?new government initiative

redagila

Has anyone heard about a Government Scheme for people with Solar Panels being able to take part in an initiative to produce savings on gas usage?

Cardew

I suspect you are talking about the Renewable Heat Initiative(RHI) for Solar Thermal panels.

Solar Thermal heating has been around for a long time, long before Solar PV that produces electricity. Essentially it consists of the domestic hot water(for taps, baths etc) being pumped through roof panels which warms the water which is fed into a Hot water tank. The system is not just for gas but any CH system that uses a hot water tank(thus not for a gas Combi)

If you are thinking of installing such a system beware that the Solar industry has a justified reputation that would make a double glazing salesman blush. Outrageous claims and outrageous prices are typical - ask any Trading standards Office or find some old Watchdog programmes.

The government carried out some tests - which the industry avoid mentioning - and typically a panel will produce 1,000kWh pa nearly all in summer. saving about £30 a year if you have gas. Several panels will produce more - but you can't use it all.

On top of this you have to pay for the electricity to run the pump. There is an electronic control panel to turn off the pump when there is no solar gain - otherwise the panels on your roof would act as radiators at night!!

redagila

Thanks for the information - confirms what we had thought although the phone call we had was indicating there was to be a payment scheme like FIT.