subject: Heat Your Home's Water With Solar Power [print this page] Solar water heating can provide hot water for your home throughout the year, even on overcast days! Almost all domestic solar water heating systems will be accompanied by either gas powered or electrical water heating, for those days when the sun is not strong enough or during the winter. This backup power will only be triggered when the water reaches a low temperature, so you can be guaranteed hot water all year round. This system is a great way to use gas and electricity only when they are really needed, and will significantly reduce your gas and electricity bills. Solar water heating is also a great way to cut your carbon footprint, as it makes the most of free solar energy and uses fossil fuels as little as possible.
If you are considering installing a solar water heating system in your home, it is important to look at the outdoor space you have available and consider the most appropriate placement for the system. Ideally, you are looking for a spot which gets a good amount of sun exposure throughout the day, and many people choose to install solar water heating on their roof. If this is not possible at your property, you may need to build a wall upon which the panels can be mounted. The direction that the panels face can be important, so it is worth checking this with a professional installation company before you begin making any major changes to your property. You will need at least five square metres of free space to install any water heating system, and you may need more depending on the size you require.
Installing a solar water heating system may also require you to update your boiler and hot water cylinder. You will need a dedicated water cylinder with a solar heating coil to hold the water that is heated by solar energy. You will also need to check that your current boiler will be compatible with a solar water heating system. A professional supplier or plumber should be able to advise you on this, and if it is not compatible then you will need to buy a new one. It is also important to double check that installing a solar system is acceptable on your property. Most home in the UK will not require planning permission to install solar panels, however if you live in a listed building or in a conservation area, or even a World Heritage Site, you will need to contact your local authority.
Making sure that your home and property will be compatible with a solar water heating system is essential before buying any supplies, however most local authorities should be keen to encourage homeowners to use renewable energy resources. Once your new system has been installed it should be easy to use and maintain, and most solar systems come with a guarantee for around five or ten years. You should find that using your solar water heating system reduces your energy bills and still gives you hot water all year round.
