Solar Collectors

The annual energy from the sun radiation to the earth is 15 000 times the total amount of energy being used by humans and also many times the total energy reserves of the earth. Solar energy is available all over the world and even the Northern Countries have enough solar radiation to be able to utilize it. In this perspective, solar energy has the potential of becoming the most important renewable energy source in the future. At the same time the solar energy can be utilized by using environmentally friendly technology. The sun radiates energy whether we utilize it or not. Thus, installing a solar heating system would provide you with both a lower energy bill and a good conscience.

Solar heating systems

A solar heating system consists of one or several solar collectors, a heat storage tank and a heat distribution system. The heat from a solar heating system is most often used for domestic hot water, but can also be used for space heating.

The best use of the solar heat can be achieved when using the heat by low temperatures. Therefore, solar heating is especially well suited for floor heating, low temperature radiator systems and preheating of hot tap water.

At the present time, active solar heating systems are only a supplement to the main heating. When correctly designed, such a heating system can cover a significant share of the total need for house heating. However, today’s solar heating systems must be supplemented by another energy source. You can choose freely between other alternative solutions as the storage tank, which is the central of a solar heating system, can also be connected to alternative heat sources such as oil, gas, biomass or heat pumps.

When solar collectors are mounted in a fixed position, they should be angled in accordance with the purpose and the energy contribution. For maximum performance during the cold season, the collectors must be mounted in consideration of the minimum sun height.

The system is automatically operating throughout the year and requires very little maintenance.

The sun and the environment

Solar heating is the most environmentally friendly and pure form of energy we know of and the energy is available everywhere. When solar collectors are integrated into the roof or the facade of a building, a great share of the mostly used energy (low temperature heating) is produced. The technology is both efficient and reliable while at the same time with government backed “Renewable Heat Incentive” offering payments to household for renewable energy generation, the systems can provide a good investment return. Up to half of the need for space heating and tap water is covered by the free solar energy. Solar energy is 100 % pure energy which is stored and distributed by pure water. Solar energy can easily be combined with other energy sources such as heat pumps, oil, electricity, gas or biomass.