Solar panel query.

ipri

Hi....is it possible to install a small panel to run a limited heating system?...

Cardew

Unfortunately no.

Even a very large solar system of, say 16 panels, covering a roof will just about run a limited heating system on a sunny day in mid-summer(when you don't need heating).

In winter on many days you will produce virtually no electricity.

ipri

I gather you are not impressed??

Cardew

Solar electricity was never intended to provide heating. Apart from the low winter output mentioned above, as soon as the sun sets you get zero output.

The only attraction(in financial terms) is the very large subsidies paid.

victor2

Just look at what the output of a "small" panel is likely to be (on a sunny day). Assuming you had some way to store that energy and call on it when you actually need it (like after dusk), you'd struggle to run a light bulb for the evening, let alone any form of useful heating.

It just doesn't work unfortunately.

rogerblack

It can in principle work, but it requires investment that makes it questionable.
I've seen an article on a seasonal heat store based system.
It used a large (from memory 7 meters in diameter and height) buried cylindrical heat store, well insulated.
Into this was fed heat from a large array of solar-thermal panels.

The panels heat the store in summer, and then heat is drawn from it in the winter.