Solar thermal

1. Environmental protection
measures
Plumbing Level 2

2. Solar thermal panels
are known as solar
collectors.
There are 2 main
types:
1.Flat plate collectors
2.Evacuated tube
collectors.

3. Flat plate collectors
2 main types of flat plate collector:
Glazed and insulated Unglazed

4. Evacuated tube collectors
These are the more
efficient of all
thermal collectors
and require a
smaller area of roof
space.

5. Solar collectors collect energy from the
sun and transfer it in the form of heat to
the fluid inside the collector.

6. Collector efficiencies
Unglazed Flat plate Evacuated tube
Increasing efficiency/cost

7. Example of a solar
thermal storage
cylinder.
Question?
What is the main
disadvantage of a
large storage
cylinder?

8. An assessment must
be made before
installation.
Is the structure
capable of taking the
extra weight?
Generally a sound
roof will be!!
Around 40 – 50kg
per collector will be
added.

9. Overview of system
•Solar collector
•Hot water storage cylinder
•Plumbing system.

10. Plumbing system
3 types of plumbing system that a thermal
collector can be connected:
1.Vented
2.Unvented
3.Combination (combi)

11. Maintenance
• Requires very little maintenance
• Yearly check can be carried out by the home owner
• 3-5 year inspection must be carried out by a professional
installer
•Cleaning will improve efficiencies
• Warranty around 5 – 10 years
• Lifetime around 25 – 30 but may last longer.

12. Planning permission
Not usually required unless:
• The panel projects more than 200mm above the
plane of the roof in England and Wales
• The building is in a conservation area
• The building is in a world heritage site
• The building is listed.

13. Building regulations
Solar thermal is
covered under part
L of the Building
Regulations.

14. N
W E
SSW SE
Collectors should ideally be positioned facing south, or
between south east and south west.

15. Is a home suitable?
• Roof orientation
• Size and loading of roof
• Angle of roof
• Shading
• Type of heating system
• Space for storage cylinder
• Economics (fuel to be replaced).

16. Summary
1. Should face south or between SE and SW
2. Tilted 20-50°, ideally between 30-40°
3. Flat plate or evacuated tubes
4. Room for storage cylinder
5. Used for hot water purposes
6. Meets around 60-80% of DHW demand
7. Needs conventional heating as back up
8. Covered under part L.