Thanks to the ever-available sunlight, using solar irradiation as a heating source has become a popular feature of UK households. Thanks to the straightforward conversion of solar energy to electricity, solar panels are becoming more valuable and cost-effective.
But today’s focus is on the conversion of solar energy to heat, which is termed solar thermal heating. It’s a technique devised to further tap into the opportunities solar energy offers. Moreover, whether this system is one you can comfortably add to your household depends on its cost and benefits.
Today’s article focuses on how much it takes to install solar thermal systems in comparison to their benefits. Are they worth the money, and what considerations do you need to make for energy efficiency?
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Thermal Systems?
Based on the type and quality of the solar thermal system, you can expect to spend between £3000 and £8000 to install the panels. While there are several solar thermal system DIY kits, it’s essential to have your panels installed by professionals for better output.
What Are the Cost Considerations for Solar Thermal Systems?
The total costs of adopting solar thermal systems also depend on specific features that affect their use. These features include:
- The initial cost of purchasing and installing the solar thermal system parts
- The costs of operating and maintaining the thermal systems
- The returns on investment generated thanks to the renewable and accessible nature of solar energy
All these contribute to the overall costs of using solar thermal systems.
How Can You Benefit from Solar Thermal Systems?
Once you’ve established the cost of solar thermal systems and their working mechanisms, you can easily understand what they bring to your household and why they’re such a big deal.
Various benefits make them a no-brainer for your household, including the following:
- The energy is limitless thanks to the source being the sun. This ensures a reliable, consistent, and long-lasting energy supply. This is great for dark days when the power grid fails. The best part is that after the initial costs of installation, the energy production is pretty much free.
- Zero carbon emissions during the process of solar thermal heating make it an eco-friendly addition.
- When you use solar energy to heat water in the pipes, you save up to 60% of the energy produced and up to 30% when heating the household. This saves you the costs of electric bills.
- The addition of solar thermal systems doesn’t have to limit or eliminate the already existing systems in the household, such as your water system. Instead, both can be integrated to serve your household better.
- Finally, solar thermal systems are great for winter when heat and warmth are in high demand. They work to keep your households insulated and, through storage in solar batteries, provide a reliable and efficient backup for rainy days.
Conclusion
Solar thermal systems are great additions to the household, especially during the winter season. So, the question, “Do solar panels work in winter” UK residents ask has been answered adequately, including its cost and benefits.