Solar thermal roof

Pros

• Simple and proven technology to convert sunlight into hot water
• Works most efficiently during the summer, but still has some contribution even on overcast winter days
• Water heated during the middle of the day can be stored until you need it in the evening
• The ideal renewable energy source for heating swimming pools

Cons

• Lesser systems can develop problems if water in the roof panels freezes during winter nights
• Some roof-top panels can look ugly

Top Tips

• Nu-Sustainable and Nu-Lok Roofing Systems have developed an elegant integrated roof panel system which fits within the roof tile profile
• Nu-Sustainable can design, supply, install and commission the optimum solar hot water system for new build or home-improvement applications

Like most other solar thermal solutions, Nu-sustainable’s involves a roof mounted panel which collects heat to raise the temperature of water in an indoor tank. A second heat exchanger in the insulated storage cylinder allows ‘top-up’ heating, when needed, through a conventional boiler.

Unlike most other solar thermal installations, the Nu-sustainable panel is neatly integrated with the roofing system, providing a solution which is neat as well as efficient. Designed to complement the Nu-lok roofing system, the UK-made solar thermal panel – like Nu-sustainable’s solar photovoltaic panel – simply replaces regular roof tiles on the Nu-lok roof support system. Handled and fixed in the same way as tiles, the panels have the same resistance to leaks and wind damage – the only difference is that they require a simple plumbing connection.

Tests have shown that Xm2 of Nu-sustainable solar thermal panels can raise XXX litres of water by XXoC to XXoC in just XX hours of free moderate sunlight. The same heat gain with a conventional boiler would achieved in just XX hours, but would cost £XX in gas.