Solar water heating systems use the energy of the sun to heat the hot water for your home.
They contain a number of components:

• A collector (there are 2 types: flat plate collectors and evacuated tubes)
• A cylinder (this is much like an existing hot water cylinder but it is much larger as it contains 2 coils - one from the collector and one from your heating system)
• A control panel (this controls the temperature of the water and introduces heating if required)

Solar water heating is most effect on a south facing roof, mounted at a 30 º tilt.

It can supply most of the hot water needs of a household if sized correctly.

These systems usually have a payback period of 10 to 12 years. A grant is currently available from SEI of €800.