The picture above was taken on the 11th of January 2008 in Stirling, Scotland. The air temperature in the shade was -1 deg C and the ground was covered with frost. The solar panel reached 52 deg C whilst heating the water in winter. Many people have the misconception that the air needs to be warm for the solar panels to work, but this isnt true. Another example of the sheer power of the sun in Scotland during the winter months was recorded on the 19th February, 2008. By 11am, the hot water cylinder had been fully heated and the solar panel was in 'stagnation'.This means that the fluid which circulates around the solar panel loop was not being pumped. As a result, the stationary fluid in the solar panel reached a temperature of 144.5 deg C !!!! The air temperature outside was 14 deg C. Solar water heating panels do work in Scotland.
