CLEAN ENERGY FOR HOMES

Solar thermal systems for the home

Stephen Barrett – Managing Director, Solarsense

Solar thermal systems offer a greener, cheaper and more efficient means to heating your water at home. A solar thermal system typically consists of solar collectors (evacuated tubes or flat plate collectors), a pump, and a twin coil hot water cylinder which acts as a thermal store. Contact us to get a free, desktop survey delivered safely to your inbox and see what you could save by going green.

Technology Q&A with our energy experts

Does solar thermal stack up financially?
Yes! Installing a solar thermal system is a sensible investment that will considerably reduce your heating bills for the long-term. With the Green Homes Grant, it’s almost a no-brainer. The grant will cover more than 65% of the installation costs and in most cases, will provide around 70% of your annual hot water demand, saving you money year after year.

Is it worth considering a solar thermal system if I already have solar panels installed? 
Yes, the two technologies work in tandem and compliment each other. Whilst it is possible to use the excess electricity from your solar PV panels to provide hot water for your home; it now makes more sense to store this energy for later use in a battery or use this clean electricity to power your electric vehicle with ‘free’ fuel. With more and more appliances becoming electric, domestic electricity demand is only likely to rise and it therefore makes sense to take advantage of the grant whilst available.

  
Will my house be suitable for a solar thermal system?
Most homes are considered suitable for solar thermal systems, although if you are unsure please get in touch and we can identify this for you quite quickly. The two key factors to consider are roof space and internal or garage space. The solar tubes will need to be mounted on a roof that has little to no shading in order to ensure the system works efficiently. You will also need adequate space for a hot water cylinder, this could be an airing cupboard or garage for example.

Will a solar thermal system provide hot water during the winter?
Yes, our solar thermal systems are manufactured in the UK and specifically designed for Northern European climates. The vacuum inside each tube provides perfect insulation from external conditions, meaning that the system produces hot water throughout the year, regardless of temperature or wind chill.

Is there any more information available to help me make a decision?
Yes, you can find more information on our website under solar hot water. Alternatively if you have been considering solar panels, battery storage or a heat pump, now is a great time to get a free quotation with no obligation to buy.

Operating safely during the pandemic

As we enter a second lockdown we want to reassure you that we are still hard at work and here to help where possible. As a Green Homes Grant installer we are permitted to continue working in people’s homes under the new national restrictions put in place on the 05 November 2020.

We are taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure we remain working as safely as possible under the new measures and want to remind those that are considering the switch to clean energy, that we are able to conduct free desktop surveys, from a distance and deliver these safely to your inbox.

Whilst we endeavour to keep business running as smoothly as possible during the pandemic, please note that our teams are very busy and still largely working from home. It may take a little longer than normal for us to get back to you, so please bear with us.

Green Homes Grant

If you’re a homeowner or residential landlord, you can apply for a Green Homes Grant voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient improvements to your home. Technologies covered by the grant include; air source heat pumps and solar thermal systems. You must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2021.

Vouchers will cover two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000. If you, or someone in your household, receive certain benefits you may be eligible for a voucher covering 100% of the cost of the improvements. The maximum value of the voucher is £10,000. Check if you’re eligible for the low income support scheme.

It is worth noting that you can claim both the Domestic RHI and the Green Home Grant for a renewable heat installation. You must claim the Green Home Grant voucher first and then notify Ofgem that you have used it when you apply for accreditation to the RHI. The Green Homes Grant will then be deducted from your RHI payments.

Free, desktop survey

For more information or to claim your Green Homes Grant voucher, please visit the Gov. website. To arrange your free quotation for a solar thermal system or heat pump, please contact us.