Why Solar Thermal?
To compare Solar Thermal to other technologies, read our Technology Comparison.
It's a fantastic investment ...
With Phase One of the Renewable Heat Incentive now live, solar thermal technology offers an excellent investment opportunity as well as a cost-effective source of energy.
A solar thermal system offers a much better long-term rate of return than a bank.
- Domestic installations
Any domestic installation can claim £300 off their solar thermal project through the Renewable Heat Premium Payments scheme, available until the 31st March 2012. Domestic projects are expected to be eligible for an 18p/kWth tariff income for 20 years under Phase Two of the Renewable Heat Incentive from October 2012 onwards. - Non-Domestic installations
Returns for a non-residential installation can be in excess of 20%! To see a non-residential case study, including financial estimates, please click here.
Depending on the size of the system, the payback term can be under 6 years. If properly installed and maintained the unit will achieve a return on investment of between 15 - 20% over the 20+ year life of the solar thermal collectors.
Funding is also available for non-domestic installations such that the investment is self-financing. - A must-have for swimming pool owners...
Anyone looking to heat a swimming pool from a renewable technology should contact us to find out what great savings can be made. Even if the property isn't eligible for tariff income, the benefits of switching to solar thermal are still significant. With talk of the "lights going out in 2014", it is no surprise that the government wants us to switch to renewable heat and electricity production. The Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to encourage greater take-up of renewables.
Reduce your carbon footprint ...
Depending on the type of fuel the solar thermal technology replaces, the carbon savings for a small system will range between 2 and 5 tonnes of CO? each year. For medium to large projects, the savings can be well in excess of 15 tonnes of CO? every year. The system will also make you more aware of your energy use, both in the home and outside it. As a result you will reap indirect savings both in cash and in carbon.
Protect yourself from rising electricity prices ...
- Global energy demands are rising against a backdrop of falling oil reserves.
- As a result energy prices are rising. For example you can see from the chart that electricity prices rose at a rate of about 10% a year between 2005 and 2009 and are expected to keep rising at a similar rate over the next few years. Gas prices have risen even faster.
- Britain is in no way self-sufficient. In fact we import 90% of our energy needs. In addition our nuclear power stations are coming to the end of their productive life and there are as yet no finalised plans to replace them.
- With talk of the "lights going out in 2014", it is no surprise that the government wants us to switch to renewable heat and electricity production. The Renewable Heat Incentive is designed to encourage greater take-up of renewables.
- A solar thermal system will give you some protection against rising energy prices, especially if your hot water demand represents a large proportion of your energy use.
... and there's nothing better than getting paid a tariff income to heat your property.