Solar Thermal Hot Water Heating

The principal behind Solar Thermal technology is very simple. The panels convert light into heat, which can then be stored in a hot water cylinder for when it is needed.

In new build buildings, it is easier to install a range of these technologies at the design stage. However, for retro fitting existing buildings, this can be more challenging, and not all technologies will necessarily be cost effective.

We believe that Solar Thermal hot water heating systems offer one of the best and most cost effective of the renewable technologies.

How effective are Solar Thermal Systems

A system can provide up to 70% of a typical household’s annual hot water. Typically, a third of a household’s annual heating bill will be used for generating hot water.

What does a system involve?

For most people, this will require a new twin coil hot water cylinder. This is to allow the input of heat from the solar hot water heating system to work effectively in combination with the input from a conventional heating source such as a boiler or immersion heater.

There will also be the need for the solar panels to be installed on the roof, ideally in a South facing position. However, if your roof isn’t South facing, then this shouldn’t be too critical, subject to a number of factors including shading and angle of the roof.

There are also a number of other system components to ensure a safe and efficient operation.

It should take no more than 2 days to install a system, and we will in fact aim to complete this within 1 day.

What Incentives Are Available?

The Government has now announced the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The Government wishes to expand 10 fold the amount of heat from renewable resources over the coming decade, shifting renewable heat from the fringe into the mainstream.

The rates will be announced at the end of November 2010.

The RHI will entitle the householder to annual payments for the amount of heat produced. This will be based on a SAP calculation of the amount of energy a system is likely to produce annually. It is expected that these payments will be made for a period of 20 years and will be index linked.

These RHI payements are in addition to the gas or oil savings that will be made.

More information will be placed here when it is made available.