Solar Overview
To protect fuel reserves accumulated over millions of years, the heating industry has committed itself to finding more responsible ways of handling these precious resources.
The sun's energy is free, effective and never going to run out. A home solar system reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2, the greenhouse gas) by about three quarters of a ton every year. So your solar system is good for the environment too.
Obviously the intensity of the sun's rays varies from season to season.
You can judge the efficiency of a solar system by considering what proportion
of hot water needs can be met by a solar system supplying domestic hot
water. In the case of the average home or flat it averages 60%. From
May to October solar energy will be almost sufficient to cover your
total domestic hot water requirements. In the transitional months solar
heating can usefully support the central heating system, resulting in
a significant reduction in oil or gas consumption over any one year.
How does solar heating work?
The sun's heat is collected, stored and used when needed. Flat or tubular solar collectors absorb the heat from the sun. Here a liquid is heated by the sun's rays and fed to the water tank. There the heat is transferred by a heat exchanger to the domestic hot water supply or the central heating circuit. The fluid which is now cooler is returned to the collector for reheating - and the cycle continues. If there is not enough sun, in the winter for example, then the boiler will top up the heat.
Benefits of Solar Heating
Solar water heating has the greatest return on your investment and is the most efficient form of solar energy currently available. Solar is an affordable, easy way to start reducing your utility bills.
Solar Water Heating (SWH) technologies are a simple, reliable, and cost-effective
method of harnessing the sun's energy to provide for the energy needs
of homes and businesses.
Contact Morris Heating and Air Conditioning for a free estimate!