Solar Thermal
Solar energy for hot water
With rapidly increasing energy prices and an uncertain energy future, now is the time to invest in solar energy which is and always will be free. Solar energy is more often associated with PV panels which produce electricity. Solar thermal systems however are used to produce hot water, and is the lowest cost technology of the five approved methods of producing low carbon energy. A SHW system can work as a stand alone hot water system with electrical heating, or alongside a heat pump, or in series with an unvented hot water tank or a solar compatible combi-boiler .
Ground or flat roof mounted solar thermal systems
Conventional solar thermal systems comprise solar collector panels on the roof, and a hot water storage tank in the home together with all the connecting pipework and controls. At Atmos we specialise in external systems, because they are easier to install and there is no need for a storage tank and pipework in the home thus saving space indoors. They are easy to maintain, and best of all they cost substantially less than roof mounted systems. They can usually be oriented to face south, and therefore operate at maximum collector efficiency. Read on to view the thermosiphon or the Compact system.
Thermosiphon systems
Thermosiphon systems are used all over the world but not often seen in the UK. Whilst they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are the cheapest form of solar thermal heat, and are simple to install and maintain. Available in a variety of sizes from 2-6m2. They can used as a stand-alone system utilising the built in electric immersion heater, or in series with a solar compatible Combi boiler or an unvented hot water tank system.
All Atmos thermosiphon systems are Solar Keymark approved and therefore MCS approved.
Compact systems
The Compact solar thermal system is an adaptation of the thermosiphon systems shown above. The main difference is that the system is pumped so that the tank can be placed below the panel. This means a more compact and neater installation with the tank and pipework concealed below the panel and enclosed to protect the installation and conserve heat. Available exclusively from Atmos Innovations, the Compact costs considerably less than a conventional system, and because it is ground mounted maintenance is much easier. The Compact system comes complete with controls which can be operated from the home. Available in panel sizes from 2m2 to 5m2,
The Compact can used as a stand-alone system utilising the built in electric immersion heater, or in series with a solar compatible Combi boiler or an unvented hot water tank system.
All Atmos thermosiphon systems utilise solar panels which are Solar Keymark approved and therefore MCS approved.