Solar energy systems

Find out if solar energy is suitable for your home and locate your nearest solar club.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy is the conversion of the suns energy into electricity or power.

Solar energy can be collected by two types of systems – solar electric (photovoltaic or ‘PV’) and solar hot water (Thermal). Harnessed by a system of solar PV cells, the sun’s energy can be converted to produce electricity.

Will my home be suitable to install a solar energy system?

Solar power is ideal for urban living, solar energy systems can be easily integrated into the existing structure of the house you live in. Some systems allow the householder to connect a two-way meter so that electricity can be sold back to the national grid when it is producing too much or can be received when the solar system is producing too little.

How does the solar hot water system work?

Solar thermal collectors absorb energy from the sun and distribute it to the water used for showers, baths, etc. When the sun shines the temperature of the fluid in the collector system rises. It is then circulated to the tank, where it transfers its heat to the water via a heat exchanger.

What are the benefits of solar water systems?

Solar hot water systems can provide over half of a typical households hot water requirement over a year. This means that you will save money as well as helping the environment!