This is how you can make the most of solar thermal systems for your home in summer!

This is how you can make the most of solar thermal systems for your home in summer!

The sun is shining, summer is here! Now is the perfect time to look into using solar thermal energy. This technology uses the sun's heat to heat drinking and shower water and to support heating. This not only relieves the burden on the environment, but also on the household budget. Loud barnim-aktuell.de With a well-sized solar thermal system, up to 70% of the energy for hot water production can be obtained from sunlight.

However, practice shows that solar thermal systems often do not deliver the expected performance. Typical problems include incorrect settings, inadequate communication between the solar system and the boiler and inadequate pipe insulation. But don't worry, many of these problems are easy and inexpensive to fix. Examples of malfunctions include noise or declining yields.

Optimal use in summer

In the warm months, your solar thermal system should provide enough energy to at least provide hot water. The consumer advice center recommends turning off the heater during the summer to reduce fuel consumption and operating power. If it is cloudy and there is not enough hot water being supplied, the hot water tank can also be heated manually. The most important thing: If your system doesn't work optimally even when the sun is shining, you should take action.

Anyone looking for support can take advantage of the independent advice from the Brandenburg Consumer Center. An appointment to check the function and efficiency of the solar thermal system costs 40 euros, and there are many energy consultants available who can help you. For further information, please call 0331 – 98 22 999 5 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Costs and benefits of solar thermal energy

The purchase costs for solar thermal systems vary depending on size and needs. Single-family homes typically require a collector size of 3-6 m² and a storage tank of 250-350 liters for hot water preparation. The costs here are between 6,000 and 10,000 euros. If you also want to support the heating, you should expect to pay between 9,000 and 17,000 euros, with a collector area of ​​9-20 m² and a storage tank of 500-1,500 liters. However, this can be worthwhile: With a 10 m² system, up to 4,000 kWh of natural gas can be saved annually.

Both those Energy advice as well as public institutions offer numerous funding opportunities for the installation and expansion of solar thermal systems. The future is clear: One thing is certain: CO2 taxes will make solar thermal systems even more attractive.

Are you already using a solar thermal system? Then take a look at the orientation and tilt of your collectors. Optimal conditions can significantly increase efficiency - unshaded south-facing roofs are ideal.

The advantages of solar thermal energy are obvious: it reduces your energy costs, protects the environment and ensures that you can relax comfortably in your pleasantly warm water even on hot days!