• ENVIRONMENT
  • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY
  • CHAIN OF CUSTODY

• SUSTAINABLE HOMES
  • THE CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES
  • SCORING SYSTEM FOR THE CODE

• RENEWABLE ENERGIES
  • SOLAR WATER HEATING
  • SOLAR PV
  • AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
  • AIR TO WATER HEAT PUMPS
  • GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
  • BIOMASS HEATING
  • CHP
  • LIGHT TUNNEL

• WATER MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING
  • RAINWATER HARVESTING
  • PERMEABLE PAVING
  • DRAINANGE
  • POLYSTORM
  • ECOBLOCK
  • WATER SAVING PRODUCTS
  • FLOOD DEFENCE

• AIR MANAGEMENT &
  RECYCLING
  • WHOLE HOUSE HEAT RECOVERY
  • DOORS AND WINDOWS

• SUSTAINABLE / RECYCLED BUILDING PRODUCTS
  • ISOVER INSULATION PRODUCTS
  • XTRATHERM INSULATION PRODUCTS
  • PLASTERBOARD
  • BRICKS AND BLOCKS
  • ROOF AND TILES
  • GREEN ROOF
  • ECO PAINT

• ENVIRONMENTAL HEATING PRODUCTS
  • VALLIANT CONDENSING BOILER RANGE
  • HEATING CONTROLS
  • EFFICIENCY OPTIMISER
  • UNDERFLOOR HEATING
  • SOLAR CYLINDERS

• CYCLE STORAGE
  • TIMBER AND METAL SHEDS

• GLOSSARY
  • GLOSSARY OF TERMS

• CONTACT

• HOME

Solar Heating

There is a common misconception that solar energy can only work in conditions of bright sunshine and high temperatures, and is therefore unsuited to the British climate. However, Solar energy operates on the principle of light absorption, and a special absorbent coating on the panel ensures that the system is effective even on cloudy days.

 

Solar Water Heating

If a central heating system provides a store of hot water in a cylinder, then a solar water heating system can significantly reduce water heating bills. Solar water heating can supply around 50-70% of the hot water used every year for the average household, and the remaining portion of hot water demand is then supplemented by the central heating boiler in the normal way. Installing solar panels provides immediate savings on fuel bills whilst also providing major benefits to the environment.

The Benefits of Installing Solar Water Heating

• Sustainable energy: Solar energy works on the principle of harnessing freely-available radiation from the sun and therefore reduces the need for use of fossil fuels
• Environmentally friendly: Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy produces none of the effects of carbon dioxide emissions or other kinds of environmental damage
• Simple, clean, effective technology: Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, pumped directly into the hot water cylinder. The small amount of electricity used by the pump is the only running cost!
• Proven technology: Solar systems are based on technology that has been working successfully in Europe for more than 20 years

 

 

 

Solar Panels & Solar Tubes

Robust and lightweight solar tubes are made from borosilicate glass and have a vacuum seal for longevity. The tubes sit ‘on-roof’ and are internally coated with a high absorbing material for maximum solar efficiency.

Flat plate, panel collectors come with a special anti-reflex coating on the glass to maximise solar transmission. Solar panels can either be mounted ‘on-roof’ like the solar tubes or ‘in-roof’ which means they sit in line with the roof.

The tubes or panels on the roof contain a highly effective absorber of solar radiation. This material collects heat, transferring it to ‘solar fluid’ contained in pipes within the collection tubes. This heated fluid then circulates through a coil in the cylinder, heating the water for household use. A solar control unit monitors the temperature of the collector and of the cylinder.

When sufficient solar energy is available the control switches on the solar pump to heat the cylinder. If insufficient solar energy is available the controller activates the boiler. By automatically switching between the two the system minimizes energy use while ensuring there is always hot water.