Pool Heating
A solar water heating system is the ideal way to heat a swimming pool. A system can be sized to warm a small domestic pool, an Olympic-size public pool, or anything in between.
If you only use your pool during the summer you may not need a secondary heat source as a suitable system can provide 100% of the energy demand.
If you have an indoor pool that is used all year the solar thermal collectors can typically provide up to 60% of the annual energy demand, with the remainder provided by a standard boiler, electric heater or ground source heat pump etc.
We typically recommend flat plate collectors for pool heating. The use of more expensive vacuum tube collectors is not required given the relatively low operating temperatures.
Costs
A fully installed ISO Energy solar pool heating system, suitable for a 40m2 pool will typically cost from £14,000 inc. VAT. The cost to heat a smaller pool will be lower; the cost to heat a larger pool higher.
Grants
Homeowners: In England, Wales & Northern Ireland can claim a £400 grant though the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). In Scotland, homeowners 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: 270mm Mineral Wool Loft Insulation (or equivalent), Cavity Wall Insulation (if applicable), Thermostatic Hot Water & Central Heating Controls & 6+ Energy Saving Light Bulbs.
Non-Profit Community Organisations: When installing a solar hot water system you may be able to claim a 50% (up to £200,000) grant through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 Extended (LCBP2E) scheme, as well as a 50% (up to £50,000) grant through the Community Sustainable Energy Programme (CSEP). Applications are very involved and there is no guarantee you will be awarded a grant. We can assist you through the application process.
Commercial Organisations: Some systems are eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowance, which allows you to write off the cost of the system against your taxable profits. The Carbon Trust does offer interest loans to encourage businesses to save carbon. In our experience the reality is that the loan requirements mean it is virtually impossible to take out a loan for anything other than a very small percentage of the total cost of the system.
Further Information
You can find out more about the design of a typical pool solar hot water system by clicking here.
For details on the typical makes 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.