How does Solar Thermal work?

Solar Thermal hot water systems comprise of three elements: a collector to capture solar energy, a heat transfer mechanism and a storage unit.

 

The collector is typically an array of evacuated tubes attached to a manifold and placed (ideally) on a south-facing roof.

 

Unlike solar panels which generate electricity and are between 7% and 16% efficient, solar thermal evacuated tubes are about 93% efficient.

 

System fluid transfers the heat to a hot water cylinder with a dedicated extra coil which heats up the cylinder contents in the same way as the other coil transfers heat from the boiler.

 

Furthermore, if you have a combination boiler, hot water in the cylinder will be used firstis not at the required temperature, its own warm water can feed the boiler to achieve the desired temperature, rather than using the much colder feed which saves on both fuel and boiler cycles.