Questions -
Please refer to the Legislation & Regulation section.
Summer will provide the largest amount of solar gain but a useful contribution will still provide other seasons.
Solar heating technology works on solar radiation, not just sunshine therefore solar heating can be effective on overcast days.
Solar radiation is used to heat fluid in solar energy collectors (best on south facing surfaces). Typically, fluid is pumped through a hot water storage cylinder, in that cylinder heat is exchanged between the collector fluid and your domestic hot water. Innovative systems incorporate high efficiency condensing water heaters to maximize solar gain refer to solar boosted.
No, the solar heating works alongside the heating system to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The heat system is still needed to complete the system.
No - Many solar panels are filled with a suitable heat absorbing liquid (glycol) this doesn't freeze in cold conditions.