Learn about solar panels and evacuted tubes

Solar panels are becoming an essential part of energy efficiency in the United Kingdom. We all know their benefits environmentally, but there key part in reducing our need for expensive and finite fossil fuels like oil and gas, is what solar panels are now best known for.

Solar panels come in 3 different types as shown above:

• Evacuated tubes / Solar tubes (left) are used for solar water heating and are best known for their superior performance especially in our UK climate. Can be installed by plumbers and heating engineers.
• Flat solar panels (center) are used for solar water heating and are best used were aesthetics are to be considered. Can be installed by plumbers and heating engineers.
• PV solar panels (right) are used for generating electricity. A more expensive type of solar panels to install, because specialist accredited installers are required to install this type of solar panels. To find an accredited pv solar installer, please go to: PV solar panels installations

Evacuated tubes and solar panels quality

A quick word about quality and solar. There are technologies on the UK market which do not conform to EU standards and regulations usually originating from China. We do not promote such technologies and ask you to be warry of any technology which is not Solar Keymark Accredited and EN12975-1: 2006 approved.

As solar experts we have seen time and time again, that a poor quality solar system is very much a false economy.

Heat my Home Solar Trade Suppliers UK offer our unique 'no quibble guarantee' for your piece of mind.

Essentials for installing solar panels

Installing diy solar panels or solar tubes is within the capabilities of any good plumber. Part P certification for hot water tanks and electricals are essential for a safe installation. With all our solar installation kits, you will receive a full step by step guide to help you.

A safe working platform using scaffolding or a scaffolding tower to gutter height is essential. A tip for some self installers use a local roofing company to handle the roofing work.

A well insulated pipe run too and from the solar panel will ensure reduced heat loss and best performance once operational.

A 3 yearly inspection checking the PH level of the antifreeze and seals and joints will ensure a long life expectency of your system.

How do solar panels work?

It is a common mis-conception that the United Kingdom does not have enough sunshine for solar panels. This is incorrect because we actually recieve 60% of what the equatorial countries receive in solar energy. From Cornwall to Aberdeen homeowners are installing and recommending solar panels as an effective way to reduce household demand on expensive energy.

From March to October is when solar is at it's most effective with some solar users also reporting a heat gain on sunny winter days too. Basically once installed, you can leave your existing boiler dorment for 8 months of the year, for the next 25 years (as long as a quality system is installed).

Energy from the sun

A solar panel or evacuated tubes is basically a solar collector. Solar radiation enters the collector and cannot escape, which builds up heat. That heat is transfered down into your hot water tank through a solar coil (twin coil), were your water tank is heated and the heat can be distributed round your home. It is worth noting that higher quality solar collectors are better at retaining heat at lower solar energy levels than a poorer quality collector.