Renewable Energy Systems
Heating Renewables Limited is currently at the forefront of renewable energy systems installations, such as Solar Thermal & Solar PV Power, Air/Water Heat Pump, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Exhaust Air Systems and is working closely with Eaga Renewable, Liverpool City Council, Birmingham City Council, Derby Homes and South Ribble Borough Council, Eastbourne Council on inner city projects piloting Renewable Energy solutions.
Questions and Answers Concerning Renewable Energy
How does solar thermal water heating system work?
They use solar energy from the sun, 55% of this is visible to the human eye, and this is called visible radiation. The remainder of radiation, which we cannot see, is infrared with a small amount of ultraviolet radiation. Solar water heating collectors use the visible and infrared radiation, which is almost the complete spectrum of the suns output. When the black plate of the collector heats up it absorbs the radiation. The water passing through the collector is heated and passes through the additional solar coil within the new specially adapted for solar usage cylinder, which heats up the stored water in the hot water cylinder.
Is there enough sun in the UK?
Yes the solar thermal collector works in daylight hours even when it is cloudy.
The system heats up your domestic hot water using energy from the sun. During the summer months it will provide nearly all of your hot water. During the winter months, the system pre-heats the incoming cold water and reduces the amount of energy used by the boiler or immersion heater to heat the water fully. Over the course of a year, the system will produce between 50 and 70% of your hot water needs.
A flat plate solar panel is integrated into your roof. This diagram shows how it is connected to the hot water cylinder in your airing cupboard or loft.
The infra-red radiation that is present in daylight heats up water in the panel and this water is pumped through a heat exchange coil in your hot water cylinder, heating up your water.
Direct sunlight is not required and the system works all year round (although performance is at its best in the summertime).
Will water be heated on a cloudy day?
Yes, although heat output of the collector is reduced on overcast days it will still be able to provide heating. If it is a heavily cloudy day then more gas or electricity may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. The system will be fully automated so you will not need to worry about running out of hot water on a cloudy day.
How much energy does installing a solar water heating system save?
The sun provides around 1000 kilowatt-hours on each square metre of rooftop. The solar thermal systems have collection efficiency of about 40% and that will provide about half of your hot water energy needs over the year.
Will it help global climate change?
Yes, if you use an electric heating system now, solar energy could reduce the amount of CO2 emitted on your behalf from a coal fired power station by almost 2 tonnes each year.
