Can You Use A Combi Boiler With Solar Panels

Solar pv systems generate electricity that can be used to reduce the boiler s running costs while solar thermal uses energy from the sun to heat water providing domestic hot water and solar central heating system.

Can you use a combi boiler with solar panels.

Not all boilers are compatible with solar water heating for example if you have a combi boiler and you don t have a hot water tank. The solar thermal panels located on the roof have a fluid within them that gets heated by the sun. If your model isn t listed you ll have to call the manufacturer and while you re at it please nag them to join in with this splendid industry initiative from the solar trade association and the hhic. You can check your boiler model using this online database of combi boiler inlet temperatures.

A typical solar thermal system will set you back around 4 000 but you will need to install a cylinder and extra pipe work with a combi so you can expect another 1 000 on top to make the solar thermal work with a combi. The solar energy available varies from day to day so it is also important to use the boiler to bring the water to a sufficient temperature on days without the contribution of solar energy. There is no possible way a solar system for a family can provide 400 worth of domestic hot water and you couldn t use it anyway. Solar pv panels take in solar energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that can be used around the home.

As long as you have the required space for the cylinder there s no reason why you shouldn t go ahead as the payback. At a very low rate of say 5 that is 300 a year same sum in loss of interest if you pay cash so every year you will be losing hundreds of pounds. Electric boiler with solar pv. Solar ready fully modulating which can accept preheated water up to 60 c or non modulating which can typically.

As solar panels heat water across a day and not necessarily when there is hot water demand the need is still there to store solar heated water until you are ready to use it. Therefore tankless options such as combi boilers aren. The primary consideration for this type of solar system is the requirement of a boiler tank within which to store any heated water. Solar panels can be heavy so your roof must be strong enough to take their weight especially if the panel is to be installed on top of existing tiles.

Combi boilers generally fall into two categories. Whether or not your solar thermal system can be matched with the combi boiler will depend greatly on the model of the boiler you have installed. You ll know you have this type of system as it appears as tubes arranged on your roof in rows as opposed to the more typical panels used for electricity.