Solar thermal
hot water
What is Solar Thermal?
A solar thermal hot water system collects heat from the sun and uses it to heat the hot water in your hot water storage tank. This hot water is then supplied to the taps and showers in your existing hot water system.
Why choose a solar thermal hot water system?
- Reduction in the cost to heat your hot water
- Supported by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
- They only take a few days to install
- No need for a gas supply, flue or ventilation
How does a solar thermal hot water system work?
A solar thermal hot water system collects heat from the sun and uses it to heat the hot water in your hot water storage tank. This hot water is then supplied to the taps and showers in your existing hot water system.
The main parts of a solar thermal system are the collector, made up of either evacuated tubes or flat panels which go on your roof, and a twin-coil hot water tank.
As the water heated by the solar thermal panels needs to be stored, you’ll need a heating system with a hot water tank.
Is my home suitable for solar thermal?
Yes if:
- You own your own house or you have the landlord’s permission
- You have a south-facing, or at least south-east to south-west-facing roof
- You have enough space for the unit to be installed on your roof (at least 3m²)
- You have enough unshaded space on your roof (at least 3m²)
- You have basic energy efficiency measures in place before applying for your RHI payments – loft insulation to 250mm and cavity wall insulation where practical
Government incentives supporting solar thermal hot water systems
The new goverment scheme called the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The scheme will pay owners of solar thermal systems for the renewable hot water produced for up to seven years.
We have information about the RHI and other government incentives available for renewable energy technologies on our government incentives news pages.
Ofgem have produced various publications to explain the scheme, they have a factsheet (PDF) and an essential guide for applicants which provide the details of the scheme and how to apply.
DECC have produced the following online calculator to estimate the amount of RHI you could recieve.
Part of the requirements for the scheme are to arrange a Green Deal Assessment at your home, For more information about Green Deal please see our dedicated pages.
Please note this is a government scheme and EDF Energy has no responsibility for any payments made or withheld.