" An average system can generate around 60-70% of the hot water required a year, which in turn will reduce your hot water bills. We install evacuated tubes because they are the most efficient solar heating technology "
Domestic & commercial evacuated tubes types:
Evacuated tubes also commonly known as solar tubes, are the most efficient solar heating panels technologies for the UK climate. These domestic systems for heating water, work all year round contributing up to 65% of your homes hot water needs, with the solar energy that hits your homes roof everyday.
Learn more about evacuated solar tubes >>or flat plate solar panels
Solar heating systems gather energy radiated by the sun and convert it into useful heat in the form of hot water. Domestic solar panels installations have been around in the UK since the 1970's. Solar water heating systems typically work alongside a conventional water heater to provide hot water.
Learn about solar heating panels >> Renewable Heat Incentive - a solar heating incentive scheme
The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme has been introduced by the Government to help increase the level of renewable energy in the UK, which goes towards our legally binding targets of 15% of energy from non fossil fuels before 2020.
Heat my Home are at the forefront of solar tubes installations with MCS solar installers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Our expertise in solar heating with 38 combined years experience, makes us a reliable choice when you want to install solar tubes or solar panels with MCS solar installers.
Your system requirements depends on the type of property and your current heating type, which is why we survey your property before quoting. Our survey is free and with no obligation.
FAQ's - evacuated solar tubes
Which is best, evacuated tubes or flat plate panels?
Some homeowners prefer the aesthetics of a flat plate panel, but evacuated solar tubes are more efficient especially in the winter months. Both systems work excellently in our climate so we promote both flat panels and solar tubes, so you can deciede which is best for you.
Are evacuated tubes suitable for me?
Most homes and commercial premises are suitable, if you have a South or /SE/SW even East/West facing roof area, then yes. Your internal plumbing will need to be checked and this can be done through our free home survey and quote service.
How exactly do evacuated tubes work?
When solar radiation or photons from the sun hit an object, which can be you, me or a solar panel, the short wave radiation is converted into a longer wave and this process creates heat. The heat builds up until hot enough for the controller to distribute this heat into your hot water tank.
Is it essential to update my hot water cyliner?
In most cases yes, simply, old copper hot water tanks run very inefficiently after many years of use, limescale build up reduce's it even further. When installing evacuated solar tubes, it's important to install a new modern, more efficient tank to get the most efficiency out of your solar generated heat.
Adding solar technology to an old tank would be like converting your car
to LPG and running it on semi-flat tyres.
Can solar tubes contribute towards central heating?
This depends on the type of set up you choose. We would need to inspect your home to see if our heating management system is suitable. In most cases however, solar can contribute to your central heating using underfloor heating technology, but not all solar panel installation companies offer this.
How long will it take to install my solar system?
Depending on many factors, it could be a single day or 2 days.
Do solar tubes work on cloudy days?
This rather depends on the density of cloud cover. Flat panels do not contribute as much as solar tubes in the winter months. In moderate cloud cover solar radiation can still be harnessed and used. In very heavy black density clouds, the system will not work. Take your solar powered calculator out on a cloudy day. It still work's.
Do we really get enough sun in the UK?
Yes. Our evacuated tubes are specially developed for northern European climates. They use a similar principle as the thermos flask, which allows the inside of the evacuated vacuum tubes to get very hot despite the outside temperatures.
What temperatures can I expect?
A good proportion of the year your water will be heated to above 60 degC. Temperatures of 70-80 are not unusual in the high summer months.
Can the water get too hot?
Not at all. The management system is designed to never reach above 85 deg C.
How long does a solar tube system last?
A good quality system it will easily and has been designed to last 25-30+ years. That's as long as your mortgage.
How much will a solar panel system cost?
The cost of a typical installation for a domestic solar heating system depends on many factors. Our solar surveyors will provide you with a tailored options and quotations.
Ask our MCS solar installers for details:
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