Solar Water Heating Options
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Get Free QuotesWhat is the best way to heat water with solar?
Three ways to heat water with solar energy: (1) SOLAR PV + DIVERTER: Install standard PV panels + a solar diverter (£300-£600). Surplus electricity heats your immersion tank. Pros: cheapest add-on, PV panels also power everything else. Cons: only heats water with SURPLUS solar. Summer: 100% hot water. Winter: 20-30%. (2) SOLAR THERMAL: Evacuated tube or flat plate collectors heat water directly. 60-70% efficient for hot water. Cost: £3,000-£5,000 installed. Pros: more hot water per m² of roof. Cons: only heats water (no electricity), more maintenance, complex plumbing. (3) SOLAR PV + HEAT PUMP CYLINDER: PV powers a heat pump water heater (Thermodynamic). COP 3-4 = 3-4x more heat per kWh. Cost: PV system + £1,500-£2,500 for heat pump cylinder. Most versatile. BEST VALUE: Option 1 (PV + diverter) — cheapest, most versatile, and PV panels do double duty.
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Related: Home Heating Systems
Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.
Learn more about how air source heat pumps work alongside solar panels.
A heat pump converts 1kWh of electricity into 3-4kWh of heat.
From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide
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