Cost of Solar Hot Water Installation?

Question

I was wondering if anyone has had solar hot water fitted and if so what did they pay for it and for what size house that was? I am thinking of having it fitteds depending on price and would like to hear from anyone who has had it done recently?

Cheers!

Answer 1

Hi ,My friend of mine runs his own solar installation business placed in Oxford, but he travels the UK fitting commercial and domestic systems.

The systems typically start at about £2000.00 obviously depending on the size of your house!. The government will also give you a grant of up to 400.00 because you are being friendly to the enviroment.

The payback varies from 2 years to 10 yrs but with the ever increasing energy prices this is dropping sharply.

Please be aware there are plenty of cowboys out there and my friend spends 30 % of his time going to fix other installers faults who have run off.

Ensure that the company you use are accredited to the solar industry.

Please find this link it may be usefull if he won't go to your area I am sure he will now someone who will.He is so busy I think its the way to go.

His company also supply references if they are required.

http://www.solsol.co.uk/

Please tell him if you speak to Darren that Michael put you in his direction.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 2

Haven't had it fitted but looked at  a system made by Alpha boilers.They have a solar system that will work along with a condensing combi boiler,the panel heats the water then stores it in a tank,when you open a tap the water flows through what they call a solar valve,if its hot enough then it goes straight to the tap,if its not it will divert the water to the boiler to heat the water to the desired temperature,as the water should be warmer than the cold water a conventional combi uses,the boiler will use less energy.

The price for installation will vary but to give an idea,the panel,solar valve,hot water store and drain back tank will cost £1500 +vat.Add another £700 for the boiler + installation.

First thing to consider is do you get enough sun?and do you have a south/west facing roof pitch away from trees and other buildings?The panel will warm the water to some degree when its overcast and that's what the solar valve is for,but unless you live in a warm climate it will take years to pay its self back.

This concept seems like a good idea as it will give you the best of both worlds,renewable energy,along with a high efficiency heating system.