Solar thermal systems
Information from factsheet:• Technology basics – page 1
• Different types of solar thermal panels – page 1
• Renewable Heat Incentive information – page 1
• Benefits for your community – page 2
• Myth busting facts – page 2
• Checklist: is solar thermal the right technology for my community? – page 3
• Subregional information and contacts – page 4
Case studies
Video: introduction to solar powerhttp://www.planlocal.org.uk/videos/videopages/solar-power-an-introduction.html
Solar thermal– the basics
An introduction to solar powerhttp://www.planlocal.org.uk/videos/videopages/solar-
power-an-introduction.html
How do solar thermal systems work?
Different types of solar thermal systems
Solar thermal systems collect heat from daylight onto a collector (generally a solar panel) and generate heat which is transferred to water to generate hot water.
Evacuated tubes Flat plate Unglazed solar collector
Solar thermal – Renewable Heat IncentiveGenerating a source of income for your community from solar thermal systems
What is the Renewable Heat Incentive
• Government incentive to encourage the generation of renewable heat
• Owners of solar thermal systems can make money from the heat generated by the system
• Guaranteed for 20 years
• Retail price index linked
• Does not include unglazed solar collectors
• New incentive – visit the Government website for further information and updates
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/policy/incentive/incentive.aspx
Solar thermal – Benefits and MythsWhat benefits could solar thermal systems generate for your
community• Protection against rising fuel prices
• Make money for your community
• More local jobs
• Low maintenance technology
• Reduce your carbon emissions
• Improve community well-being
What are the common myths surrounding solar thermal panels
• solar thermal panels don’t work in colder climates
• solar thermal panels can only provide a small proportion of my community’s hot water needs
• solar thermal panels will reduce the value of my community building
Solar thermal panels – ChecklistIs solar thermal suitable for your community?
• Site suitability – south facing?
• Site suitability – heating system
• Land/Building owner permission
• Community hot water needs
• Bulk purchase
• Planning permission
Solar thermal panels – Case studiesNorth West Case Study – Sustainable Blacon
UK Case Study – Solar hot water at a swimming pool in Bovey Tracey