Anglia Solar

How Do these Systems Work?

The solar panels gather the free heat energy from the sun and transfer that heat into a circulating fluid which in turn transfers the heat to your hot water tank (they do not generate electricity which are a different kind of panel). Solar panels provide useful heating to your hot water, even on many cloudy days, from spring to autumn, depending on the number of panels installed and their alignment. The panels can mounted on roofs, garages or even free standing. Ideally the panels should face between southeast and southwest, although east / west dual facing systems also work well. Solar hot water panels normally work in conjunction with your existing hot water supply by preheating the water either in, or before it enters, your main water tank.  This is can be done by adding a second hot water tank which feeds to your main tank. Any topping up heat needed is normally done by your existing heat source.

What Does A Solar Installation Consist Of?

Firstly you will need the solar panels. Normally 2 to 4 square metres area are recommended for an average family household. These are usually placed onto the roof. Ideally they need to be tilted up at an angle of between 10 and 50 degrees, and face between southeast and southwest. Dual east / west facing panels are also possible.

The next important consideration is the hot water tank /cylinder. You may be able to use your existing hot water tank if it is large enough and if it has a spare heat exchanger coil. Adding a second tank is a cheap and popular choice because it also increases the reserve of hot water. A gas/oil/electric powered top-up is still essential to always ensure hot water.

The most common and well proven systems are closed circuit or indirect systems utilizing a heat exchanger coil in the hot water cylinder. Anti-freeze is used in the circulating fluid to prevent the panels freezing in the winter. This is circulated using either an electronically controlled water pump or the gravity flow system. These systems are probably the most efficient and safe designs around. There are also designs for what are called drain back systems which do not necessarily need antifreeze. Solar panels are not recommended for direct water heating.

Pumped Systems.

Most modern systems are pressured pump systems. With these systems the relative locations of tank and panel is not so important. A water pump circulates the heat from the solar panel to the hot water tank. An electronic controller monitors the temperature difference between the water tank and the solar panel(s), turning the pump on when needed.

In cases where an east / west dual facing solar panel system is needed, a pumped system using switching valves is normally used. Such systems can prolong the solar heating period compared to systems whose panels face only south, thus offsetting the higher installation cost.

Flat Plate Collectors

We recommend flat plate collectors due to the guaranteed reliability of these types of solar panels. Most modern panels incorporate high quality selective coatings which can provide year round energy savings even in the UK.

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