What Do Solar Thermal Systems Do?

admin — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:45:02 +0000

Solar thermal systems may sound similar to solar panels, but they actually work quite differently. Instead of capturing energy from the sun’s rays, they create hot water. Let’s take a deeper look at their capabilities.

Collecting Heat From The Sun

Solar thermal systems are attached to a boiler or similar system. The heat produced by the solar panel is used to heat a fluid which is pumped into a heat exchanger. This heats the water inside your boiler. When the fluid has passed through all of its heat, it’s pumped back through to be reheated and the cycle continues.

Transfer Fluid

The fluid that’s heated up and used to heat up your hot water tank is called a transfer fluid. This is made up of a mixture of water and glycol. Glycol ensures that the water won’t freeze, even in the winter. This ensures that the system won’t break or malfunction in cold conditions. The fluid is suspended in reinforced glass pipes which have a pump system to ensure the liquid circulates efficiently.

The Benefits Of Solar Thermal Systems

Solar thermal systems are simple to operate and can generate around 90% of your hot water requirements during the warmer months. Because the hot water that your solar system generates is done by using sunlight, your energy bills can see a decent reduction.

You may be wondering if these panels are effective in the UK. You’ll be pleased to know that they are. Despite being a little on the cold side sometimes, we get enough sunlight throughout the year to generate a good amount of hot water in your home. As long as you can fit enough panels in a place that gets direct sunlight, you will benefit from one of these systems.

Planning permission is not usually required before installation, as these come under the permitted development allowance. You should check this with your local planning office before carrying out work.

The Drawbacks

Because solar thermal systems can’t produce 100% of your hot water requirements, you will still need a traditional boiler to make up the difference. This means that you’ll need enough space to fit both systems in your home. Many conventional boilers are compatible with solar water heating, so they can share a tank. If you have a combi boiler, you’ll need two hot water cylinders.

For Solar Thermal Systems, Choose HPE Airflow South West

We can install solar thermal systems if you’d like to choose a renewable way to get hot water in your home. These are competitively priced and easy to fit. Get in touch with us today to arrange a quotation or enquire about any of our services.

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Renewable Energy Options That You Can Install In Your Home

admin — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:32:16 +0000

If you’d like to benefit from the power of renewable energy, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many options. These continue to develop over time, and systems have become more affordable and accessible than ever. This is thanks to new technology and an increase in training. Let’s take a look at what systems you can install to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Solar Power

Solar panels were once thought of as being very uncommon and expensive. However, they have become more and more accessible thanks to technological developments. They’re much cheaper to install now and many electrical contractors have upskilled to provide solar panel services.

They work by harnessing the energy from the sun to power electricity or heat water in your home. Solar energy is free to harvest, therefore these systems will reduce the cost of your electricity bill. Although the UK isn’t considered to be a hot and sunny country, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a good place to have solar panels. Even if it’s cloudy, during daylight hours your solar panels will generate energy.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps create renewable energy using liquid that flows through pipes installed underground. These pipes are fitted deep enough in the ground to ensure they stay at a constant temperature. Therefore, the energy produced by these systems is consistent all year round. GSHPs can be used to heat your home through radiators, under floor heating systems and water.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps sit above the ground, unlike their GSHP equivalent. They extract heat from the air and can be used to heat up radiators, under floor heating systems and water as well. You may think that ASHPs can’t be that effective in the UK, but this is wrong. They can still heat your home even at air temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.

For Renewable Energy Systems, Choose HPE Airflow South West

We can install a number of renewable energy systems, including solar thermal, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. If you’d like to enquire about any of these services, get in touch with us today. We’d be happy to offer some advice and give you a free estimate for the work.

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