by Swansea Photographer

Solar Heating – Sorting the Facts From Fiction
By Bruce Gavigan

Using the sun’s energy to warm water is one of the oldest ways to create hot water. It is a widely used technology in clear climates, but recent technological development makes it a possible and price effective solution even for northern European markets. Eco-friendly solar thermal collectors are one of the cleanest ways to heat domestic water, which can then be used for baths, showers and kitchens.

Due to solar thermal systems proving effective in both price and carbon emissions for decades, some countries have made the installation of them compulsory (recently Spain joined the list).

Exporting the majority of solar thermal systems, Europe has the most manufacturers of this technology. European manufacturers are fundamentally producing the best quality solar panels in comparison to other countries. 1st thing to check on the solar panels, is that they are tested to European criterion EN12975 and certified by a reputable institution.

Despite mutual belief, the UK receives slimly more than half of the solar energy received at the equator and approximately 65-70% of the sun that Spain gets. This is enough to operate a solar heating system.

A solar heating system ought, when designed well, provide the home with 50-60% of annual hot water requirements. shower, bath, and kitchen). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, prolonging the life of the boiler and conserving energy are all done in the winter, by pre-heating water-giving the boiler less work. Nonetheless in the summer solar energy can provide up to 90-100% of domestic hot water.

Converting light absorbed into hot water is done within the solar system. Even on a cloudy day, solar panels absorb the light, and will in turn pre-heat the water in the cylinder, therefore providing major savings on your energy bills.

The backup systems amongst your heating system, if essential (e.g. your boiler) will up-heat the water from the already warm temperature to your favoured temperature.

Throughout the summer, the length of exposure to the light is dramatically increased, creating a major advantage. Even if the summer does not haves heaps of sun, but rather overcast days, the fact that the days are longer helps heat the water to great levels.

Solar thermal systems can some take 2 days to install. Nevertheless this depends upon the type of property it is being installed on, type of roof etc.

The installation is done swiftly by the engineer, so that commotion to the house is limited.Hot water is typically up and running amongst a few hours, nevertheless the normal routine of the home is not disrupted during the installation.

Again the type of circumstances such as roof complexity, loft access etc determines the price of installations. As a general guide, a ordinary installation for an existing 3-4 bedroom house should cost £3,500-5,000.

Solar Solutions are great for any type of home, whether big or small due to the energy efficiency levels. Plus grants are out there which make it easier for home owners to attain a green home, for a fraction of the price.

To find out more about solar heating and solar solutions please visit http://www.icbsolar.uk.com

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Please Note... All links within articles are placed by their author-owners and not by this blog.Products with in those links may or may not be the best in the world.If it sounds too good to be true it could be a scam.Articles are posted for their info,ideas and or entertainment value only.

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by paral_lax <°)><

Solar energy is probably the most untapped sources of renewable energy available in the ecosystem. Although a solar panel pay for itself with the energy it adds to your house that saves you money, but it is probably the few energy sources used on the globe that is 100 percent renewable and 100 percent pollution free. Unlike energy sources such as coal or nuclear which produce toxic gases and byproducts that are harmful to the environment, solar power leaves zero carbon footprint and no harmful emissions in the act of absorbing sunlight to product electricity.

Solar Panels are made by mounting solar cells on a backing plate. Some panels are rigid and can be roof mounted while others are flexible and can be rolled up and put into a rucksack

Solar Cells are usually made from silica which comes from sand

Solar cells are small semiconductors which produce a small voltage and electric current when light shines on them

Solar Panels are getting cheaper now. With so much pressure from climate change concerns lots of technological effort is going into producing more cheaply.

Solar Panels are also getting more affordable due to central government grants and perhaps local grants too

Solar panels are gaining in efficiency in extreme measures. Wikipedia has it that the first solar cell was only 1% efficient and commercial cells are commonly 20% efficient. Breaking news would be that the latest experimental cells in a laboratory setting are 45% efficient. These cells hold a promise of smaller cheaper panels with even cheaper electric power.

Do-it-yourself enthusiasts are also building their own panels. The main skill needed for this sort of D.I.Y. project is soldering. You need this skill because the panels consist of, for example, 24 solar cells hooked up electrically and with leads soldered onto each cell. And in order to connect to your residence electric circuits even a keen D.I.Y. enthusiast would be recommended to call in a qualified electrician experienced in home solar energy to check what they’re doing!

The price of a factory made solar panel varies widely with its size and construction. It will be in the $ 800 to $ 1200 range and the home would need perhaps a dozen of these or more. You can view why the DIY market exists with prices like these!

It’s correct that electric utility companies may buy solar electricity out of your home should you be generating more than you are using but not all utilities do this, so check beforehand if this sounds like one of the goals

A solar survey done by an experienced solar installer will help you and advice on the position and direction of your panels. The panels need to face the sun and in the northern hemisphere they will face South but shade from trees and chimneys may mean that an installation is not practical on that roof. Some people solve that problem by mounting their panels on poles or frames well away from their home. Do not forget to read about metal garage buildings for an alternative storage soultion.

Solar energy is over a hundred years old and is now developing very fast. It is well worth checking to see if it may help you reduce both your impact on the environment your living costs.

Please Note... All links within articles are placed by their author-owners and not by this blog.Products with in those links may or may not be the best in the world.If it sounds too good to be true it could be a scam.Articles are posted for their info,ideas and or entertainment value only.

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