A Solar Hot Water System consists of a set of equipment which allows capturing the inexhaustible source of solar energy for the production of hot water. The equipment is very easy to use and offers a very high degree of comfort during an extended lifetime period. 

Solar Systems can be applied in almost any home, building, condominium or industrial buildings for the production of hot water, either for domestic hot water, central heating, swimming pool heating or for industrial process applications. An adequate and properly sized solar system ensures optimum use of solar energy, thus contributing to a maximum energy savings. 

Proper sizing is a key factor to maximize the use of solar energy compared to the total cost of the solution. 

How does a Solar System work ?

A Domestic Hot Water Solar System is essentially composed of a set of solar thermal panels (or colectors) that turn sunlight into usable heat. This heat is absorbed by the solar liquid circulating within a closed circuit in the panels and then being transported to a tank where the heat accumulates and gradually increases the water temperature. This tank, if properly insulated, prevents the water to cool down and is needed as to supply hot water even during periods of missing sunlight (e.g. during the night).  

Solution Sizing

When sizing a solar system, it must taken into account that we should get the maximum contribution from the sun and the minimum contribution from the conventional backup components, such as boilers, electrical resistors, etc. 

For instance for the south of Portugal, during the months of May to September, the solar energy should cover all energy requirements for domestic hot water.

Whenever the backup components needs to work less time, we will notice a significant reduction in the energy bill, their life span will be expanded, we are reducing their maintenance cost and contribute to environmental protection. 

Key Factors to take into account

The main factors to take into account are:

• Correct sizing of the system, in relation with consumption patterns and the orientation of the solar panels. Choose experienced installers.
• Choose certified solar systems ( Solar Keymark ) with a minimum of 6 years warranty.
• For a solar system, in order to be recognized within the energy certificates measures, it is required to issue and sign a technical assistance contract for 6 years.