Investigation of domestic solar water heating installations in Malta

Abstract

Malta enjoys favourable weather conditions that encourage the use of solar water heating systems, but their market penetration has so far remained low. In an effort to identify the reasons behind this lack of impetus, the Institute for Energy Technology has devised a number of study programmes. This paper deals with one of those studies, namely the technical aspects of installed domestic solar heating systems. Results showed that there are a number of issues that are contributing towards lower solar water heating systems performance. Most of these shortcomings can be easily overcome, but it is clear that there is a need for proper training programmes for installers as well as better diffusion of information on the proper utilisation of this technology.