Solar Power Panels

Solar water heating systems use the sun’s energy to produce the daily hot water requirements for domestic use.  The hot water produced could be used in showers, hot taps, baths etc.  In spite of the weather conditions in the UK, solar water heating systems can easily take care of about 60% of the hot water requirements per household per year.

The installation of solar water heating systems is most beneficial because one can utilize the hot water that is available throughout the year.  This system of heating, works all year round except for the winter months when an additional boiler or an immersion heater would be required as the days are shorter.

The other benefit of installing this solar water heating system is that there is enough sunlight which is a renewable energy source and the electricity bills are cut down considerably as the hot water requirements are taken care of by this system.

Since the solar water heating system is from a renewable source of energy, this helps in greatly reducing the carbon dioxide emissions and thereby cutting down on the carbon footprint.

All that one requires to install a solar water heating system is a 5-square meter roof area and has to face east to west through south.  This area must receive direct sunlight for most part of the day.  If there is no room in a south-facing roof, then two panels could be installed – one facing west and one facing east.

For an average household a single solar panel of approximately 2.25 m2 area would be sufficient to take care of the hot water requirements for domestic use.  Swimming pools, hot tubs etc could use larger cylinders as well as multiple solar panels.  One must check with different suppliers and do a cost comparison of the quotes.