Solar Thermal

Green Planet offer bespoke designed solar thermal systems for both the domestic and commercial markets. Our systems are custom made to suit the individual needs of each application in order to achieve maximum efficiency. The solar panels and hot water storage cylinder are sized to meet the requirements of the property.

The installation of a Green Planet solar thermal system is designed to supply up to 70% of free hot water throughout the year. In the summer months up to 95% of hot water is free and the boiler will be switched off. In the winter months the solar energy will ‘pre-heat’ the incoming cold water, thus saving energy by not using the primary hot water supply from the boiler system as much as a normal non-solar system.

Green Planet are now offering the groundbreaking Fototherm hybrid technology, when solar PV and solar thermal are combined into a single all-black module. Learn more…

Common Questions

How Do Solar Thermal Systems Work?

The solar panels collect energy from the sun which then heats the fluid encased within the panel. When the the fluid reaches the desired temperature the pump station circulates the hot liquid around the system. The hot fluid is pumped around the coil at the bottom of the solar cylinder and heats the water contained within the cylinder. The solar controller is the brains of the system, managing the system during daylight hours enabling you to time your hot water, just like a central heating programmer, and measure the amount of energy you have gained from the sun. If the temperature sensor in the cylinder detects that the solar panel hasn’t collected enough energy to heat the hot water to the required temperature, a supplementary heat source will be required to top up the temperature of the hot water.

How Much Of Our Water Heating Requirements Could Solar Thermal Provide?

During the summer months as much as 100% of the energy needed could be provided by solar. In winter, despite the lower intensity of the sun’s rays and fewer daylight hours as much as 30% could be solar. On average throughout the year up to 70% of a dwelling’s hot water requirement can be provided by solar power. The balance is normally provided by traditional means.

RHI for Domestic Residential Properties

The Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme is a Government scheme that gives money to householders to help them buy renewable heating technologies.

How Much Are These Grants Worth?

£300 – Solar Thermal Grant (voucher valid for 3 months).
£850 – Air Source Heat Pump Grant (voucher valid for 5 months).

Later in 2012, the Renewable Heat Incentive will expand to cover the domestic sector and the Green Deal will come into force, so this is a short-term scheme making one-off payments that will also allow the Government to learn more about what people think of these technologies and how they perform in a variety of conditions

When RHI goes live, all of the installations that qualify for the premium payment will qualify for full RHI, and installations going back to July 2009 may also qualify for inclusion. House holds will be eligible for RHI payment for every kWh that is generated. The payments per kWh will be consulted on later this year.