If you have a combi boiler is it useful to preheat the input water using a solar panel?

Question

Solar panels sound like a good idea if you have a traditional boiler and water tank system, because you can store the solar heated water.

BUT I would like to know if you can use a solar panel with a combi boiler? The type that only fires up, on demand when you turn on a tap?

In effect you are preheating the mains water before it gors into the boiler. Is this wise? Safe? cost efficient?

Answer 1

9th comment down:

    * CWatters

    * CommentTimeJun 3rd 2008



Isn't the normal solution to split the system into two parts? For example if you use solar to heat a small tank of water and that tank has a coil through which the cold main passes to preheat it. Then you can put disinfectant in the stored water. The small amount of water in the coil is not a problem (it's no different to having warm water in the hot pipe near a tap).

http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newf...

Answer 2

Seems strange

Answer 3

This is a question for the solar panel manufacturer. Combi water flow is quite fast. Maybe not the optimum speed to pick up solar heat. Also the water would be at mains pressure which again may not suit the panel. Regarding input temperature to the boiler, I can't see a problem there.