| FAQs on solar thermal water heating
We have put together some frequently asked questions. We hope you find these helpful.
Q. What is solar thermal?
A. Solar thermal is the technical name for solar energy which is used to heat your hot water. It is normally confused with panels which provide electricity. These panels are called photovoltaic. Solar thermal uses a solar panel which is able to have a fluid pumped through the centre.
Q. How does solar thermal work?
A. Solar thermal hot water heating works by pumping a liquid through the panel, and then returning to a special hot water cylinder to heat your water.
Q. My house faces north, can I have solar?
A. No. The best outlook for solar is south east through to south west. An east west system is possible but is slightly more expensive to install.
Q. I have a combination boiler, can I have solar?
A. No. Combi boilers are not compatible with solar heating in their own right, you have to have a hot water store. It is possible to add a thermal store, or to convert the boiler to a system boiler by the use of zone valves. In either case a hot water cylinder will need to be installed.
Q. How much gas will it save?
A. Solar water heating will save approximately 50-60% of your gas bill needed to heat you hot water. This is not to be confused with central heating. Solar thermal does not contribute to your central heating.
Q. Does solar cut carbon emissions?
A. Yes. By installing a solar hot water heating system, you are actively contributing to cutting carbon emissions responsible for global warming. On average a typical domestic system will cut 500kg- 1Tonne of Carbon a year.
Q. In the summer will it heat up the all of my hot water?
A. Yes. Generally in the summer your solar hot water heating will provide up to 100% of your hot water heating, and in most cases, apart from a few cloudy or rainy days you should be able to turn off your normal hot water controls.
Q. Does the system still work in the winter?
A. Yes, even a sunny day in November will contribute to your hot water, as the system works on sunlight rather than heat. December and January are the only two months that your system will rely on the boiler to heat your hot water. As these are the two months with least sunlight.
Q. Does the system need much maintenance?
A. No. Generally the system is maintenance free. Some systems installed in the 1970s are still running. It may be necessary to exchange the antifreeze every five years. It may also be necessary to exchange the pump as it wears, but it’s a normal off the shelf heating pump, and is inexpensive.
Q. Is it possible to obtain a grant from the government?
A. Yes. At the moment you can apply for a grant from the Low Carbon Buildings Program. Astral solutions is registered as a grant installer, we can sign off your system for you to obtain your grant.
Q. I would like to go ahead, but will I have a high pressure sale?
A. No. We are installers, not salesmen. We are B-pec registered and members of the solar trade association. Under no circumstances will you be asked to sign a contract until you are ready. We normally carry out a site survey and will provide a no obligation quotation for you to think through at you leisure.
If you have any further question please do not hesitate to contact us by email info@astralsolutions.co.uk or phone 01923 497865.
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