:: Specific Design Brief

CAT 4: Solar Water Heating - further information

PRODUCT DESIGN UK
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ISSUES & RESOURCES

Sustainability issues
• The energy source used to heat most hot water used in Britain is a fossil fuel. Burning fossil fuels adds to Climate Change and air pollution. The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has stated that “The government should now adopt a strategy which puts the UK on a path to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by some 60% from current levels by about 2050”.
• Heating water accounts for about 22% of energy used in homes in Britain (not including central heating).
• On average commercial solar water heating systems produce about 50% of the hot water needs of a home over the course of a year.

Other issues
• How much hot water is needed?
• What temperature does it need to be?
• When is it needed?

Sources of Information
Energy post 16 (TEP) - Designing a solarimeter and solar water heating system, written for A-level*
Pupil’s Guide to Solar Power - CAT (£3)*
Solar Water Heating, a Resource Guide – CAT (£2) Comprehensive list of organisations, suppliers and manufacturers.
Tapping the Sun – a guide to solar water heating – CAT (£3.50)
Solar Water Heating: a DIY guide – CAT (£5.99)
Solar Energy Factsheet – CAT (£3)
The Practical Solar Handbook – Bushell (£6.95)
Solar Water Heater – VITA (£8.95) guide for the construction of a portable solar collector and storage tank.

The solar Trade Association aims to maintain standards within the industry and to promote the use of solar power. www.solartradeassociation.org.uk

Construction Resources is a builders merchants specialising in ecological materials, including solar waters panels. 16 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0HS
www.ecoconstruct.com 

Examples of a variety of solar water heating systems can be seen in use at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ
www.cat.org.uk

Manufacturers of panels and solar products
www.filsol.co.uk
www.solartwin.com
www.solardesign.co.uk
www.thermomax.com
www.aessolar.co.uk
www.solarmatt.com

Manufacture an ultra thin black oxide nickel foil for high absorption and low emittance of infra red radiation.
www.specialmetals.com

Clip fins for solar collectors are available from CAT mail order.


FURTHER INFORMATION
KEY QUESTIONS