QUICK GUIDE
SOL AR WATER HEATING
Is solar thermal worth the money? Eco expert Nigel Griffiths weighs up the costs and expected payback
Solar water heating is one of the top renewable energy solutions for self builders. As the need for space heating becomes lower thanks to better insulation in our homes, domestic hot water (DHW) forms a larger proportion of a household’s heat demand. So, despite the fact it’s no longer boosted by government subsidies, solar thermal has a lot to offer.
What is solar water heating?
Solar thermal panels collect energy from the sun and repurpose this to heat the water we consume for washing and bathing. Much of the energy required to heat water is used to take it from cold to a lukewarm temperature so, even on dull days, the panels can do some work.