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Nu-Heat Solar Thermal Collectors

How solar collectors work
During daylight hours the sun’s radiation warms the earth, even when the sky is overcast. This energy can be captured and used to heat water. Solar energy is an unlimited resource that produces no harmful emissions and requires no transportation or supply pipelines. Most households can generate a good proportion of their domestic hot water needs using Nu-Heat’s modern, maintenance free, well engineered solar energy system. This figure can be as high as 100% in the summer, but falls during the cooler months giving an average annual provision of 50–60%. Every Nu-Heat quote states the estimated annual proportion of hot water the solar collector will supply based on the individual demand for the household.

Solar benefits

• Free, energy-efficient, renewable technology – helps to lower your carbon footprint
• Produces up to 60% of the typical family’s hot water requirements
• Simple, reliable technology
• Both roof-mounted and integral flat panel models available
• Pre-wired for straightforward, fast installation
• Low-cost investment
• Quick and easy to install
• Suitable for both domestic hot water and underfloor heating
• Supported by Government grants of up to £400 towards the cost of installation
• Low environmental impact – reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 400kg per year

The complete package – an integrated solution
Nu-Heat supplies a complete package with all of the parts needed to install the system*. Our range of collectors fully integrates with both our underfloor heating systems and heat pumps or can be fitted independently. All components are designed, manufactured and rigorously tested to the highest standard. Units are pre-wired, so connection and operation can be completed in a short time.
* Excludes copper pipe and electrical wiring.

Collectors
Our flat plate collectors utilize the latest collector technology including prismatic glass and titanium oxide absorber coating, both of which maximize performance. The metal sheet absorbs solar energy trapped between the glazing and insulation and transmits it into water that passes through copper pipes before being transferred to the hot water system via circulating pipes containing a mixture of water and glycol before being passed through a heat exchanger in the hot water cylinder.

System control
The integrated solar pumping station supplied with every system accurately meters the temperature of the roof panels ensuring that free energy is harvested whenever the hot water cylinder can accept it. Full thermostatic control of all elements of the system is important to prevent heat from the cylinder's store being pumped back through the panels and lost to the atmosphere. It also acts as a safety feature to prevent cylinder overheat.

System design
Up to 4 collectors can be fitted in sequence, so even the largest project can be catered for. Nu-Heat’s experienced designers will advise on the correct system configuration to fully achieve optimum efficiency for domestic hot water, underfloor heating or both, depending on your requirements. The Nu-Heat design and sizing process uses its own unique calculations package to specify the ideal configuration of cylinder, solar collectors and ancillary components for the project. Our specification process has been developed in conjunction with European solar design software, TSol, as well as the government's SAP building regulations assessment criteria.

Solar hot water cylinders
Nu-Heat supplies a range of solar hot water cylinders suitable for use with its collector systems. From the EnergyMaster2 Solar™ to more sophisticated dual coil cylinders with integrated electronic sensors, we will advise you on the model that best suits your requirements.

Where should collectors be sited?
Any roof with a 0˚(flat) to ­60˚ slope and facing between southeast and southwest is suitable for solar collectors. The optimum angle is between 30˚ and 45˚. Larger collectors can be fitted to compensate if the orientation is less suitable but north-facing roofs should be avoided.

How many solar collectors are needed?
Nu-Heat will individually size each solar system for you..