How does solar energy work?

The idea behind technologies which use solar energy is to harness the freely available rays from the sun in a useful form. The basic principle uses an absorber plate which is heated by the sun’s energy. This heat is collected in a transfer liquid which is in turn used in a heat exchanger to heat water.

Do I still need a boiler?

Yes. Solar heating on a normal domestic scale in the UK will provide around 60%* of the average annual household hot water requirements. Although a well designed system could provide most of the hot water required in summer, the winter results, due to the lower intensity of the sun and the shorter daylight hours, will be reduced. As such, the householder will need a boiler to make up the difference in domestic hot water requirement and for the central heating of the house.

* Source: Energy Saving Trust (Publication CE102)

It is a popular misconception that utilising solar energy is only possible in hot, sunny climates. The reality is that it is daylight and not just direct sunshine which is the important factor. During the course of a year you are likely to get 50-70% of your hot water provided by solar. If you’re thinking of installing a brand new heating system or replacing an old boiler, it could well be worth installing a solar water heating system.