How does it work?

The solar panel system is most commonly used for water heating systems. There are two main types of panel, flat plate collectors and evacuated tubes. Evacuated tubes are more efficient and so require less space, however they are not as reliable flat plate collectors and cannot be guarnanteed for as long. Also flat plate collectors enable you to get a larger grant as the grant is dependant on the size on the panels ie the larger the panel the larger the grant. When the panels are installed energy from the sun is transfered to the water as it flows through the panels. The water is circulated back into the water cylinder by a pump. During warm days this water can come close to boiling point. In the cylinder the water is mixed with the cold water feed and water which has been heated by your old boiler. The cylinder now supplies your homes hot water needs. For a diagram please click here.