Solar Thermal
Solar Thermal SolutionsHow do solar water heating systems work?
Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof. These collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water which is stored in a hot water cylinder.
There are two types of solar water heating panels, they are evacuated tubes (like in the picture above) and flat plate collectors. Flat plates collectors can be fixed on the roof tiles or integrated into the roof.
A boiler or immersion heater can be used as a back up to heat the water further to reach the temperature set by the cylinders thermostat when the solar water heating system does not reach that temperature. (The cylinder thermostat should be set at 60 degrees centigrade.)
Larger solar panels can also provide energy to heat your home as well - though usually only in the summer months when home heating is unnecessary.
The benefits of solar water heating
Hot water throughout the year: the system works all year round, though you'll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.
Cut your bills: sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced.
Cut your carbon footprint: solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions
Back to TopSolar Thermal Solutions
With solar thermal systems increasing in popularity in the UK and many new and existing heating installations involving mains pressure combination boilers, a simple, cost effective solution to integrate these two technologies is a must. The Grant CombiSOL is designed to do just that, and is uniquely compatible with most combi boilers and fuel types. It works by accurately controling the outlet temperature of stored secondary hot water produced by a solar thermal system, directing the flow either straight to the hot water outlet, or via the combi boiler to the same outlet with a seamless changeover. There are additionally minimal temperature fluctuations at the taps.
Compatibility
The Grant CombiSOL also accurately regulates the inlet water temperature to the combination boiler, therefore installing this unit with any combi boiler should not pose a problem, as the mixed water into the appliance is limited to a maximum of 24°C.
Energy Minder
The Energy Minder is an intelligent central heating boiler management system, compatible with most small domestic boilers including combis, condensing and back boilers using natural gas, oil or LPG.
In common with all TEC intelligent controls the system uses the principle of Variable Thermal Response (VTR) to achieve it's energy savings. It has two electronic sensors which are fitted to the FLOW and RETURN pipes of the central heating system. Information from these sensors is used to accurately vary the system temperature according to the demand imposed. This significantly reduces the fuel wastage caused through temperature overshoot, heat saturation of the heat exchanger, flue losses and unnecessary boiler cycling, whilst improving internal comfort levels and reducing CO2 emissions.
The Energy Minder is also available with an optional weather compensation program.
