What is Solar Power Heating?

The sun powers natural cycles on earth like the wind, water flow and plant growth. But the sun is also such a reliable source of heat and light that we sometimes take it for granted. Generations have used glass and other materials and structures to capture and magnify the sun’s energy and these systems have gradually evolved to form the basis of mature techniques that are used today to harness solar energy.

There are two main types of solar hot water systems :

Evacuated Tube Collectors and Flat Plate Collectors

There is diffuse and direct sunlight in the Ireland all through the year. Solar panels can absorb this light and convert it into heat. The problem is in the colder months most is lost to the environment. Vacuum is the perfect insulator as heat cannot travel through it. That’s why thermos flasks have a vacuum jacket to keep their contents hot or cold. Modern evacuated tubes encase the solar absorber in a vacuum coat eliminating the problem of heatloss. This means that the tubes work purely on sunlight and are not affected by the outside temperature.

Evacuated solar heating panels work in cold, cloudy and windy conditions - unfortunately too common in Ireland. The higher efficiency of evacuated solar heating tubes mean less area is covered on the roof by the solar heating panels - a desirable feature appreciated by most customers.  Having less solar heating panel area on the roof reduces the fluid content of the solar heating system enabling quicker response to solar radiation. Vacuum is the best possible insulation for a solar heating panel. It safeguards the collector from moisture, condensation and pollutants - resulting in improved durability and all-year-round performance.

Flat plate collector is made up of a metal sheet (copper), to which a selective surface coating has been applied allowing for very efficient heat absorption. The high quality Sunselect absorber coating and optimised thermal insulation keep energy losses to a minimum. Copper pipes are soldered to the back of the absorber plate. A robust aluminium frame is placed around the pipes and absorber plate, thus ensuring maximum durability. As frost protected, non toxic solar fluid is circulated through the solar panel, heat is transferred from the absorber plate to the water, which is then circulated through the system to the hot water cylinder.

For a solar thermal system to work to its optimum capacity a south facing roof is ideal. However, it is still possible to install a solar water heating system if your home has an east-west orientation by increasing the area of panel installed. One option is to mount one panel on the east orientation to collect heat in the morning, with another panel on the west orientation to collect the heat in the afternoon. It is not advisable to place solar panels on a north-facing roof.