Solar thermal collectors
What are solar thermal collectors?
Solar thermal collectors are 85 % efficient; they produce clean, free and safe
energy and they will work wherever there is diffuse or direct sunlight. There
are no working parts, apart from one central pump so they are almost
maintenance-free and should have a long life of 30 years plus.
Solar thermal energy in the UK can be designed to deliver roughly 60% of the
annual hot water required in either domestic or commercial buildings.
Wherever hot water is used in quantity, solar thermal energy can save
customers money.
Types of Solar Thermal Domestic Water Heating Systems
There are two main types of solar thermal system (Indirect and Direct) and two main types of solar thermal panel or collector ('Evacuated Collector' & 'Flat Plate').
Indirect
Sometimes known as 'Closed Loop', this system pumps an antifreeze solution through the solar collector. The heated solution flows through a coil within the new solar thermal water store and exchanges its heat with the stored water above. The now cooler antifreeze solution returns to the collector for re-heating and the process begins again.
Direct
A direct system (also known as 'Open Loop') uses the water already stored in your system and pumps it through the solar collector. The heated water is then stored in the conventional hot water tank. This type of system is susceptible to freezing in many climates unless additional safeguards are added.
