DIY kits are available for the Do-it-Yourself enthusiast,however at present there are no grants or funding available for this type of project. We recommend you find a professional installer for a solar thermal system.

Facts

Solar thermal panels can heat 100% of your domestic hot water during the summer months and save you more than 50% of your annual electricity cost for domestic hot water throughout the year.

Did You Know?

Suppliers can now provide a Photovoltaic (PV) panel adjacent to a solar panel, this type of installation can generate electricity (via the PV Panel) to power the solar water heating pump. This type of installation is known in the trade as a "Solar Twin". This type of system can help reduce your dependence on grid supplied electricity even further.

Further information about Underfloor Heating Contractors.

Building Design Products

The current design of buildings should encompass the environmental principles whilst maximising the sustainability and practicality of the building for the owner. There are many specialist consultants available in this field, find out more about Sustainable Homes.

Find companies for Building Design Products

Consideration should be given to new build homes as to the orientation and position to maximise solar gain, in this way, it can help reduce energy use, particularly in winter months. High levels of insulation should be used, and the materials used in the construction are obtained from sustainable sources.

The Sustainable Building Code helps to address these issues. The Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) also known as the BRE Ecohomes System. Assessors known as Code Assessors are specialists in this field.

Further information about Environmental Building Design Products

Funding & Grants

The UK Government has a strategy to help reduce "fuel poverty" in Britain. Families can claim certain benefits to secure a Grant or funding for energy efficiency measures. If you claim benefits you may be eligible to receive a grant for insulation, lighting or a high efficiency gas boiler to replace Grade G heating boilers or other energy saving installation. In many cases it is worthwhile contacting your local council who provide schemes for this purpose.

Please note that some of the entitlements may change due to varying legislation, and Government sponsored schemes. See also Home Energy Saving Grants.

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