Solar PV & Thermal Stores

pharma

Hi all,

I have a 1.8kwh solar PV system and a solar thermal system already installed on my south facing roof. I still have space on a west facing roof for a 2kwh solar system that I am thinking of installing and here is my plan - all comments appreciated.

If I did install the additional solar PV then I would install an EMMA to direct excess energy to a thermal store (that would also be installed). My solar thermal panels do not always heat the water up to the temperature I need it to be. So my solar thermal would heat the hot water tank (in my loft) and then water would run through the thermal store and onto my taps - guaranteeing hot water. I would also run the central heating from the thermal store and have the gas boiler kick in when the thermal store dropped below, say, 60 degrees. To make this work I think it would take a thermal store with a capacity of ~350 litres.

I think the solar pv FITs make this a great investment that is about to end and if I can save some money on the heating bills as well then it is a compelling investment.

Am I mad? All comments and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks in advance.