Results of Solar Heating Experiments

Trials with full scale systems show that solar energy can make a significant contribution to the requirements for heating domestic hot water and living spaces in the United Kingdom. Results from these experiments, and others on system components, provide essential data for the development and validation of procedures for performance prediction and design optimization. The well regulated behaviour of solar heating systems has made it possible to answer leading questions on performance with increasing confidence. Further experimentation will be required if a full economic evaluation of these systems is to be made, covering the degradation of performance and servicing requirements during the life-cycle.