The Sun radiates enormous amounts of energy to the Earth due to its surface temperature of 6,000°C.

In the UK we receive vast amounts of solar energy with the average amount of energy received in a year being as much as 60% of that received on the equator. This radiation is similar to the output of 1,000 power stations.

Today there is a range of high quality products, which enable us to use the Sun's energy very effectively in the UK. Using the Sun's energy reduces our consumption of conventional fuel and helps to reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases

UK solar irradiation (Annual Total kWh/m2)

This map shows the total average solar radiation falling on one square metre surface inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, measured in kilowatt hours.

These figures bring out the remarkable fact that the amount of solar energy falling on the total roof area of an average house is many times that required to provide all its heating and hot water.

However, we must note that there is a large difference between radiation available in the summer and that available in winter; also Active Solar Heating systems will typically convert 40 to 50% of solar energy falling on the solar collectors into useful heated water.

These factors must be taken into account in determining the optimum size for a system. The optimum angle to the sun is from 30° to 50° from horizontal. The optimum orientation is 5° west of south with a range from SE to WSW being acceptable, systems outside of these parameters will see a marked reduction in performance.

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Solar Hot Water systems broadly comprise some form of collector usually mounted on the roof, a twin coil hot water cylinder or a pre heat cylinder, a pump & a solar (differential thermostat) controller. Solar collectors are available as flat plate or vacuum tubes, the main differences are that flat plate can be roof integrated (in-roof), highly recommended for new roofs. Vacuum tubes can only be mounted on-roof, produce more heat for a longer period of the year, some types can be mounted vertically (facades) or horizontally (flat roofs).

We can provide Solar Hot Water (SHW) systems for domestic hot water, commercial, industrial processes and swimming pools.

The Schuco flat plate panels that we use are very high quality with low iron glass front covers. Schuco offer a considerable range of on roof and roof integrated fixing systems, which can include building the entire roof if planned for at an early stage. The Schuco Premium Line solar hot water panel is the same format as their Solar Electric (Photo Voltaic – PV) panel allowing the roof to be constructed comprising both types of solar panel. We also supply and fit the Thermomax vacuum tube system, which give façade and flat roof options and can be used on roofs that fall outside of the optimum range or orientation – SE to WSW.

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We can offer system integration

Solar Hot Water system sizes and specifications

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