1. How does solar water heating work?

A typical solar water heating system uses a roof mounted collector, angled towards the south to capture heat from the Sun. About 1 mt² of collector area is needed for each person in the household, with a minimum size of around 4.0 mt². The collector may be a flat panel, or a series of vacuum tubes: in both cases it contains a heating fluid which is heated by the sun's rays, and then pumped through a heat exchange coil in the hot water cylinder. As this coil warms up, it transfers the heat to the water in the cylinder. An expansion vessel built into the system allows for any expansion or contraction of the heating fluid as it warms and cools.Any solar-based system will still need a conventional water heater - powered by Oil,Gas or Electricity - to provide back up. However in hot weather solar energy should be sufficient to provide all the hot water needed and even on a cool day it will help to raise the temperature of the water a little, meaning the Boiler system doesn't have to work as hard. In some cases the Boiler is used to heat a main water cylinder, with the solar heating system heating water in a second tank which feeds into the main supply via a diverter valve but is more costly and thakes more space. It is simpler   to have two heating coils in a single cylinder. One is heated by solar energy, and the other by the conventional heating source. The conventional heater takes over when a thermostat in the tank warns that the water temperature has fallen.    < Back

 2.Is Ireland sunny enough?

While we love to complain about our weather, in fact Ireland has quite enough sunshine to make solar water heating practical. For example, Ireland receives on average per year, as much as 60% of that received on the equator. This radiation is similar to the output of 1,000 power stations.Even if sunshine is diffused through clouds, the energy can still be collected and used by a solar water heating system. Over a year, such a system will supply between 60% to 70% of the hot water requirements of an average house. During the summer a solar heating system can supply virtually all the hot water needed, with water temperatures of 70-85 degrees C not uncommon. Even in winter, the system can reduce water heating costs by around 20%.  < Back
 

 3.What about fitting solar water heating?

4. Is Solar Hot Water a good investment for me?

The potential savings on water heating bills are affected the most by the type of fuel you are using to heat that water and the number of people in the home. If you are heating hot water for two or more people and you heat water with electricity, gas or oil, then you should take a look at solar water heating, it could be a great investment.  < Back
 

5. What is the "payback" on a solar hot water system?

The term "payback" is a misconception. Oil and gas heating systems do not have a payback! When you purchase a more efficient frige, the decision to buy comes not from how long the savings generated will pay you back for your initial investment, but from getting better service for a lower operating cost with a better rate of return on your expenditure. Solar water heating systems  provide quality hot water at a lower cost than heating with electricity, oil or  gas and add equity value to your home when you come to sell it. Solar collectors are typically designed to last a long time with little or no maintenance. These systems give a yearly non-taxable return on your money - even for a two person household. It is important to remember that hot water is a constant daily expense; other large household appliances, like boilers, are seasonal expenses.Hot water is typically 30% of the annual heating bill. If you are spending €1000 per year on energy then hot water usage for showers, dishwashing, and laundry is likely to be costing €300 annually. 

One thing we can guarantee is no increases in the cost of solar energy!

A new solar heating system can save money, reduce pollution and add to the value of your home. Remember : you buy appliances to do a job at the least cost. No-one expects a payback from a frige, washing machine or central heating boiler.

Great News for domestic customers the SEAI Grants are €250 - €300 per mt² on each approved solar water heating system installed.  
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6. What about freezes and cloudy weather?

Both active and passive solar water heating systems come with a 100% lifetime guarantee against freeze damage. Solar water heating systems are approved by the SEAI. Active solar systems often have a conventional immersion heater element to heat water on the few days in the year when it might be needed. All solar water heating systems deliver both higher temperature water and more water volume than conventional water heaters.< Back
    

 7. What about the appearance of a Solar Collector on your roof?

Today solar collectors are typically integrated into the slope of the roof. This method of installation gives the solar collector the appearance of a quality, opaque, glass skylight. In most cases, since the piping is not seen, it actually improves the appearance of the home because it looks like an elegant, expensive skylight. We offer a free solar site survey to determine the location of the solar collector, and to verify that you will not have any collector shading problems. < Back

8.  What about the environmental benefits of going solar?

Any time you use solar energy to offset the amount of fossil fuels that are burned, you contribute to everyone's health and welfare. Operating a solar water heater instead of an electric water heater saves burning fossil fuels and reduces carbon dioxide emissions (a greenhouse gas) and sulphur dioxide (contributes to acid rain) emissions.  Multiply those emissions per household by all the homes in Ireland and the benefits -- for the air and water -- become even more clear. < Back
 

9.  Are there easy payment deals to let me fit a solar water heating system?

Banks will loan you money to install a solar heating system as it will increase the value of your home. The good news is that even for two people the equity value and savings will result in a net positive income for the length of the loan and that equity value has been proven to last over 30 to 40 years. Then the system will generate non-taxable income each year. Solar hot water systems usually cost  from €4000 depending on the size and type of system you install. The money you save on your monthly utilities bills is actually being used to purchase your own water heating system.  < Back