With a typical active solar heating system layout, an electronic controller constantly compares the temperature of the solar collectors with the temperature of the water in the cylinder.
Whenever the collectors are hotter than the cylinder, the controller activates the systems' circulating pump. A mixture of antifreeze and water is then circulated through the collectors and the cylinders' heat exchanger - thus heating the cylinder in just the same way as a central heating boiler.
Installation is straightforward and usually involves changing the existing cylinder to a new twin coil version, and connecting the solar tubes fitted on the roof tiles. There is little disturbance to the household as most of the work is on the roof and in the airing cupboard and is usually completed in 2 days.
A solar system can work in conjunction with virtually all other types of heating systems and requires very little maintenance - just a check-over every 3-4 years (many of the first systems are now 20 years old an still going strong.)
For most homes we recommend the Thermomax tube system. This world leading UK-made system uses vacuum tube technology to give total insulation against cold winds and temperatures. It works solely on daylight (rather than clear sunlight) - allowing it to work in cloudy conditions, and providing good year-round performance. A 20-tube system, covering an area of 2m squared, is suitable for a 3-bedroom house. This should supply 90% of hot water from April to November and pre-heat water throughout the winter months.
We are the main UK agents for Thermomax tubes. After extensive research into the different solar heating systems on the market, we consider Thermomax to be the best available. Over 5 million Thermomax tubes have been installed worldwide in over 50 countries. Here, the systems have been installed at BBC Millennium House, Gatwick Airport, Bristol University, MOD sites, the Iona Community and hundreds of private homes across the British Isles.
Virtually all other vacuum tubes are manufactured in China and are simply not to the same high quality standard. Other solar panels typically available - whilst working very well in sunny conditions - lack performance in cloudy, cold conditions which here in the UK are all too prevalent!
A government grant of £400 per system is available for Solar Hot Water systems - please see www.est.org.ukfor further details.
