Solar thermal
Harness the sun’s energy
Roof panels absorb heat from the sun and transfer it into the water in your hot water cylinder.
How it works
Fluid in the collector heats up and is pumped through a coil in your hot water cylinder, transferring heat to your water.
- South-east to south-west roofs can work well
- Best with little or no shade
- Usually roof-mounted; ground mounting also works in direct sun
- An angle of 20–50° suits most pitched roofs
- Usually needs a twin-coil cylinder with useful storage
How many panels do I need?
3–6 m²
rule-of-thumb collector area
A survey is needed for an accurate design. Shade, orientation and hot-water use all matter.
Choosing a collector
Evacuated tubes
Highly efficient collectors made from individual glass tubes. Useful where roof area is limited, with more components to consider.
Flat plate panels
A neat, durable panel with a simple construction. Often a good fit where sufficient unshaded roof area is available.
Solar annual service
Keep pumps, fluid, controls and system pressure checked so the system can continue operating as intended.
Could solar thermal suit your home?
Tell us about your home and what you are considering. We’ll give you clear, honest advice on the next step.