Solar powered hot water is a technology that has been in use for decades. Modern solar thermal systems will deliver all the hot water you could need during the summer months and around 60% of your total requirements throughout the year.

The benefits

• It’s free: No-one can send you a bill for the energy from the sun that is used to heat your water.
• It's ethical: You can have peace of mind about the source of your energy and knowing that you will emit no CO2 when you use it. Future generations will love you.
• It's here: The energy of the sun doesn't have to be shipped from any foreign fields, so you know it will always be here. Yes - even in the winter.
• It can make your home worth more: It can add up to 5 points on your home’s energy performance rating. It can also mean your boiler cycles less and therefore could last longer.

How does it work?

A solar hot water system basically has three parts, a solar collector, a heat transfer system and a storage unit The solar collector is normally fitted to the roof, and faces south to collect the maximum available sunlight. The heat transfer system consists of a pump, pipes and controller. The storage unit is a special type of cylinder that allows both the solar and existing heating systems to work together and keep the hot water until it's required.

What system for me?

If you want to have something that fits into a roof and looks like a window, then a Velux system could be ideal. Velux solar collectors come in four different sizes to match Velux windows. They can be arranged individually or together. They can be mixed with Velux roof lights. They can be installed in either new or existing homes. They can be installed on either slate or tile roofs. A Velux solar install starts at around £5,430 inc VAT designed, supplied and installed.

An evacuated tube system is capable of generating more energy, even when it might be below freezing. The specially coated glass tubes allow the sun’s energy in, but the vacuum tubes work just like a thermos flask, preventing the heat from escaping. This means they can be up to 20% more efficient than a flat plate system. An evacuated tube solar installation starts at around £5,450 inc VAT designed, supplied and installed.

Enquiry

Segen works with a number of partners on a regional basis to provide local sales, installation and support of solar thermal systems. Please use our Solar Thermal Enquiry Form to register your interest in a solar thermal system and request that someone contact you to progress your enquiry.