Solar Thermal Technology

The location of your solar thermal project in the UK plays a large part in how effective your system will be, for example, the south coast of England can receive 33% more solar irradiation than in Scotland.

An added complication that must be considered is that the UK’s temperature has been as low as 27.2°C and as high as 40.3°C, which can put severe strain on the pipes and jointing systems used as they expand and contract.

Despite the hurdles, solar thermal is a viable technology, but clients should be aware that it will not satisfy your entire heat demands all year round.  In summer, theses systems will be more effective, but seasonally, the Chartered Institute of Building Engineers estimate that solar thermal can contribute 30-40% of an annual hot water load, making it a potentially valuable addition to anyone looking to achieve next zero.

Solar Thermal can be an expensive technology and so consideration needs to be made as to whether it would be financially viable for your buildings. Initiatives such as the RHI make Solar Thermal schemes more feasible and assist with life cycle costs.

Solar Thermal panels, much like Solar PV panels require a large area to produce an adequate level of hot water for your buildings, so buildings with a relatively small roof area may not be appropriate for this technology.

An annual service would be required to ensure the technology is operating as it should be and that the panels are clean and still safely secured to the roof, which would need to be carried out by a trained professional.