Solar thermal consists of evacuated tube collectors that have glass tubes containing metal absorber tubes, through which water is pumped. Each tube vacuums the air and it is ‘evacuated’ out which minimises heat loss.

Most solar systems are mounted on a roof, but they can also be mounted on the ground. It is not essential but it is advantageous for solar systems to face south to catch as much sunlight as possible, although they are still effective facing south east and south west.