With the exception of heat coming from the centre of the earth, and heat generated by human activity, all other heat originates from the sun.

As a constant source of heat the sun is probably the best source of sustainable, renewable energy. The systems that Econic supplies use this energy source in several different ways: solar thermal panels are heated directly by the sun; air source heat pumps access the thermal energy carried in the air; ground source heat pumps use the thermal energy stored in the ground.

The amount of heat energy produced by the sun every day exceeds by many thousands of times the total daily energy requirements of mankind. Harnessing this energy presents perhaps the best hope of tackling the climate change caused by greenhouses gases like carbon dioxide emitted through the burning of fossil fuels.

Solar thermal collectors can be used in several ways:

In the UK, solar thermal panels (attached to a roof or free standing) are usually used to help heat hot water and can provide about 60% of the total hot water needs of a typical family. During the summer months the panels can produce 100% of hot water needs and will even make a contribution on a sunny day in the middle of winter. Ideally the panels should be installed on a south facing roof at an angle of 30-50°.

Solar thermal collectors are an excellent way of heating swimming pools. Swimming pool heating is usually needed in the UK throughout the summer months when solar panels will be at their most effective. Econic can calculate the benefit that solar panels could bring to your pool heating application.

Solar thermal panels can also be used in combination with a ground source heat pump. During the summer months the excess energy from the panels can be used to recharge the ground energy array. This makes the heat pump operate more efficiently during the winter and may allow the size of the ground energy array to be reduced. This combination may offer a solution where limited space is available, but a GSHP is the preferred option.