Solar Collectors

Solar Collectors

There are two types of solar collectors. Those that convert the sun's radiation into electricity - photovoltaic panels, and ones we supply that use the sun's energy to heat water - Solar Thermal Panels.

For hot water production there are two types of panels, called solar collectors - vacuum tube or flat plate panels. Both types are very efficient and don't necessarily need direct sunlight to work. Our preferred solar collector is the flat plate panel as we feel that in our climatic conditions, these have a slight edge on performance over the vacuum tube technology.

The advancement of technology in materials and their construction mean that they operate efficiently in diffuse conditions, although strong direct sunlight is obviously best.

Solar Controls

A solar pump station is required to move the water around the system transferring energy from one point to another. The solar pump station is managed by a solar controller, which ensures the system gets the best efficiency from the solar panels. It does this by measuring the potential of the solar system to deliver heat and only delivers it if required. These controllers can also be linked to an additional heat source such as a boiler to ensure hot water all year round ensuring priority of supply form the most efficient heat source.

Design & installation

As you'd expect, a solar collector system works in high temperature conditions. To guarantee the safety of an installation, the design and components used are critical to its correct application.

Encompas assures customers of a well built, well designed, high quality system - which will provide up to 50% of your / clients hot water needs.

For information on whether planning permission is required for your project click here

For further information on individual components, click here