FAQ's - Solar panel hot water heating systems

Q: Can solar water heating provide central heating?

A: No. Unfortunately in the UK it does not make any sense to use a solar water heating system to drive the central heating. In the summer when the sun is warm enough to provide sufficient energy there is no need for central heating, and in the winter when the central heating is switched on, there is nowhere near enough energy from the sun to provide the volume of hot water required by a central heating system. In some European countries it is common practice to install a very large array of solar panels and generate sufficient energy to supply a central heating system. This is because, in countries such as Austria and Germany, although the ambient winter temperatures are cold, the sunlight is still strong enough to provide sufficient energy. However, in the UK the sunlight is much weaker in the winter, partly because of cloud cover and partly because we are further north.

Q: Can I use solar water heating and a wood pellet heating system together?

A: Yes, absolutely. Solar water heating and central heating boilers are a perfect match. In the winter, when the sun does not provide sufficient energy to ensure a supply of hot water, it is no problem for the boiler to take on this demand because it is already running and providing central heating. And in the summer months when the boiler is normally switched off because the central heating is not in use, very often the sun will provide sufficient hot water for your shower, bath, washing machine and dish washing needs.

Q: Can I use my existing boiler with a solar water heating system?

A: Yes, normally they will work together very well. In the winter, when the sun does not provide sufficient energy to ensure a supply of hot water, it is no problem for the boiler to take on this demand because it is already running and providing central heating. And in the summer months when the boiler is normally switched off because the central heating is not in use, very often the sun will provide sufficient hot water for your shower, bath, washing machine and dish washing needs. We offer this integration with the OkoFEN wood pellet boiler system.

Q: My roof is in the shade or north facing. Can I still use solar water heating?

A: Realistically, no. In order to be both energy- and cost-effective a solar panel must have full sunlight whenever it is available. However, a number of alternatives are available for people who do not have a south-facing roof in direct sunlight. Solar panels can be mounted on an inclined frame attached to an east or west facing roof in order to ensure that the panels themselves face south-east or south-west. If no suitable roof is available at all, panels can be installed on a free standing frame which can be situated adjacent to the building, or even a small distance away from it in order to capture maximum sunlight.

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