Do Combi Boilers Work With Solar Panels?

Can you use solar panels with a combi boiler?

Combi boilers are becoming increasingly popular in households in the United Kingdom. But are these energy-efficient boilers compatible with solar panels to produce even more efficient hot water? In this article, we investigate whether you can use solar panels with a combi boiler and how it works.

The answer is yes, you can indeed use solar panels with a combi boiler. Combination boilers are extremely efficient on their own, but when paired with solar water heating, they become even more efficient and provide hot water without using electricity or gas. The addition of solar panel technology helps to reduce the amount of money spent on energy bills each month, further improving its economic credentials.

How does it work?

A solar combi boiler system works by taking advantage of the free energy provided by the sun. Solar panels absorb sunlight and use it to heat up a glycol solution, which is then pumped through pipes into the hot water cylinder and boiler. The hot water stored in the cylinder is then drawn off into the taps and heated up further with the help of the boiler, providing hot water with no need for electricity or gas. This ensures that your energy bills are kept to a minimum while still providing hot water.

How do solar panels combine with an electric combi boiler?

When solar panels are connected to an electric combi boiler, the system works as follows: The solar thermal panels collect energy from the sun and use it to heat up the water in the solar thermal cylinder. The hot water then passes through the cylinder and is heated up further by the electric combi boiler before being used for your shower, washing up, or other tasks. The combination of the two helps to reduce the amount of electricity or gas needed to heat up water, thus lowering running costs.

What are the advantages of solar water heating?

Using solar panels to heat up water has many advantages. As mentioned previously, it helps reduce energy bills, as well as helping to reduce the carbon footprint of a household. Additionally, the system requires minimal maintenance and can last for decades. Furthermore, it helps to make the most of the free energy provided by the sun, which can be used even on days with cloudy weather.

What is the cost of solar panels with a combi boiler?

The cost of installing solar panels with a combi boiler will depend on the type of system and the size of your home. Generally, the larger the system, the more costly it will be to install. On average, however, most systems can be installed for around £3,000 - £5,000, including the labour cost or installation. This cost can be offset by the significant savings made on energy bills over time.

To sum up, combining solar panels with a combi boiler is a great way to reduce energy bills and make the most of the free energy provided by the sun. If you are looking to save money on energy and improve the energy efficiency of your home, then investing in a solar combi boiler system may be the right choice for you.