domestic solar water heating

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Introduction
What is Solar Energy
Solar energy is the energy of the sun falling onto earth. The amount of energy received from the sun is much greater than the amount of energy that can be consumed by people. The sun is located 148 million kilometres away from the sun, however it produces more energy in four hours that the entire human race does in one year. This energy gives life to this planet and without it; humans, animals, plants etc. would not be able to survive. Generations have used glass and other materials and structures to capture and magnify the sun’s energy and these systems have gradually evolved to form the basis of mature techniques that are used today to harness solar energy. [1].
Why solar energy
The most common sources of energy is received from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, wood, coal etc., however, all these forms of energy have had inputs from the sun. Since the depletion in the worlds amount of fossil fuels, renewable energy is a way of “never” running out of energy [2].
What is a solar thermal heating system
A solar thermal heating system is a system designed to heat water using energy from the sun. The most common and cost efficient type of solar system installed in Ireland is used to heat domestic hot water but a system can also be designed to contribute some heat to the central heating (Though this will not suit every situation) [3].
How solar water heating system works
A special liquid is circulated through the solar panel (which collects the solar energy) and transfers this heat energy to the liquid. The solar panels are designed to maximize the solar radiation absorption and minimize heat loss. This liquid is then pumped to the storage/hot water cylinder where it heats the water and leav...

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...eholds. Ireland is a good country for solar water heating as it has the same climate as Paris. On a surface of one metre squared, Ireland receives on average 1100 Kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy per year which is the equivalent of 120 litres of oil. Direct sunlight in Ireland accounts for 40% of solar energy and indirect sunlight accounts for 60% of Ireland solar energy. That means when there is an overcast day, is radiation is available at ground level and can be converted into heat by a solar water heater. If a six metre squared solar panel is installed in Ireland, then this is the same as having a 3KW immersion heater on for 2.5 hours every day for a year [16].
A solar panel has a guaranteed life of 25 years (MP Solar) and could last for 30 years and with an average pay off of 7-8 years, solar water heating is going to be more common throughout Ireland [16].

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