Raine or Shine
Alternative Energy Solutions Ltd.
Solar energy providers since 2005
Solar Thermal (Hot Water)
Solar Thermal involves harnessing free solar energy from the sun which is then turned into thermal energy (heat).
The vacuum tubes consist of a double wall glass tube (made from strong borosilicate glass i.e. Pyrex) with a space in the centre which contains the heat pipe.
The sun's radiation is absorbed by the selective coating on the inner glass surface, but prevented from re-radiating by the silvered innermost lining. This is in effect like a one-way mirror which has been optimised for infra-red radiation. In fact it is very efficient, of the sun light's energy hitting the tube's surface, 93% is absorbed, with only 7% is lost through reflection and re-emission.
The presence of the vacuum wall prevents any losses by conduction or convection - just like a thermos flask. Because of this, the system will work even in very low temperatures, unlike traditional flat plate collectors.
The heat transferred to the tip of the heat pipe is in turn transferred to a copper manifold in which water circulates to heat the domestic hot water tank. If a tube is placed in direct sunlight on a summer day, the tip temperature can reach 250°C - so the system easily heats domestic hot water cylinders to 60°C even in cooler weather!
The manifold is heavily insulated with a 2" thickness of pre-formed rockwool to keep the heat in. Unlike flat plates, these headers are so well insulated that they should not require antifreeze in normal operation - the temperature of the header is unlikely to fall below 10°C even in very cold weather.
The more advanced solar controllers include a low-temperature facility - should the temperature of the collector fall below a defined level, the pump will operate to allow the water at the bottom of the tank to heat the collector slightly. In normal conditions, this would never be necessary - but it acts as a good safety margin.
Solar Thermal
65m2 Collector Area
Nick & Rachel Loening
ecoYoga Centre, Argyll
Solar Thermal
with Pool Heat Exchange
Ben Kaner
Morpeth
Solar Thermal
David Higton
Spain
Solar Thermal
Nicholas Mason
Worksop
Some of the benefits
- Create your own hot water throughout the year.
- Works on cloudy days, even in winter.
- Avoid rising fuel costs, cut your hot water bills.
- Supplies up to 70% of your hot water needs.
- Reduce your green house gas emissions.
10 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Easy plug-in installation for mounting on the roof or at ground level
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
10 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Length
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB10-47
- 1.5m
- 10 tube high efficiency 47mm
- 37mm
- 22mm
- 0.55 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1760 x 760 x 130mm
- 27 kg
- 1.33 m2
15 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. On a south-facing roof with a short pipe run, this panel is ideal for heating water in our 90 to 150litre twin coil cylinders. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
15 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Length
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB15-47
- 1.5m
- 15 tube high efficiency 47mm
- 37mm
- 22mm
- 0.8 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1760 x 1085 x 130mm
- 36 kg
- 1.9 m2
20 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. On a south-facing roof with a short pipe run, this panel is ideal for heating water in our 90 to 150litre twin coil cylinders. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
20 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Lenth
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB20-47
- 1.5m
- 20 tube high efficiency 47mm
- 37mm
- 22mm
- 1.1 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1660 x 1500 x 130mm
- 49 kg
- 2.49 m2
30 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. On a south-facing roof with a short pipe run, this panel is ideal for heating water in our 90 to 150litre twin coil cylinders. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
30 Tube 47mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Lenth
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB30-47
- 1.5m
- 30 tube high efficiency 47mm
- 37mm
- 22mm
- 1.65 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1760 x 2170 x 130mm
- 72 kg
- 3.81 m2
10 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Easy plug-in installation for mounting on the roof or at ground level
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
10 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Length
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB10-58
- 1.8m
- 10 tube high efficiency 58mm
- 45mm
- 22mm
- 0.7 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1900 x 830 x 130mm
- 35 kg
- 1.57 m2
15 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. On a south-facing roof with a short pipe run, this panel is ideal for heating water in our 90 to 150litre twin coil cylinders. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
15 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Length
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB15-58
- 1.8m
- 15 tube high efficiency 58mm
- 45mm
- 22mm
- 0.85 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1900 x 1200 x 130mm
- 51 kg
- 2.28 m2
20 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. On a south-facing roof with a short pipe run, this panel is ideal for heating water in our 90 to 150litre twin coil cylinders. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
20 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Lenth
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB20-58
- 1.8m
- 20 tube high efficiency 58mm
- 45mm
- 22mm
- 1.35 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1900 x 1660 x 130mm
- 69 kg
- 3.15 m2
30 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
The SFB panel is the best choice for the UK. The panel is considered to be one of the most cost-effective on the market, and performs extremely well in the UK climate. On a south-facing roof with a short pipe run, this panel is ideal for heating water in our 90 to 150litre twin coil cylinders. The SFB panel has a very low heat capacity, containing only 1 - 1.5 litres of water inside the manifold. This allows the panel to heat up quickly when the sun starts to shine, and minimises heat losses at night.
