Borders Green Energy
Intelligent interior climate solutions
Self-build Specialists
solar thermal panels (HOT Water)
Solar thermal (hot water) panels on a conversion near Galashiels.
Array of solar hot water (thermal) panels on conversion near Galashiels.
A lot had to happen in a small space (a former doorway) in this Victorian Highland cottage. Pipework for the solar thermal panels, heated towel rails, upper floor radiators, and underfloor heating, including the ground floor UFH manifold, all converge on the wall of this understairs cupboard. Space was tight!
Solar thermal (hot water) panels on a conversion near Galashiels.
Click image to expand.
Solar thermal panels, not to be confused with solar photovoltaic panels, are one of the simplest renewable technologies to understand. Pioneers in solar thermal technology would paint a radiator black and strap it to the outside wall of their house, then connect it to their heating system. Circulation was achieved by convection or was pumped, but technology has moved on and efficiency increased since then.
Today's solar thermal panels produce virtually free hot water on any sunny day, even in winter. When we installed ours at the end of January 2005 we were delighted because they were even more effective than we had imagined, especially when one considers that we're in Scotland.
On 1st February, the first day after commissioning, we had a sunny day, albeit a short one, which still provided us with a full tank of free hot water.
In new build properties solar thermal panels can be installed in-roof instead of slates, and where they will resemble roof windows, or on the ground or a flat roof on A-frames.
You will need a hot water cylinder with a solar coil, and if installing a heat pump now or in the future, you will need a solar DHW cylinder that has the larger coil needed by a heat pump.
The most common method of fitting solar panels is to a sloping roof, preferably on a South-facing area with little to no shading. Installation can be carried out in two ways: on-roof, or in-roof. On-roof panels cause minimal disruption to the roof, but sit proud of the slates and tiles. On the other hand, in-roof panels, which are often said to resemble large skylights involve co-ordinating the work with a roofing contractor. Alternatively, you can have your panels fitted on A-frames on a flat surface.
Solar thermal panels are eligible for payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, subject to your eligibility. If you wish to claim payments under the RHI scheme, your installer must be MCS accredited for the installation of solar thermal panels. It’s important to check that your installer is on the MCS register because if they are not, you will not be able to claim the RHI. You can check the Energy Saving Trust's Renewables Installer Finder here.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
If installing underfloor heating and a heat pump to ensure low fuel costs for the lifetime of your property is not enough incentive, subject to your eligibility, the Energy Saving Trust offer grants for the installation of renewable energy devices. Check your eligibility by visiting their web site here. If you're Scotland, click here for more information.
If you wish to claim a grant and/or loan, your installer must be MCS accredited for the installation of heat pumps. It's important to check that your installer is on the MCS register because if they are not, you will not be able to claim the grant or loan. MCS accredited installers are annually audited for their admin procedures, quality of installation, and compliance with MCS standards. You can check the database here. Our MCS accreditation number is NAP 14681, in the name of Borders Underfloor Heating Ltd.
INTEREST FREE LOANS IN SCOTLAND
Home Energy Scotland are currently offering interest free loans for people installing renewable energy devices in Scotland. Check your eligibility by calling them on 0808 808 2282, or for more details, click here.
