How solar water heating works

Solar water heating systems consist of a panel, usually mounted on the roof, which is designed to absorb heat from daylight. When there is sufficient daylight, water is pumped through the panel to the hot water cylinder and back in a closed continuous loop.

As the heated water passes through the solar coil in the hot water storage cylinder, the heat is transferred, via a heat exchange coil, to the surrounding water in the tank. It is this water in the tank that is then used in your showers, sinks and baths. This is known as an indirect system because the water that you use is heated indirectly by the solar energy.

Your existing method for heating water (e.g. gas-fired boiler or electric immersion) acts as a backup for when there is insufficient sunlight. The system works automatically. You will always have hot water at the required temperature, whenever you want it. In summer, almost all hot water needs are met by the solar system, the rest of the year it pre-heats the water so your boiler only tops up to the required temperature.