- Suitable for high pressure water (up to 8bar / 116psi)
- High efficiency solar collector using heat pipe evacuated tubes
- Can be used in all climates
- Maintenance free, expected lifetime >25years
- Glass wool insulation for better heat retention
- Collectors may be connected in series to increase water heating capacity
- 'Passive Solar Tracking' - maintains heat output regardless of sun's position in the sky
- BSEN 12975 Approved
30 Tube 58mm Solar Panel
- Product Code
- Tube Lenth
- No. of tubes & width
- Width of absorber
- Width of Entry/Exit Pipe
- Volume
- SFB30-58
- 1.8m
- 30 tube high efficiency 58mm
- 45mm
- 22mm
- 1.7 ltr
- Casing Material
- Collector insulating thickness
- Dimensions (HxWxD)
- Weight
- Area
- Stainless Steel
- 60mm
- 1900 x 2406 x 130mm
- 102 kg
- 4.57 m2
Solar Thermal System estimate
For a no-obligation estimate of a Solar Thermal system please complete the form below and include as much detail as possible.
The * indicates information we require to begin detailing your quote.
Alternatively call 01978 664114 and one of our team will assist with your enquiry.
Examples of Roof Direction
East or West facing
South facing
South West facing
South East facing
Downloads for Solar Thermal
- Solar Hot Water factsheet
- Solar Thermal Panel Certificates
- SFB1047-15AL / SFB1547-15AL / SFB2047-15AL / SFB3047-15AL
- SFB1058 / SFB1558 / SFB2058 / SFB3058
- SFB1047-15 / SFB1547-15 / SFB2047-15 / SFB3047-15
- SFB3058
- Solar Thermal Panel Manuals
- SFB Installation manual
- SFB-AL Installation manual
- SCM Series Manual
- Solar Thermal Panel Data sheets
- Data-SFVB-2
- SFB SERIES
Solar Thermal (Solar Water Heating) FAQ
There are various solar water heating technologies. Flat plates are very effective in the summer, not not so good during the other seasons. Vacuum tubes will perform with similar results in the summer, but will vastly exceed the performance of flat plates during the rest of the year. Ideally a vacuum tube system should be orientated facing South, although SW or SE is almost as good, losing only around 15% of the available heat. If you are forced to use an East or West roof slope, then you will need to double the number of tubes to get the same output as a south facing system. The panels should be angled at your angle of latitude - so for example in the UK, it would be around 53°. In fact, up to 15% deviation from this will only result in a small reduction in efficiency (~5%), so it usually makes more sense to mount the panel at the same angle as the roof.
Off-grid systems
The constant power requirement of the controller, and the 40watts required by the pump is often viewed as excessive by off-grid system designers. Many have seen a system where the pump is powered by a solar PV panel. This is a bad idea for two reasons:
1.Solar-powered pumps do not work in low-sunshine conditions...whereas the vacuum tubes can still get very hot even in overcast weather.
2. The low voltage DC pumps are too low a wattage for solar vacuum tubes. A 20tube panel requires a minimum of 20-30watts of pump power in hot weather, and a 30tube system really requires 40watts.
An alternative is to power the system using a UPS (un-interruptible power supply) which can in turn be charged by solar PVs. This way, it is possible to run a full 40watt pumped system, without relying on mains power.
Be careful - some UPS systems use a lot of power in standby mode - 70-80watts minimum power consumption is quite common. We have selected a french system which requires only 3-4watts whilst powering the solar controller - which we can supply if required.
How many Solar Thermal panels are needed?
Even a small number of solar vacuum tubes will make a difference to your hot water heating requirements, regardless of cylinder size or demand. For small households, a single 20tube south facing panel should be sufficient. For larger households, a 30tube panel is a better option. For swimming pools, you should use 25-30% of the pools surface area (eg 4 panels for a 10x4m pool).
Cylinder size
If you do not use vast quantities of water, then a smaller cylinder will yield hotter water (albeit lower quantities). a 1200x400 cylinder (135litres) is usually sufficient. Many people chose larger cylinders - up to 175litres for a standard 20 tube south-facing panel. Larger cylinders up to 260litres can be accommodated by a 30tube standard panel. If you want to fit a mains pressure hot water system, now is a good time to do it. Solar water heating will work with mains pressure hot water. Use 'Thermal store' option to provide mains pressure hot water without the expense of a stainless steel pressurised cylinder.
Underfloor heating
Large panel arrays (4-8) can provide a useful addition to heating a house in the winter. However, they will generally produce heat at the wrong time - excessive heat in the summer, and little or no heat during overcast winter weather or at night. Conclusion: Very cost-effective, massive energy return for your capital, relatively short pay-back period, virtually every house can benefit from solar water heating.
Installation of Solar Thermal
Where is it suitable?
At Raine or Shine we install "Evacuated Tubes" as these can produce hot water even on a cold day, so being in the UK isn't a problem. The same system is used to heat up water at the South Pole Antarctic Science Base - where ambient air temperatures can drop below -40°C!!
There are a few key points to consider when choosing Solar Thermal:
Do you have a roof facing the correct direction?
To install a Solar Thermal system the optimum orientation for your roof should be south; however you can still get great benefits if your roof faces south-east, south-west or east-west.
Is your roof clear from shading?
Because the evacuated tubes need lots of direct sunlight its best to keep your roof clear of shade e.g trees
Do you need planning permission?
Most people do not need planning permission if you live in England or Scotland. If you live in Wales or Northern Ireland you will need planning permission. We advise you to ask your local council.
Is your roof suitable?
Ensure your roof is in good condition and strong enough to hold the Solar Thermal panels. You will need to know if your roof is pitched or flat although if you are unsure this will be checked during your free survey.
Installation
Solar Thermal systems come in a variety of sizes to fit a variety of roofs and locations. The options are as follows: Roof mounted, Frame mounted, East west configurations there is a massive spectrum of options. How ever because we use evacuated tubes the heat itself is produced in the same way.