Solar thermal must work in conjunction with your existing boiler, so a strong knowledge of central heating systems is required. We are experienced and highly skilled heating engineers and as such best placed to advise you on integrating a solar thermal system into your existing heating system.
We can also discuss other measures to improve the overall efficiency of your heating and hot water systems, such as installing a weather compensator.
How does Solar Thermal work?
Solar panels turns radiation from the sun into hot water. The solar panels work by using sunlight to heat the liquid that circulates through the thermal solar panels. This heated liquid passes through a coil in the water tank which in turn heats the water stored in the tank. The heated water can then be used throughout your home.
The hot water cylinder stores the hot water that has been heated during the day and supplies it for use later. Solar tanks are twin coil (see diagram below) which means if, on some days, the thermal solar panels are not producing enough hot water the conventional boiler can top it up via the second coil.
The benefits of Solar Thermal
There are many benefits to installing Solar Thermal panels:
- Reduced energy bills with more financial incentives on their way – click here for more details;
- Assisting the UK meet its EU target of 15% of energy from renewables by 2020; and
- Cutting your carbon footprint as solar thermal does not release any harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) or other pollutants.
Is my property suitable?
We would need to carry out a site survey to give you accurate facts and figures on the suitability of your property (see below).
As a guide however the following criteria applies:
- The roof needs to sit within 45 degrees of South with a pitch between 30 degrees and 60 degrees to allow it to absorb the most light. (Panels can be positioned at ground level but there is rarely enough space to do so.)
- The panels need a good deal of exposure to sunlight, so roofs that meet the criteria in terms of orientation and pitch but are obstructed by trees or high surrounding buildings are unlikely to be suitable.
- The roof needs to be capable of taking the weight of the panels.
- For an average three or four bedroom house, you would need enough roof area for around 4sqm of flat plane collectors or 3sqm of evacuated tube collectors.
Solar Thermal Products
There are two distinct types of solar collectors: evacuated tubes and flat plane collectors. The most suitable product will depend on your circumstances and budget and we will be able to advise you following a more detailed site survey.
Evacuated tube solar collectors
Evacuated tube collectors are made up of several cylindrical collectors, which sit in parallel. Tube collectors can collect more solar energy as the tubes capture the sun from many angles.
Evacuated tube solar collectors are amongst the most efficient types of solar collectors. The disadvantages are that they are more expensive and more susceptible to breakage.
Flat plane collectors
Flat plane collectors are the archetypal flat, glazed, insulated and weatherproofed panel that can either be integrated into a roof or mounted onto the roof or other structure. Flat plan collectors are a long established and proven technology. They are a little less productive than evacuated tube solar collectors, but cheaper to install and maintain.
Integrating your existing system
We will always utilise what we can from your existing system and advise as part of the quote process where upgrades are required. The following can definitely be re-used:
- All radiators
- Pipework
- Existing boiler - often even a combination boiler
- Twin coil cylinders
- Heating controls
Site Survey
We will carry out a site survey to assess the suitability of your property/roof. The information we gather will allow us to give you vital information on the suitability and efficiency of your home and the finance returns, including:
- A SAP (the Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation which is an estimate of the amount of energy you can expect to harness in a year.
- A Payback Calculation – this will give you some idea of cost savings you can make through reduced energy bills which you can set against the initial cost of installation. At the moment this is the only financial return available to homeowners, however the Government has made public provisional plans to better incentivise homeowners to install these systems (click here for more information).
Quote
Once we have gathered all the necessary information we will provide you with a pack containing: SAP calculation, Payback calculation and a quote with recommendations for the most suitable solar product according to your circumstances/budget. Please call us to book an appointment.
