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Solar Thermal Systems

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Homeowners or Self Build

See how Greenworks can help you with your Solar Thermal
System Installation?

Overview

Solar Thermal Modules generate heat to provide hot water to the house via the the central heating system.

By heating water using the suns radiation, thermal collectors can be provide almost all of the hot water requirements during the summer and an average of 50-70% annually.

Solar Thermal modules contain solar fluid which circulates through the panels and into a twin coil solar cylinder. The cylinder comprises of one coil which receives the heat from the collector on the roof, and another that is used to supply heat from the main house hold boiler/ heat source for when solar energy is insufficient. Some systems are also fitted with immersion heaters.

What are the benefits?

  • Reduces CO2 emissions on an average domestic system by up to 400kg per year (depending on the fuel being replaced)
  • Easy-to-install and maintain
  • They can easily be integrated with other heating systems to meet the additional hot water requirements during winter.
  • Reduces hot water heating energy costs. Solar hot water can save money, reduce your carbon emissions, and can give you lower dependence on expensive imported energy.

Different types of Solar PV Panel

Photovoltaic systems convert solar radiation into electricity. The simplest systems provide electricity to a building directly but they can also be used with batteries to store energy. PV panels can be stand-alone or mounted to a suitable wall or roof.

Am I Eligible?

There are a number of installation options available including surface-mounted options for pitch or flat roofs, A-frames, in-roof and complete roof installation, canopy or façade construction. Greenworks can advise you on the best solution for your project.

Solar thermal systems need to be:

  • Connected to a twin coil cylinder, which is often bigger than a standard hot water cylinder. One coil receives heat from the solar collector on the roof, while the second receives heat from the other main heat source for when there is insufficient sunlight
  • Greenworks offer a full range of hot water cylinders and can advise on the correct size of cylinder for your project. Space should be allowed for these cylinders when planning your project.
  • You will need 2-4m² of South-East to South-West facing roof space. DIY jobs are not eligible for grant funding and the best practice is to use a professional installer.

Funding and Grants

MCS approved installations (product and installer) can are incentivised through the government led Renewable Heat Incentive, which incentivises people by providing them with funding towards the project through one of payments and tariffs.


Phase 1 (available from July 2011) - RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE (RHI) Premium Payment.

This is called the "RHI Premium Payment" and will be worth around £15m and available to 25,000 householders in Great Britain who install from July 2011.

The exact amounts available to consumers have yet to be confirmed. However the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have announced that the following amounts may be available:

RHI is designed to provide financial support that encourages individuals, communities and businesses to switch from using fossil fuel for heating, to renewables such as wood fuel.

  • Solar Thermal - £300/unit
  • Air to Water Source Heat Pumps - £850/unit
  • Biomass boilers - £950/unit
  • Ground Source Heat Pumps - £1,250/unit.

These are one off payments; so not annual. DECC plan to publish details of the "RHI Premium Payment" and how this will apply in May this year though recipients of this payment will need to ensure that:

  • They have a well-insulated home based on its energy performance certificate;
  • They agree to give feedback on how the equipment performs.

Further guidance will appear shortly once announced.


Phase 2 (available from October 2012) - RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE

People in receipt of the Renewable Heat Premium Payments will be able to receive long term RHI tariff support once these tariffs are introduced, as will anybody who has installed an eligible technology since 15th July 2009.

These tariff payments will start alongside the Green Deal from October 2012 to allow a more whole-house approach to heat production and energy saving.

RHI is designed to provide financial support that encourages individuals, communities and businesses to switch from using fossil fuel for heating, to renewables such as Solar Thermal technology.

Please fill in the form below for one of our renewables specialists to contact you for a no-obligation initial estimate for your Solar Heating Panel System.

1 of 2. About You

(Optional)

2 of 2. Project Details

Is this project taking place at the above address?

  • Yes
  • No

Is this a commercial or residential property?

  • Commercial
  • Residential

Please select Job title

  • Large house builder
  • Regional House builder
  • Public sector
  • Regional Builder
  • Local Builder
  • Civil engineer
  • Architect
  • Local authority
  • Self builder
  • Contactor
  • Plumber
  • Pluming contactor
  • DIY
  • Other…

Do you have an account with any of the following St. Gobain companies?

  • Jewson
  • Ashworth
  • Minster
  • Grahams
  • Neville Lumb
  • St. Gobain
  • Gibbs & Dandy

Where are you planning to fit this system?

  • To an existing roof
  • To a new roof or a new build?

What is the approximate timescale for the installation?

1 month

12+ months

6 months

(Optional)

Solar Thermal Systems FAQs

Q. What are Solar Thermal Systems?

Solar Thermal Systems are renewable water heating systems. They use the Suns energy to generate most of the hot water requirements for a building.

Q. Are Solar Thermal Panels the same as Solar PV Panels?

No, although they both use the suns energy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel generated energy, they do it in two completely different ways. Solar PV Systems use the suns energy to generate electricity where as Solar Thermal Systems uses the suns energy to generate hot water.

Q. Do I need to be MCS approved to install a Solar Thermal System?

Anyone intending to benefit from the government backed RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) scheme will need to have any renewable heating equipment installed by a MCS registered and approved installer. The equipment must also be MCS approved.