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