Is Solar Heating Worth It For My Home?
With the rising cost of energy and an ever-growing concern for the environment, it is no surprise that many homeowners are looking into alternative ways to heat their homes. Solar heating is becoming an increasingly popular option due to its many benefits. In this article, we will explore what solar heating is, its advantages, its efficacy throughout the winter months, how it works, and the return on investment that it can provide.
Advantages Of Solar Heating
One of the main advantages of solar heating systems is their easy integration. Solar heating systems can easily be installed in most homes and connect to existing hot water cylinders. The use of solar heating also means that you are taking advantage of free energy from the sun – this has the potential to save you substantial amounts of money on your energy bills. The installation costs of these systems can be quite low; however, homeowners must bear in mind that larger units will cost more initially, but can save you more in the long run.
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Solar thermal systems are usually most efficient in the summer months when there is ample sunshine to power the system. However, they can still provide a useful amount of heat even in the winter months. According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar thermal systems can provide up to 25% of the necessary hot water in the winter, which is enough to make a difference to your energy bill.
How Does Solar Thermal Energy Work?
A solar thermal system consists of a number of solar panels which are installed on your roof, or elsewhere in your garden. These panels catch radiation from the sun and convert it into usable heat. This heat is then used to heat the water in your hot water cylinder. This cylinder is connected to your boiler or heating system, allowing it to provide hot water throughout your home.
What’s The Return On Investment From Solar Thermal?
The cost of installing a solar thermal system can vary depending on the size of the unit, the type of system you choose, and the company you decide to install it. As with all home improvements, you should do your research and shop around before committing to a provider.
Once installed, solar thermal systems typically have a return on investment of between 5 and 10 years, meaning that the cost savings you receive from the system will outweigh any initial costs that you had to pay. This is because you will be using fewer fossil fuels to heat your home – this has the added benefit of helping to reduce our collective environmental impact.
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