Assessing the suitability of Solar Thermal Heating

Assessing the suitability of Solar Thermal Heating

When planning a solar thermal system, the first thing that you have to find out is the suitability of such a system for your house. Though the final assessment, on suitability of solar thermal systems for your house, is best done by a professional solar equipments provider, you can just do a rough initial check if you want. So, here is a quick look at the various factors that you should consider while making such an assessment.

1. Clear, Un-shaded space: The solar thermal systems are entirely dependent on the strength of sunlight. So, solar panels need to be installed at such a place where direct unobstructed sunlight is available. It is worth mentioning here that though the solar panels are generally installed on roof tops, they can also be installed at ground level if that space meets the suitability criteria for solar thermal heating.
2. Duration of direct sunlight: There is a direct correlation between the effectiveness of solar thermal energy systems and the duration of direct sunlight. So, the installation location should be chosen in such a way that it receives sunlight for maximum duration of the day. If you are planning a rooftop installation (which is generally the case), there should be an area that is south facing (if not completely, at least a part should be south facing); southeast and southwest is fine as well.
3. Compatibility with your existing water heating system: While most solar thermal systems are compatible with the hot water systems, it would be best if you check the compatibility beforehand. Again, you might as well get it done through assessment by professional solar thermal systems provider (you can call A E Solar on 0845 303 8370).
4. Your hot water requirements: This is again an important consideration. You will need to assess your hot water requirements and use that as a basis for getting a new solar heating system. This will also determine if you need new cylinders too in order to meet your hot water requirements.
5. Size of the area where solar panels will be installed: This will determine the size of solar panels that you should be getting for your solar heating system. The solar thermal solutions provider you employ for the job will anyways assess this. So, you needn’t worry about this.