Guides

Solar Thermal Panels are mounted on your roof and convert sunlight to heat even on cloudy days. They provide hot water for your home, in conjunction with your boiler, and reduce your reliance upon carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

Solar Thermal panels work by transferring heat around a simple loop from your roof to a hot water cylinder.  This heat is carried via a liquid called Gylcol which is pumped around the system between the panels and the cylinder.

Solar Thermal systems provide hot water throughout the year, although during the winter months water will generally require further heating via a boiler or immersion heater.  The net result is a reduction in both your heating bills and your homes carbon footprint.

Do they really stop energy bills going through the roof?

They certainly help to reduce your bills. Solar Thermal Panels can supply up to 60% of your hot water needs and also prevent your carbon emissions increasing. In fact, they can cut them by approximately 570kg per year, depending on which fuel they’re supplementing.

This is an established and low maintenance technology and also one of the most affordable renewable heating solutions available meaning it is a great option for many homes.

A new incentive from the Government has been announced….

The Government has recently announced the release of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) which entitles customers who have Solar Thermal panels installed to a £300 rebate after the install has taken place. 

You will have to meet some special criteria and conditions, including ensuring you have suitable levels on insulation in your home and heating controls in place.  This offer will run until 31st March 2012 or until the Governments budget runs out.

Fore more information please read this guide to the Renewable Heat Premium Payment http://www.energyshare.com/guides/planning-permits/2994/

Is my home suitable for Solar Thermal?

-Solar Thermal panels should ideally be fitted to South facing roofs that receive direct sunlight during the day but in some cases a West facing roof will be suitable

-Your roof should be free from shade and structurally sound

-You will need space for a large, or an extra, hot water cylinder.  You may already have a solar ready cylinder but if this is not the case one will need to be installed.

-If your existing boiler is a combination boiler (combi) and you don't currently have a hot water tank then a solar hot water system may not be compatible.

-Check you have the suitable planning permission if you live in a listed building, conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty.

To find out more about Solar Thermal and take advantage of a special offer for energyshare members, call British Gas free on 0800 9759418 or request a callback here