Solar Hot Water

Whilst solar hot water isn’t new, the range and efficiency of modern systems has improved dramatically over the last two decades. In simplest terms, solar hot water works by capturing the heat from the sun in collectors installed on the roof, which is then used to heat the water that goes to your hot water tank. There are two common types of collectors;

•  Flat Plate Collectors. 

These are the most basic type of Solar Hot water collectors, and function by collecting heat in a black glass box. The heat accumulates like a greenhouse and pipes running through a metal plate transfer this trapped heat to the water, which is then stored in the tank. 

• Evacuated Tubes

This is a newer type of technology, and is more advanced than a flat plate collector. They look like a series of fluro tubes lined up, but operate like a vacuum flask. Heat from the sun becomes trapped in these empty collectors (hence the name evacuated tube), which is then transferred to a manifold at the top of the unit. This heat is then transferred into the water, which is stored for use in a hot water tank. Compared to flat plate collectors, evacuated tubes are much more efficient at capturing and retaining heat from the sun. 

Both Systems utilise an electrically powered hot water tank to ensure that hot water is kept at the optimal temperature, and for night time or cloudy days. Electricity use is usually minimal. A small electric pump is also required to transfer the water between the collector and the tank. Our plumbers can help you select a system that suits your needs.