How to use your solar thermal system efficiently
If used carefully, solar thermal heating systems are a cost-effective way of providing hot water to the home. Try to only use and set the back-up boiler or immersion heater boost function to run for a short while before heavy usage. Remember to either set them to switch off or manually switch them off after use.
You should try to take advantage of the solar thermal system's ability to provide sufficient hot water twice a day and try not to use the hot water all at once.
Your hot water tank temperature should be no lower than 60 degrees Celsius. This temperature kills any bacteria that might be in your water tank. Turning your water tank to a lower temperature could leave you at risk of becoming ill.
The essentials to managing your solar thermal system – in brief:
Try to
- Take advantage of the solar thermal system's ability to replenish hot water and stagger your usage throughout the day. Especially during the summer months. When it’s warmer the solar thermal panel can meet most or all of the hot water demand
- Set the boost function of your back-up boiler or immersion heater to work before heavy usage, for example first thing in the morning.
- Set your hot water tank to a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.
Avoid
- Switching the system off, as it’s programmed to work efficiently. It has safeguards to prevent overheating and freezing.
- Forgetting to switch off or programme the boost function of your back-up boiler or immersion heater to switch off. The boost function uses electricity and can be expensive.
More detail if you need it
What is a solar thermal system?
- Solar thermal heating systems are otherwise known as solar water heating. They use the heat emitted from the sun to provide hot water for the home.
How do solar thermal heating systems work?
- Solar thermal energy is captured by solar panels. These panels absorb the energy and heat from the sun. They use pipes to transfer this to heat up the water stored in your hot water tank.
- We also install boilers or immersion heaters to be used as a back up. They will heat the water further to reach the temperature you want it to be.
Useful links
