Solar thermal panels operate in an economically friendly manner by absorbing the sun’s heat via solar collectors, which are installed on the roof of a home. From there, the resulting heated fluid is transported to a hot water tank and ready for use throughout the home.
Solar thermal panels
One of the biggest drawbacks concerning solar panels, especially for households subjected to the unpredictable UK climate, is that they don’t provide an adequate level of energy to meet the heating requirements of a typical property. As such, they are regularly used to accompany the likes of heat pumps or infrared heating panels.
Furthermore, they continue the renewable energy solutions trend of incorporating an expensive initial cost, with wealthy returns over time.
Solar thermal panel advantages
- Little to no maintenance needed
- Eligible for government assistance to offset much of the initial purchase and installation price
- Can fulfill 50% of a typical household’s hot water requirements
- Very economically friendly operation
Solar thermal panel disadvantages
- Expensive to purchase and install
- Unable to meet the heating demands of a full household typically, needs to be used as a secondary solution
- Reliant on weather
