Thermal Solar Systems

Experience the Future of Sustainable Energy with State-of-the-Art Thermal Solar Systems

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Cut energy bills

Thermal solar systems can help you reduce your energy bills by up to 60%

Higher efficiency

Thermal solar systems can provide hot water on demand

Increase home value

Homes with solar panels sell for more than homes without solar panels

HARNESS THE SUN TO HEAT HOT WATER FOR YOUR DAILY NEEDS

Solar Thermal Panels for Sustainable Energy

Experience the power of thermal solar panels with Heats On! Our expert team of qualified solar installers is passionate about helping you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. With our top-quality panels, you can harness the sun's energy to heat water for all your daily needs, from refreshing showers to sparkling clean dishes. Get ready to embrace a greener and more sustainable future with thermal solar panels.

Understanding Thermal Solar Water Heater Systems

Solar thermal panels, also known as solar water heating or solar hot water systems, are innovative devices that utilise the sun's radiation to heat water. Unlike solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert sunlight into electricity, solar thermal panels capture the sun's heat directly and transfer it to water or a heat-transfer fluid. This simple yet effective technology has been embraced by environmentally-conscious homeowners seeking sustainable alternatives.

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How Solar Thermal Systems Work

To grasp the mechanics behind solar thermal systems, it's important to understand the key components:


Solar Collectors

Roof-mounted panels with pipes carrying water or heat-transfer fluid.


Heat Transfer Fluid

 A fluid circulates through solar collectors, absorbing and transferring the sun's heat to the water in the storage tank.


Storage Tank

 The heated water or transfer fluid is stored in an insulated tank, ready for use whenever you need it.


Backup System

 Solar thermal panels work with conventional water heating systems, such as boilers or immersion heaters, as backups during low sunlight periods.

The Benefits of Solar Thermal Panels

Reduced Energy Costs

By harnessing the sun's energy, solar thermal panels significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources for heating water. This translates into substantial cost savings on your energy bills over the long term.

Environmentally Friendly

Solar thermal panels are a clean and renewable energy solution. By choosing this eco-conscious option, you contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.


Independence from Fossil Fuels

 Installing solar thermal panels allows you to generate electricity and break free from the volatility of fossil fuel prices. As the sun's energy is abundant and free, you are shielded from fluctuations in fuel costs.

Government Incentives

There are government schemes and incentives that promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies. These incentives can help offset the initial installation costs, making solar thermal panels even more appealing.

Is Your Home Suitable for Solar Thermal Panels?

Solar thermal panels can be installed on a wide range of properties, but there are a few key factors to consider:


  1. Roof Orientation: South-facing roofs are perfect for solar thermal panel installation, receiving maximum sunlight. East and west-facing roofs work too, but with slightly reduced efficiency.
  2. Roof Pitch and Shading: Roof pitch affects solar thermal panel performance. Optimum efficiency requires a pitch angle of 30-45 degrees. Minimise shading from nearby buildings, trees, or chimneys to maximise sunlight exposure.
  3. Available Space: Depending on the number of occupants and hot water demands, you will need to ensure that you have adequate space for both the solar collectors and the storage tank.

Are Grants Available for Solar Panels & Battery Storage

There are a number of government grants and schemes available for solar panels and battery storage in Scotland. Some of these schemes include:


  • Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan
  • Warmer Homes Scotland
  • Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan
  • Energy Saving Trust
  • Scottish Power Energy Trust


Explore government grants and schemes like Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, Warmer Homes Scotland, and more. Contact Heats On for expert advice today.

Updated June 2023

  • Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan

    To be eligible for the Home Energy Grant and Loan scheme in Scotland, you must meet the following criteria:


    • You must be a homeowner or private renter in Scotland.
    • Your household income must be below £30,000 per year.
    • You must have a home that is at least 10 years old.
    • You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home.
    • Your home must not be exempt from the scheme.
    • If you meet all of these criteria, you can apply for a grant or loan to help you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. The amount of funding you can receive will depend on your household income and the type of improvements you want to make.

    To apply for the Home Energy Grant and Loan scheme, you can contact your local authority or a registered installer.


    Here are some of the energy efficiency improvements that you can make with a grant or loan from the Home Energy Grant and Loan scheme:


    Insulation: You can get grants or loans to insulate your walls, roof, and floors. This will help to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which will save you money on your energy bills.

    Double glazing: You can get grants or loans to replace your single-glazed windows with double glazing. This will also help to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, which will save you money on your energy bills.

    Heating systems: You can get grants or loans to replace your old, inefficient heating system with a new, more efficient system. This could include a new boiler, central heating system, or insulation.

    Lighting: You can get grants or loans to replace your old, inefficient light bulbs with new, energy-efficient light bulbs. This will help to reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your energy bills.

    The Home Energy Grant and Loan scheme is a great way to make energy efficiency improvements to your home and save money on your energy bills. If you are eligible for the scheme, I encourage you to apply.

  • Warmer Homes Scotland

    The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme is currently paused, but applications will be accepted again from October 2023. 


    To be eligible for a Warmer Homes Scotland grant, you must meet the following criteria:


    • You must be a homeowner or private tenant in Scotland.
    • You must have a household income below £30,000 per year.
    • You must live in a home that has a poor energy rating (EPC band D or below).
    • You must have lived in your home for at least 6 months.

