Solar Panels for Central Heating

The three Main Components for Central Heating using Solar Panel Technology

Solar Power is harnessed to create Hot Water & Heating using a number of components. In all applications to heat hot water and central heating there are three main components groups 1, 2 & 3 plus additional equipment as illustrated below this image. Groups 1, 2 & 3 are fully explained in the Solar Panel Hot Water page.

3 components of Solar Panels

Solar Panels for Central Heating

Solar collectors can be used for installations supporting building and space heating. However the following conditions should be considered:

Solar space heating is only suitable when installed as part of a new build in modern low energy or zero carbon construction and as such is unsuitable for existing buildings. With the changes to building regulations and development of low-energy building techniques eco hometec are now able to design solar systems for domestic and commercial central heating. As building heat losses reduce, the overall size and cost of the system is reduced. The lower water temperatures typical of solar heating make space heating possible when coupled with underfloor heating.

Typical domestic solar panel hot water & Central Heating Installation & Heat Pump

Domestic solar panel hot water central heating

Can Solar Panels heat my building(s)?

eco hometec offer solar heating systems that provide both space heating and hot water from a common array of solar thermal collectors. These need to be linked to an auxiliary non-solar heat source either a heat pump or condensing boiler.

eco hometec solar space heating systems range in size from individual properties to block heating schemes. Those serving larger groups of properties via district heating tend to be called central solar heating schemes. eco hometec can design custom systems for your domestic or commercial project.

Depending on the location and size of the solar array installed, the annual space heating contribution can range from 10% to 60% or more in ultra-low energy modern buildings. The remaining heat requirement is supplied by one or more auxiliary sources, a heat pump or condensing boiler, in order to maintain the heat supply once the solar heated water is exhausted. Such auxiliary heat sources may also use other renewable energy sources for example an air sourced heat pump.

During 2001, around 50% of all the domestic solar collectors installed in Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Norway were to supply solar space heating systems, while in Sweden it was greater. In Germany, where the total collector area installed (900,000m²) was much larger than in the other countries, 25% was for solar space heating installations. Solar space heating systems have also been installed in Canada since the mid 1980's.

Solar Panel Central Heating System Design

The size and complexity of solar panel space heating systems, and the number of options available, mean that comparing design alternatives is not straightforward. Useful approximations of performance can be produced relatively easily, however accurate predictions remain difficult. The amount of solar collector area needed to heat a new building depends on many factors. These include the available solar energy, collector efficiency, local climate, and heating requirements. Heating requirements are based on insulation levels, the house's air tightness, and the lifestyle of the residents. Generally, the area of solar collector is about equal to 10% to 30% of the floor area of the house. For more information on how eco hometec can help you to incorporate a solar space heating system in your new build please submit your Building plans here.

Please browse our website for more information about eco hometec and our range of Eco Heating products including Solar Panels for Hot Water & Central Heating Installation then click here to submit your plans or contact us on Freephone 0800 8620278 to speak to one of our team or e-mail us on sales@eco-hometec.co.uk.