Solar systems are commonly used to provide domestic hot water, while larger arrays of panels are used to heat pools. In some situations, solar systems can also be used for underfloor heating. For this project we were required to devise and install a system which integrates all three applications.

 

A further requirement was for the underfloor system to cool the house in summer. The property is a newly-built 5-bedroom residence with pool, and pre-installed pipework for underfloor heating. Our system comprises an array of 10 solar panels, an energy-efficient air-to-water heat pump, two 800-litre water tanks and a hydraulic flow master control. The heat pump has two functions: firstly as back-up to the solar system, to provide hot water in periods of insufficient sun; secondly, it can be used independently in reverse to supply chilled water to the underfloor system.

Any home can benefit from today's energy-efficient technologies...