Solar Thermal FAQs

No. They don't have to be. A solar thermal system is one of the more affordable renewable technologies to install, and because it has so few moving parts, running costs are very low afterwards. We'll give you an exact price after surveying your roof and existing cylinder.

Yes. Solar collectors capture diffuse daylight as well as direct sunshine, so output is reduced on overcast days rather than switched off. You'll still get useful heating, just not as much as on a clear day.

Not always. Some existing cylinders can be adapted with a second coil for solar. Older or undersized cylinders usually need replacing with a proper twin-coil solar cylinder to get the best performance. We'll tell you which applies to your system during the survey.

Very little. There are no moving parts in the collector itself, so beyond an occasional check of the fluid and controller, similar to a boiler service, a well-installed system needs minimal attention for years.

Realistically, no, but it will cover a large share of it through spring, summer and autumn. Your boiler or immersion heater automatically tops up the rest, particularly over winter when solar gain is lowest.