Domestic Water Heating

Heating water for washing, bathing and showering typically consumes up to 30% of your household’s total annual energy requirement. A suitably sized solar heating system will deliver 50%-70% of your hot water demand, therefore reducing your total annual energy bill by up to 20%. Installing a solar hot water system is therefore an environmentally friendly and financially viable alternative to traditional water heating methods.

Domestic solar thermal systems can be installed as part of a new build, or to integrate easily with your existing hot water system. Systems have a typical life expectancy of 25-years and will function automatically with minimal maintenance.

Space Heating

Using a solar heating system to heat your radiators or your underfloor heating system is an option, but is generally not recommended in the UK. The relatively low levels of solar radiation available during the winter severely limit the contribution a sensibly sized solar thermal panel system can make. If you increase the area of solar panels you install you will get a lot of energy in the summer that is wasted.

If you want to reduce the cost of space heating you would be much better to consider one of our heat pump solutions instead. A heat pump can work alongside a solar water heating system.

Costs

A fully installed ISO Energy solar heating system for a 5 to 6-person property typically costs from £5,000 inc. VAT.

Grants

England, Wales & Northern Ireland: You can claim a £400 grant though the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP).

Scotland: You can claim a 30% (up to £4,000) grant though the Energy Saving Scotland Home Renewables Grant Scheme.

To be eligible your property needs to have the following energy saving measures installed:

• 270mm Mineral Wool Loft Insulation (or equivalent)
• Cavity Wall Insulation (if applicable)
• Thermostatic Hot Water & Central Heating Controls
• 6+ Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Grant applications must be made prior to your system being installed.

Further Information

You can find out more about the design of a typical domestic solar hot water system by clicking here.

For details on the typical models of solar collector we supply please click here.

Call or email us now if you have any questions or would like to discuss your particular requirements.

---