Do you want to reduce your heating expenditures and carbon footprint? You might be shocked to hear that renewable energy can help! Solar thermal systems use the power of the sun to heat your water and can be used in pairing with your existing boiler.
These thermal-powered panels work better with the latest boilers. I get that this sounds like double trouble and more money. What if there were a way to get significant help on the money you were thinking you’d have to spend? Click here to open the doorway to a government-backed scheme for free boiler upgrades.
Now, let’s look at how this dynamic tandem can improve your home’s heating system.
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What is solar thermal and how can it connect to a boiler?
Consider a network of panels on your roof, bathing in the sun’s beams. These are not your usual solar panels for generating electricity. Instead, solar thermal systems employ a specialized fluid that circulates through the panels, taking heat from the sun. This heated fluid is then moved to a storage tank, where it remains hot.
When the sun shines well, the solar thermal system takes the lead, heating your water for showers, baths, and even radiant heating systems. But what happens on cloudy days and in the winter? That’s where your reliable boiler comes in. It turns on, raising the water temperature to ensure you always have hot water, no matter what the weather is.
Benefits of solar thermal systems
There are several reasons to consider a solar thermal system:
- Cut heating costs: Prepare for huge savings on your energy expenses. Solar thermal can meet a significant portion of your hot water heating needs, minimizing your dependency on the boiler.
- Eco-friendly option: By utilizing the sun’s free energy, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate a cleaner environment.
- Low Maintenance: Solar thermal systems require relatively little upkeep. The panels themselves require little care. In addition, the storage tank may require professional servicing on occasion.
How to integrate solar thermal?
The size and requirements of your setup will decide how you connect your solar thermal system to your existing heating system. Here is a breakdown of the three major ways to do it:
- Parallel play: This is the simplest option, ideal for small systems that do not require extremely hot water. Both the solar thermal system and your regular boiler heat water, which they then feed into your home’s piping system.
- Turning up the heat: This technology, known as series integration, is ideal for medium-sized systems that require hotter water. Imagine the solar thermal system as the initial function, warming the water. Then, your standard heater takes over, giving the water an additional boost to reach the perfect temperature.
- Multi-stage teamwork: This elegant design, cascade integration, is perfect for huge systems with changing temperature demands. It’s like having different teams collaborating. The solar thermal system heats water in one tank. Moreover, depending on the required temperature, the water may move to another tank for a final boost from the normal heater. So each level has its own set of controls, resulting in a complex yet very efficient system.
Is solar thermal compatible with my boiler?
Thinking about installing solar panels on your property in the UK? While installing the panels may appear simple, connecting them to your existing heating system can be more difficult. Most UK homes have combi boilers, which provide both heating and hot water. Combi boilers are compatible with solar thermal systems. However, this is dependent on the model you are using. Furthermore, the majority of conventional boilers and hot water cylinder systems are compatible with solar water heating. If your boiler is a combination boiler and you do not already have a hot water tank, a solar hot water system may not be compatible.
Some combi boilers prefer pre-heated water from solar panels, while others do not. Only boilers equipped with specialized components can manage this. Some boilers now accept pre-heated water, but only to a set temperature. The manufacturer of your boiler can provide you with an accurate limitation.
What are the requirements for solar panels?
Before you take the jump, there are a few things to consider:
Sunshine is important. Solar panels perform best in sunny areas. So, if you live somewhere with frequent cloud cover, you might enjoy less advantage.
Is the roof space ready? You’ll need about 5 square meters of south-facing roof space to gather enough sunlight for the panels to perform efficiently.
Hot water hang-up: Solar panels heat water, which requires a separate hot water cylinder with a solar heating coil to store it. This may require replacing your current hot water cylinder with a larger one.
Boiler buddies? Most boilers perform well with solar water heating. However, things become more complicated if you have a combi boiler (which produces both heating and hot water) and no separate hot water tank. Combi boilers may be incompatible with solar thermal systems.
Do your research! Consult a skilled installer to determine whether solar panels are suitable for your home and boiler system. With a little planning, you can harness the power of the sun and reap the benefits of clean, renewable energy!
Bottom line
Before diving into solar thermal, check your combi boiler model and see if it’s compatible. With a little planning, you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home and save money on your energy bills!
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