Are Solar Heating Panels Worth It?

What are solar thermal panels?

Solar thermal panels can be a great way to reduce your monthly bills and combat climate change, but are they really worth it? In this article, we’ll take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of investing in solar thermal panels, so you can decide if they're right for you. 

Solar thermal panels are equipped with the mission of capturing the sun's radiation to heat the water that is stored in the home. They operate through the use of an array of absorber tubes, usually made from copper, which are encased in a box. The box also contains a reservoir of water as well as an antifreeze solution, which is heated up by the absorber tubes. This water is then sent through an insulated pipe to your water tanks, where it can provide warmth for your entire home. 

What’s the return on investment from solar thermal?

The savings you make from having solar thermal panels installed vary significantly depending on a number of factors such as the size of the system, and how much hot water you use. However, studies have shown that you could save anywhere between £50 and £150 per year, depending on your energy consumption. On top of this, you may be able to make money from the Feed-in Tariffs scheme, which pays you for generating electricity from renewable sources.

Cost of the System

The cost of installing solar thermal panels will depend on the size of the system, but typically you should expect to pay around £2,500 for a system large enough to heat the hot water for an average household, rising to around £4,000 for a larger system. This cost can be offset by all the savings you’ll make on your energy bills, as well as the possible income from the Feed-in Tariff. 

Savings

In terms of savings, solar thermal panels are incredibly efficient at generating hot water for your home. Studies have shown that up to 60% of a household’s energy usage comes from heating water, so solar thermal panels can drastically reduce the amount of energy used and the costs associated with heating water. Additionally, these panels don’t require any maintenance, meaning that once they’re installed the only thing you have to worry about is making sure the pipes don’t freeze in winter. 

Is solar thermal worth it?

As with any type of investment, there are both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to deciding whether solar thermal panels are right for you. Installing these panels can be expensive, but the potential savings from reduced energy bills and income from the Feed-in Tariff scheme can make the investment worthwhile in the long run. Additionally, these panels can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and help to reduce the impact of climate change. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but with the right research, you can make an informed decision as to whether solar thermal panels are worth it or not.