How Nu-Heat SUNFLO™ solar collectors work

During daylight hours the sun’s radiation warms the earth, even when the sky is overcast. This energy can be captured and used to heat water. Solar energy is an unlimited resource that produces no harmful emissions and requires no transportation or supply pipelines. Most households can generate a good proportion of their domestic hot water needs using Nu-Heat’s modern, maintenance free, well engineered solar energy system. This figure can be as high as 100% in the summer, but falls during the cooler months giving an average annual provision of up to 60%. Every Nu-Heat quote states the estimated annual proportion of hot water the solar collector will supply based on the individual demand for the household.

The complete package – an integrated solution

Nu-Heat supplies a complete package with all of the parts needed to install the system*. Our range of collectors fully integrates with both our underfloor heating systems and heat pumps or can be fitted independently. All components are designed, manufactured and rigorously tested to the highest standard.

* Excludes electrical wiring and sundries.

Collectors

Nu-Heat SUNFLO™ flat plate collectors are made by one of the leading German manufacturers and utilise the latest collector technology including prismatic glass and titanium oxide absorber coating, both of which maximize performance. The metal sheet absorber sits between the glazing and insulation and collects the radiation that passes through the glass. This heat is transferred to the water/glycol mix, which flows through the copper pipes in the panel. The fluid is then pumped along circulating pipes before passing through a heat exchanger in the hot water cylinder or thermal store where the heat is given up.

System control

The integrated solar pumping station supplied with every system has simple-to-operate controls. It accurately measures the temperature of the roof panels ensuring that free energy is harvested whenever the hot water cylinder can accept it. Full thermostatic control of all elements of the system is important to prevent heat from the cylinder's store being pumped back through the panels and lost to the atmosphere. It also acts as a safety feature to prevent cylinder overheat.

Solar hot water cylinders

Nu-Heat supplies a range of solar hot water cylinders suitable for use with its collector systems. From the sophisticated EnergyMaster2 Solar™ cylinder to more traditional dual coil cylinders, we will advise you on the model that best suits your requirements for both heating and domestic hot water.

Where should collectors be sited?

Any roof with a 0˚(flat) to 60˚ slope and facing between southeast and southwest is suitable for solar collectors. The optimum angle is between 30˚ and 45˚. Additional collectors can be fitted to compensate if the orientation is less suitable but north-facing roofs should be avoided.