Solar water heating systems consist of panels or vacuum tubes which use solar rays to heat water. The water can be used for both domestic hot water and space heating through under floor heating systems.

The modern vacuum tube technology does not require direct sunlight and can produce hot water during overcast whether conditions. This enables modern solar hot water systems to provide for a greater proportion of the year.

Advantages

· Easy to install.
· Relatively low maintenance costs.
· Can provide a significant proportion of the annual hot water needs.
· Domestic, industrial and commercial systems available.

Limitations

· Will not provide full annual hot water requirements.
· Second hot water heating system required.
· Visual appearance on roofs. (Improved designs are possible and likely to be stimulated by bulk orders).

Costs

· The cost per domestic unit on a new-build development will be approximately £2,000, depending on the size.
· Solar water heating is considered to be commercial by the Dti. Installation of a new build development is likely to provide an investment payback of 6 to 8 years.

Applications

· Most domestic, commercial and industrial hot water systems.
· Leisure centre swimming pools.
· Low cost plate collectors can be used for heating private swimming pools.