    If you meet all of these criteria, you can apply for a grant to help you make energy efficiency improvements to your home. The amount of funding you can receive will depend on your household income and the type of improvements you want to make.


    To apply for a Warmer Homes Scotland grant, you can contact your local authority or a registered installer.


    Information correct June 2023

  • Scottish Power Energy Trust

    Scottish Power Energy Trust is a charity that provides grants and loans to homeowners and communities in Scotland to help them install renewable energy technologies. They offer a range of funding options, including:


    • Grants: Scottish Power Energy Trust offers grants of up to £5,000 for the installation of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and wind turbines. 
    • Grants are available to homeowners, landlords, and community groups.
    • Loans: Scottish Power Energy Trust also offers loans of up to £25,000 for the installation of renewable energy technologies. Loans are available to homeowners and community groups.

    To be eligible for funding from Scottish Power Energy Trust, you must meet the following criteria:


    You must be a resident of Scotland.

    You must be the owner or landlord of the property where the renewable energy technology will be installed.

    You must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property.

    You must be able to demonstrate that you can afford the repayments on the loan or grant.


    To apply for funding from Scottish Power Energy Trust, you can visit their website or call their customer service team.

  • Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan

    The PRS Loan, also known as the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan, is a loan scheme supported by the government, aimed at assisting landlords in Scotland with enhancing the energy efficiency of their properties. This scheme enables landlords to utilize the loan for the installation of various energy efficiency measures, including but not limited to:


    Insulation: Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and solid wall insulation

    Boiler upgrades: Replacing old, inefficient boilers with new, energy-efficient boilers

    Windows and doors: Installing double- or triple-glazed windows and doors

    Solar panels: Installing solar panels to generate electricity

    Heat pumps: Installing heat pumps to provide heating and hot water

    The PRS Loan is available to landlords who own properties that are rented out to tenants. The loan is interest-free for the first five years, and the interest rate is capped at 3.5% after that. The loan can be repaid over a period of up to 25 years.


    To apply for the PRS Loan, you must:


    Be a registered landlord in Scotland

    Have a property that is rented out to tenants

    Have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property

    Be able to demonstrate that you can afford the repayments on the loan

    To find out more about the PRS Loan, you can visit the Home Energy Scotland website or call their customer service team.

POWERING UP YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY

How We Work & Installation Process

When you decide to embrace the benefits of solar thermal panels, our solar panel installation process typically involves the following easy steps

Step 1: Consultation & Assessment

Schedule a consultation with our experts. We will assess your property for solar thermal panels based on roof orientation, pitch, shading, space, and hot water requirements.

Step 2: System Design & Quotation

Tailored to your property, we'll design a custom solar thermal system, determining collector size, storage tank, and integration with your heating setup along with a detailed quotation with costs, savings, and payback period.


Step 3: Installation & Testing

After design approval, our skilled installers mount collectors securely, connect heat-transfer pipes, and position the storage tank.. We guarantee seamless installation and conduct tests for performance and safety.


Step 4: Monitoring & Maintenance

After installation, we offer monitoring services to track your solar system's performance. This allows us to promptly identify issues and ensure optimal efficiency. For maintenance or repairs, our team of technicians is always available to assist you.

Start Your Renewable Energy Journey with Heats On

We're here to help you make the switch to clean, sustainable energy. Call us on 0330 333 0404 or fill out our online form to request a call back. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
Let's get started today!.

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Popular Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • How do solar hot water heating systems work?

    Solar hot water heating systems use the sun's energy to heat water. The solar panels collect the sun's heat and transfer it to a heat exchanger, which then heats the water in a storage water tank. The hot water can then be used for showering, bathing, washing dishes, and laundry.

  • What Different Types of Solar Thermal Panels are Available?

    There are two main types of solar thermal panels: flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat plate collectors are the most common type of solar thermal panel. They are made of a metal sheet with a black coating that absorbs the sun's heat. Evacuated tube collectors are more expensive than flat plate collectors, but they are also more efficient. They are made of a series of glass tubes that are filled with a vacuum. The vacuum helps to trap the sun's heat, which makes the collectors more efficient.

  • How Much do Solar Thermal Panels Cost?

    The cost of solar thermal systems and panels varies depending on the size of the system and the type of panels that are used. A typical solar thermal system for a home will cost between £3,000 and £6,000.

  • Can You Use Solar Thermal with a Combi Boiler?

    Yes, you can use solar thermal with a combi boiler. Solar thermal can be used to preheat the hot water tank that enters the boiler, which can save you money on your energy bills.

  • Can Solar Thermal Be Used For Central Heating?

    Yes, solar thermal can be used for central heating. Solar thermal can be used to heat water that is used in a central heating system. This can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon emissions.

  • What maintenance and care is required?

    Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal operation. Follow these tasks:

    Visual Inspections: Regularly check solar collectors for damage like cracks or leaks. Ensure pipes and connections are debris-free.

    Fluid Checks: Assess heat-transfer fluid level and quality. Professionals can top up or replace as needed.

    Monitor Performance: Watch hot water or fluid temperature. Contact us for significant variations or drops.

    Professional Servicing: Schedule yearly servicing for inspection, cleaning, and repairs.