Solar panels / solar thermal?

KennyH1

Which is best?

I assume solar thermal is easier to install in a new build as you need the heat exchange unit, whereas solar panels can be easier linked to an existing system?

thenudeone

The two are quite different.

The main benefit of solar PV is the feed-in tariff, not the free electricity.

Solar Thermal's main benefit is reduced water heating costs.

Both will be easier to install on a new build.

Retrofiting solar PV is pretty easy. Solar Thermal is more complex because there is more pipework, and probably a new dual-coil water tank (or an extra buffer tank).

KennyH1

thenudeone wrote: »

The two are quite different.

The main benefit of solar PV is the feed-in tariff, not the free electricity.

Solar Thermal's main benefit is reduced water heating costs.

Both will be easier to install on a new build.

Retrofiting solar PV is pretty easy. Solar Thermal is more complex because there is more pipework, and probably a new dual-coil water tank (or an extra buffer tank).

What's the benefit of the feed in tariff? Is this just a cheaper tariff and then any extra generated goes back into the system?

Furts

My personal opinion is to do the costings on a pv panel system. Look at the Feed in Tariffs. If the figures add up the electricity can be used in your home and for heating your water. This makes the concept of solar thermal for hot water redundant - basically a no brainer.

I am aware of local pv panel companies advertising a 4kW pv panel system at around £6500. These are retail adverts so I assume they include VAT.

I looked at both concepts in late 2011 for my home and decided there was no logical reason for installing a solar thermal system, At the time the pv panels made huge financial sense, and these I had fitted.

The panels have exceeded their forecasts by a considerable margin and justified my decision.

Leif

KennyH1 wrote: »

What's the benefit of the feed in tariff? Is this just a cheaper tariff and then any extra generated goes back into the system?

The idea is that you feed back electricity into the national grid, and you get paid for each unit. The amount you get paid is absurdly high, because the government wants to encourage solar PV panels. I think it is to comply with rulings from Brussels regarding reduction of CO2 emissions. Consequently our electricity bills are higher than they they would be, and poor people have higher fuel bills, and in effect they are subsidising rich people to buy solar PV panels, and make money.

tony6403

I've got solar thermal for which I paid £1,470 by joining a local collective along with about 90 others.
In winter the water will usually heat to between 20 C to 30 C which leaves a bit less for the boiler to do.
It is however hardly surprising that it performs best when you need it the least . For the last few weeks I have had many gallons of water at 67 C and most of it remains in the cylinder.

KennyH1

tony6403 wrote: »

I've got solar thermal for which I paid £1,470 by joining a local collective along with about 90 others.
In winter the water will usually heat to between 20 C to 30 C which leaves a bit less for the boiler to do.
It is however hardly surprising that it performs best when you need it the least . For the last few weeks I have had many gallons of water at 67 C and most of it remains in the cylinder.

Thanks, so based on this would you say PV is a better option as it seems a waste having the water heated to such a high temp during summer?

Furts

If one opts for solar thermal bear in mind the glycol mixture and servicing/maintenance regime. This does not usually get publicity.

IMHO many companies are not designing systems correctly for solar thermal on tank sizes, controls, insulation. I found this with my home.It is newish territory and there are cowboys around.

tony6403

KennyH1 wrote: »

Thanks, so based on this would you say PV is a better option as it seems a waste having the water heated to such a high temp during summer?

Yes. There is not much return on an investment in thermal. Guessing really, now gas prices have risen £200 per annum saved.
Better to go for PV if you want a renewable which makes financial sense.
As regards servicing my thermal system , this was installed in 2004 and has so far required no attention at all. It works as well now as it did when it was first fitted. My system was done through a local authority scheme.

AmberStripes

Can you get the Feed In Tariff for other forms of electricity generation? My house does not face south but I am still keen to generate some money by using ethical power generation.

daisyroger

Let me to know that solar thermal systems capture the sun heat and use it to heat the water.
The sun heats up a "solar liquid" , inside the solar heat collector on the roof. There is a control that tell you if the liquid is hotter then the water in the tank. A pump their basically pumps the liquid from the collector into water tank. The solar liquid flows water through a pipe coiling inside the hot water tank and heats it up.
This kind of system is cheaper compared of using solar panels for providing electricity for your home. Can you imagine that it even works on cloudy days. I just love it!