Solar Thermal Water Heating, Suffolk
Designed & Installed
Solar thermal water heating systems are a practical and cost-effective way to heat both new and existing properties. Unlike solar PV systems which turn sunlight into electricity, solar thermal technologies use sunlight to produce hot water. This solar-heated water can then be used to supply your household’s hot water needs and existing wet central heating system.
Our experienced solar thermal installers will work with you to deliver a high-quality solution that’s tailored to your household’s specific heating requirements. So, if you are located in the Suffolk area and looking to install a solar thermal water heating system, contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our fully qualified renewable heating systems specialists.
How do Solar Thermal Heating Systems Work?
While solar PV systems turn sunlight into electricity, solar thermal technologies use sunlight to produce hot water. Using solar thermal panels to harness the sun’s energy, a solar thermal water heating system can generate enough heat to cover over half of your household’s annual hot water requirements.
- Solar thermal panels filled with tubes of fluid absorb heat from the sun
- The heat is transferred to your hot water storage tank via a heat exchanger
- The hot water is used to supply your wet central heating system and taps
Solar thermal technology is designed to work alongside conventional water heating systems. Here in the UK, you are likely to still need a traditional boiler or immersion heater to supplement your solar thermal heating system during the winter. In the summer, a solar thermal system can harness enough heat to supply virtually all of your hot water needs.
Types of Solar Thermal Panels
There are two types of solar thermal panels (also known as collectors) available for domestic use: flat plate panels and evacuated tube collectors.
Flat Plate Panels
Flat plate solar thermal panels look very similar to solar PV panels. They consist of an absorber plate within an insulated metal box. Inside the panel, copper or aluminium tubes carry a fluid that is heated by the sun’s energy, then used to heat water for your home. Flat plate panels are less efficient than evacuated tube collectors, but cheaper to install.
Evacuated Tube Collectors
As the name suggests, evacuated tube collectors are made up of a series of evacuated glass tubes, positioned in parallel rows. The vacuum surrounding the tubes acts as insulation to help reduce heat loss and increase efficiency. Evacuated tube collectors are the most popular and efficient solar thermal system available, but also the most expensive.
Solar Thermal Installation Process
Installing a solar thermal water heating system is a relatively simple process:
Benefits of Installing a Solar Thermal System
Installing a solar thermal system has the potential to significantly reduce your heating bills, as well as your household’s carbon footprint. Although solar thermal systems are less efficient during the winter they can operate all year round and generally require little maintenance, making them a convenient renewable heating solution for your home.
Solar Thermal
Servicing & Maintenance
Solar thermal water heating systems typically have a lifespan of over twenty years and require very little maintenance in comparison to other domestic heating systems.
Once fitted, your installer will advise you of any checks that you should carry out to ensure that the system is working correctly, such as checking the pressure gauge to detect leaks. You should have the system flushed and top up the anti-freeze every five years, as anti-freeze protection reduces over time. Replacing the fluid every five years will ensure continued optimal performance.
Should you experience any issues with your solar thermal heating system, our responsive team will go above and beyond to devise an effective solution.
Solar Thermal Installation Specialists
Delivering Excellence And Building Client Relationships
B. A. Boyle and Son LTD based in Ipswich, Suffolk, is a family-run company with over 45 years worth of experience in home improvements and maintenance.
Our renewable heating systems specialists have worked tirelessly to develop the required knowledge and skills to successfully fit and install a range of sustainable heating systems, designed to effectively and efficiently meet our client’s needs. Our team’s shared passion for quality and dedication to our customers places us amongst the top solar thermal heating installers in East Anglia.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation today to discover the excellent rates, outstanding quality of workmanship, and unrivalled expertise that earned our five-star rating.
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Solar Thermal Installation
FAQs
Is a solar thermal water heating system suitable for my home?
Both new and existing homes can benefit from the energy-saving capabilities of a solar thermal water heating system. That said, before you invest in solar thermal panels, there are some practical requirements to consider:
- Is your roof predominantly south-facing to ensure sufficient exposure to sunlight?
- Do you have sufficient roof space (around five square metres) to fit solar thermal panels?
- Is your current heating system compatible with a solar thermal system?
- Do you have space for a large hot water cylinder?
- If you live in a listed building or a building in a conservation area, have you checked whether planning permission is required to install solar thermal panels?
If a solar thermal water heating system sounds right for you, or if you’d like to discuss your options with a qualified solar thermal installer, contact B. A. Boyle and Son to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our friendly team.
How much does a solar thermal water heating system cost to install?
The cost of installing a solar thermal water heating system is dependent on various factors, including the size of your property, how many solar thermal panels you require, and the type of panels you choose. With this in mind, a domestic solar thermal system typically costs somewhere between £3000 and £6000 to install, with minimal maintenance costs thereafter.
For a more specific estimate regarding how much a solar thermal water heating system might cost you, contact B. A. Boyle and Son today – our experienced team will be happy to help.
How much money can I save with a solar thermal water heating system?
As fuel prices continue to increase, a solar thermal water heating system could be a great way to futureproof your property against rising energy bills. Here in the UK, solar thermal systems are capable of providing enough heat to cover all of your heating requirements during the summer and a proportion of your needs throughout the rest of the year, typically equating to around half of your annual hot water requirements. These energy savings are likely to significantly reduce your heating bills, especially as gas and electricity prices continue to rise. Exactly how much money you’ll save is dependent on your household’s hot water consumption – changing your daily habits to reduce how much hot water you use could result in even greater financial savings.
For a more specific estimate of how much money you could save by installing a solar thermal water heating system, contact B. A. Boyle and Son today – our experienced team will be happy to discuss your options.
What type of solar thermal panel is best?
There are two types of solar thermal panels or collectors to choose between: flat plate panels and evacuated tube collectors. Flat plate solar thermal panels look similar to solar PV panels and consist of an absorber plate within an insulated metal box. Inside the flat plate panel, tubes carry fluid that is heated by the sun’s energy, then used to heat water for your home. In comparison, as the name suggests, evacuated tube collectors are made up of parallel glass tubes with a vacuum for added insulation. Evacuated tubes collectors are the most popular and efficient solar thermal system available, but also the most expensive. In contrast, flat plate panels are slightly less efficient but cheaper to install. Both systems have a life expectancy of over twenty years – for many people, the best type of solar thermal panel is simply a matter of aesthetics.
If you’d like to discuss your options with a qualified solar thermal installer, B. A. Boyle and Son are pleased to offer a free, no-obligation consultation – contact us today to arrange a meeting with a member of our friendly team.
Does a solar thermal water heating system still work in winter?
Solar thermal systems require two things to work – a constant supply of water and a small amount of sunlight. Modern systems are highly efficient and generally provide at least half of a household’s hot water requirements on average throughout the year. Although your solar thermal system will generate less heat during the winter months as there is less sunlight available, you might be surprised at how little sunlight is required to produce heat for your home. While you can expect to rely more heavily on your backup heating system during the winter months, you should still see some energy savings as a result of installing a solar thermal water heating system.
For more information about what to expect when you install a solar thermal system, contact B. A. Boyle and Son today – our experienced team will be happy to help.
We Don’t Just Install Solar Thermal Systems
