Solar thermal

[Poorbuthappy]

New build farmhouse. Looking at solar thermal for summer hot water (and perhaps help the winter requirements along a little).
Any recommendations or ones to avoid.
I'm thinking in roof flat panel. Not sure whether to go 2 or 3 panels.

 

[suffolksmallholder]

Find a good Co to spec this up into a working system and then price to fit. The components will then be properly matched. HWC size, panel size, solar aspect demand and not forgetting a timed immersion to get it regularly to 60 degrees for leigonella protection.
The best money you will ever spend!
A good Co will also have all components registered in the RHI scheme but it is then your choice to apply.
SS

 

[Still Farming]

Look on navitron web site and forum .

 

[ped]

New build farmhouse. Looking at solar thermal for summer hot water (and perhaps help the winter requirements along a little).
Any recommendations or ones to avoid.
I'm thinking in roof flat panel. Not sure whether to go 2 or 3 panels.

speak to ron over at bywhe renewables, launceston he has been fitting them for years, does a good job

 

[joe soapy]

Keep the pipe run from panels to hot tank short as possible, and have a solar powered pump for circulation.
Our neighbours went on holiday, lecy tripped out and system was boiling like a kettle

 

[Lazy Sod]

I'd thought about solar thermal and, as I was having a new hot water tank as part of the house refurbishment, thinking ahead, I had a tank with an extra coil put in. After I moved in, I got a solar energy firm in to quote and was advised against it , as it wouldn't be worth it financially.

 

[f0ster]

they are talking crap, you get free hot water and you get paid for it.

 

[Poorbuthappy]

they are talking crap, you get free hot water and you get paid for it.

From what I've been told, the RHI payments will cover the installation costs and maybe then some . As you say, hot water is then free.

 

[Lazy Sod]

As I remember it, the thinking was, that with only the 2 of us, we wouldn't have used enough of the hot water.

 

[f0ster]

yes but the system is only to fit once, you get free hot water, you have to use less energy or non at all from other sources such as electric or oil to heat your water and you get paid to heat this free hot water, a typical installation is about £5k or there abouts depending on whose system you use but that includes a twin coil tank which you have already provided, one of the biggest costs is scaffolding hire (which can sometimes be avoided) to get at the roof of the property if required. also if you have an epc done on the property having renewable energy makes a difference to the epc rating.