Solar Thermal

“How It Works”

The sun’s energy heats solar fluid in the solar collector which is then pumped by the solar pump unit to a coil designed to heat water in a dedicated stainless steel storage cylinder. A second indirect coil in the cylinder is connected to a conventional heating source, such as a gas boiler, to provide additional heating when there is insufficient solar energy available. The boiler is also required to provide central heating. Managed by the solar control, the system is able to automatically switch between solar and the auxiliary heat source to ensure there is always hot water on demand.
 

“So why do I still need a conventional boiler?”

A Solar heating system will provide around 50-60% of annual domestic hot water requirements, but an auxiliary heat source is required for times of low solar energy to ensure there’s always hot water on demand. In addition, the boiler is also necessary to operate the central heating system. A solar control unit facilitates automatic switching between solar and conventional power when there is insufficient solar energy available to heat the water – particularly useful during the winter months.
 

“How much would a typical solar system cost?”

There is not really a typical cost - it depends on the number of collectors required, the size of the cylinder and on installation details such as accessibility for the scaffold and the complexity of the wiring.
 

“How do I design a solar system?”

Paul O’ Brien Solar Installations offer a full cradle to grave solutions and design your solar system, tailored to your requirements and advise on all the key issues. Our expert technical team will be able to assist with general design questions and will help tackle more complex work.