Biomass boiler and solar energy integration

[Paul_H]

Hi,

With the RHI payments coming to a close soon and the ever increasing cost of pellets, I'm thinking if its possible to integrate a solar heated element into my heating system.

I have a Froling boiler with a large thermal storage tank which is configured such that the boiler only starts when the temperature in the thermal store drops below a certain level. The flow and return through the thermal tank can supply heat to the hot water tank and underfloor heating until the temperature drops. My thoughts are that maybe I could install an immersion heater(s) into the thermal tank, powered by solar panels to maintain the tank temperature during the day. The alternative is that I install solar thermal panels, but that would require more pipe work. This seems like an option to reduce the number of times the boiler starts.

I would be very interested in any thoughts or advice others have on the topic or how you've managed to expand the system.

Many thanks
Paul

 

[A1an]

But would your RHI meter not be registering heat produced from the immersion heater.

 

[Paul_H]

I'm not metered. The rate I'm paid is the same every quarter.

 

[f0ster]

it is an option for you to try, it depends on how big your thermal store is. 3kw in to a 1000L tank is not going to make a lot of difference. you must be on the domestic rhi? if your thermal store is a bit on the big side it might be better to put yout surplus elec in to your hot water tank, it should be more of a size that will feel the benefit. something like an iboost will automatically put evenything in to an immersion heater without pulling anything from the grid unless you want it to. not too sure on the rhi rules about this on the domestic tariff. they are doing inspections still and they are also inspecting domestic installs, when you submit an install application you have to put on any immersion heaters and their rating.

 

[Paul_H]

Yes, I'm on the domestic RHI and from what I can estimate the tank is around the 1000L capacity, so thanks for the input on the effectiveness of the heater. I'll definitely look into the iboost.

thanks

 

[ifindoubtflatout]

Yes, I'm on the domestic RHI and from what I can estimate the tank is around the 1000L capacity, so thanks for the input on the effectiveness of the heater. I'll definitely look into the iboost.

thanks

I’m in a similar situation
I have a 8kw solar on my roof and have a little diverted box which sends surplus electric to my household water tank Emerson heater first before it goes to export. Being on domestic tariff the export is half the production so not metered

once the domestic biomass RHI comes to an end next year I would be looking to add a large Emerson heater to the biomass holding tank to use the excess solar production
Recon my tank is 800 -1000 l
Held at between 65-75 degrees