How does a solar hot water system work?

A solar hot water system produces hot water by transforming radiation from the sun into heat through the solar panels. This heat is then used to heat water in a high efficiency storage tank through a heat exchange system. Even on cold and overcast days the highly efficient SHCMV solar panels which have been specifically designed for use in Colder climates will provide hot water to your system. On particularly cold days some additional heating from either a second heat exchange coil linked to an existing system or an electric element inside the tank may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system will be automated so you don't have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.

One of the most frequently asked questions in the UK is...
”There isn’t much sun in the UK so is a solar hot water system a viable alternative to gas or electricity?”

The answer to this is most definitely YES.

Solar hot water systems work from the radiation from the sun not sunlight, the UK  has 2/3 of the amount of radiation compared to Southern Spain. Our Solar Hot Water system works all year round and can provide all of your hot waters needs on clear or intermittently overcast days. If it is particularly overcast or raining, electric or gas backup may be required.

Summer:  80  – 100%
Spring / Autumn:  50  –   70%
Winter:  30  –   40%

How is the System controlled?

The controller will switch on the pump when the temperature at the collector sensor is higher than the return temperature by at least the pre selected amount.

The pump circulates a heat transfer liquid around the loop. Heat from the collector is transferred to the domestic water through the heat exchange coil in the tank.

With the pump running, if the pre programmed temperature is not met, the pump will switch off
When a preset tank temperature is reached, the controller switches off the pump.

When there is not enough energy from the collector, an electrical heating element will be automatically started by controller.

The check valve (non-return valve) prevents heat from the tank rising towards the collector should the tank be warmer (e.g. at night).

Why Super Heat Conduction Metal Vacuum Tube (SHCMV)?

The latest and most advanced series of Super Heat Conduction Metal Vacuum (SHCMV) Tube is a totally new generation of hi-tech solar collector instead of all-glass evacuated solar collector tube.

With the advantages such as high thermal efficiency, quick start-up, good anti-freezing function, excellence in resistance to cold and hot shock, all the year round operation and long lifetime, the SHCMV tube will not be broken and will seldom be affected by the variation of the climate.

SHCMV tube is not only the core part of the new generation solar water heater, but can also be widely used in many fields, for example, commercial hot water, hospital water heating, household space-heating, cooling and air-conditioning system, sea water desalination, aquiculture, material drying, swimming pool heating, etc.

The heat efficiency of the new generation SHCMV tubes is around 1.3 times greater than that of standard evacuated tubes, making it an ideal choice for your solar water system.