Written by: Robert Costart
Updated on: 26 October 2024
Written by: Robert Costart
Updated on: 26 October 2024
Solar Thermal Panels: The Smart Choice for Greener Living
Solar Thermal Panels: The Smart Choice for Greener Living
What are Solar Thermal Panels?
Solar thermal panels are roof-installed systems designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into hot water for residential use. They harness infrared sunlight, heating a water-glycol mixture which circulates through your home. Not only do they provide a reliable hot water supply for everyday tasks, but they can also work alongside traditional heating systems, making them a practical choice. The average cost for installation is around £4,000, but this initial investment is considerably less than that of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels (Small-scale Solar Thermal Market Report, 2021).
Absolutely! Solar thermal panels can effectively operate even in the UK's often overcast skies. During summer months, they provide up to 90% of your hot water needs, while this figure drops to around 25% in winter (Energy Saving Trust, 2023). Homeowners should consider a supplementary hot water source, such as a gas boiler, while benefiting from the significant savings and carbon footprints reductions. With increasing public awareness of energy costs, solar thermal popularity is expected to rise (National Home Energy Survey, 2023).
Do Solar Thermal Panels Work in the UK?
Understanding Costs and Returns on Investment
A typical installation costs between £3,000 to £5,000 for a three-bedroom home. After installation, homeowners may save an average of £75 per year on energy bills by using solar energy for half of their hot water needs (Office for National Statistics, 2022). Over a lifespan of 25 years, this translates to approximately £1,350 in savings, alongside a substantial elimination of 6.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. While the payback isn't immediate, consider the long-term environmental benefits as equally valuable (Government Research Report, 2022).
Government Grants for Solar Thermal Systems
Currently, there are no government grants for solar thermal systems following the discontinuation of the Renewable Heat Incentive in March 2022. Previously, homeowners received payments for energy generated through solar thermal, but these incentives have shifted focus to technologies like heat pumps. Despite the lack of grants for solar thermal specifically, installing such systems helps qualify you for other renewable energy incentives (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, 2022).
Solar Thermal Panels: The Smart Choice for Greener Living
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