Are solar panels a quick way to have hot water and are worth the expense?

Question

Am trying to put solar panels in my house and it does not seems to be the best solution for heating water!

Answer 1

You are probably right for your location. They give hot water, but of course that is only when the sun is shining on them and you can put them in a location that "see's" the sun (no trees or tall buildings) and mount them at the right angle (not ugly looking).
In cooler climates, the box needs to be double glazed and insulated on the sides and back.
In cold climates, you have to either drain the units to prevent freezing or use a heat exchanger and antifreeze in the coils. Which adds complications.
Solar water heating in many locations is best used as a booster to preheat the cold water to reduce energy usage, with the pump both bringing in the hot water and draining in cold weather.
The best places for solar water heating are where there is a lot of sun and a lot of water is used (the fire stations in Dallas are ideal) or where there are a lot of cool nights and warm days and the water can be heated during the day, stored and circulated at hinight (which can be an addon where passive solar using large wwindows and massive stone can not.)

Answer 2

solar panels don't collect heat, they change electrons into electircity. many people think that's the purpose of solar panels, collecting and harnessing the sun's heat. maybe that is the purpose of the panels you are using, but generally, panels are used to create electricity. maybe what you need is a way to convert your electricity into heat.

Answer 3

Probably not the best for heating water, but it is good for electricity. You can receive massive government funding for this as it puts electricity back into the system if you are not using it, Talk to citizens advice for more info.

Answer 4

errm no and no to be frank. By the time youve messed about with it youve wasted money. Same goes for double glazin, the pay back time for double glazing is 112 years by witch time you'll have bought at least 3 sets.

Answer 5

Not worth the expense, no. Only effective when you have sunlight and we don't get a lot in the UK. My parents just had them put in but not with any expectation of them paying for themselves, but to be 'green'.

Answer 6

All depends on where you live and what direction your roof is facing, used to fit them years ago, new ones a lot more efficent than the old type.

Answer 7

that depends on where your living...........
for example I live in the middle east and I have one on the roof ,
and it's reduced the amount of diesel we use to heat up our water,though i don't know how much it costs in were your living ,but it's cheep here.
:-)

Answer 8

At the present moment they are not worth the outlay.

Answer 9

in a word NO.
did you see the documentry on bbc1 a month ago which showed us they are a con..

your be asking about recycling next....../

Answer 10

Great to have but it will take a while to recoup the cost !!