What are the benefits of a solar water heater?

In the most basic terms, a solar water heating system uses free heat/energy from the sun to warm hot water. Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to the roof of your home. These panels collect heat from the sun and use it to heat up water which is stored in a hot water cylinder. Your boiler or immersion heater can also be used as a back-up to heat the water further to reach the desired temperature.

So, what are the benefits of a solar water heater?

Year-round hot water

A solar water heater provides hot water all year round and is not limited to the warmer summer months. The system works all year round as it is often supported further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.

In the UK we’re not missing out due to the large number of cloudy days we receive. A solar heater uses diffused energy in the atmosphere to heat the water, so an overcast day won’t stop heating your water for night-time soak.

Reduced energy bills

Installing a solar water heater in your home can help to significantly reduce your energy bills. Energy from the sun is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.

A solar water heater is a one-time investment and can provide a considerable chunk of your hot water even in cooler climates. This helps to considerably reduce utility bills month after month, providing a lot of free energy and continuous savings.

Solar water heating systems could earn you money for every unit of renewable energy you generate under the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

Lower your carbon footprint

Solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions. Typically, solar hot water heating systems reduce your carbon footprint by saving between 230 kg and 510 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) every year.

Using more renewable energy from the sun rather than using fossil fuels like gas or oil from a supplier will reduce your carbon footprint. Keeping the environment clean and pollution to a minimum is now at the forefront of many people’s minds. A solar water heating system is environment friendly as it doesn’t burn any fossil fuel when heating water for your personal use. So, you have the chance to contribute to the environment and take part in the go green revolution.

If you’re thinking of installing a thermal solar hot-water system, Z2 Engineering have the skills and expertise to take your project from concept to completion. We can project manage the entire process and bring in other skills, such as solar PV specialists, to get solar hot water incorporated into your home heating system with minimal hassle.

Together with you, we will plan the project so that you can see how your solar hot water system will work and fit in to the requirements of your home. We will also plan progress reports so that you have a full breakdown of costs and materials used at every stage of the project.