Solar Thermal
Solar thermal systems use energy from the sun to heat water for your home or business, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water heating methods. By capturing solar energy through roof-mounted collectors, solar thermal technology can significantly reduce energy bills, lower carbon emissions, and decrease reliance on gas or electricity for hot water production. Solwat designs and installs high-performance solar thermal systems tailored to residential and commercial properties.
Benefits of Solar Thermal
Lower Hot Water Costs
Solar thermal systems can supply a large proportion of your annual hot water needs, reducing energy consumption and utility bills.
Renewable, Low-Carbon Heating
Using free energy from the sun helps cut carbon emissions and supports sustainable living.
Works Alongside Existing Heating Systems
Solar thermal integrates with conventional boilers, heat pumps, or immersion heaters to ensure reliable hot water all year round.
High Efficiency Technology
Solar thermal collectors are highly efficient at converting sunlight into usable heat, even in the UK climate.
Long Lifespan and Low Maintenance
Well-installed systems are durable, reliable, and designed to provide decades of performance with minimal upkeep.
Our Services
Types of Solar Thermal Systems
Solwat installs solar thermal solutions for homes, apartment buildings, and commercial properties. Our systems include roof-mounted collectors, hot water cylinders, and control systems designed to maximise efficiency and reliability. Whether you are looking to reduce domestic hot water costs or improve the sustainability of a larger building, we design systems tailored to your property's energy demand and usage patterns.
Investment
Solar Thermal Costs, Savings & Performance
The cost of a solar thermal installation depends on system size, property type, and hot water demand. However, by generating renewable heat from sunlight, solar thermal systems can significantly reduce ongoing energy expenses. They are particularly effective for buildings with high hot water usage, delivering strong long-term savings while improving overall energy efficiency.
How a solar thermal system works
Solar thermal is a simple, proven technology. It heats water directly rather than generating electricity like solar PV panels, and it works alongside the heating you already have.
- 1
Collectors
Roof- or ground-mounted flat plate or evacuated tube collectors absorb heat from the sun – including on bright, overcast days.
- 2
Pump station & controller
When the collectors are warmer than the stored water, the controller runs a pump that circulates a water and antifreeze mix through them.
- 3
Twin-coil cylinder
The heated fluid passes through a coil at the bottom of the hot water cylinder or thermal store, warming the water you use.
- 4
Top-up heat source
Your boiler, heat pump or immersion heater uses the upper coil to bring the water up to temperature when the sun can't do it all.
Is my property suitable?
Solar thermal works best where a few conditions are met. We check each of these during a free survey:
- A roof or area of ground facing roughly between south-east and south-west
- Little shading from trees or nearby buildings
- Space for a twin-coil hot water cylinder, or a cylinder that can be replaced
- A steady demand for hot water – family homes, care homes, leisure and commercial buildings benefit most
If your hot water demand is lower, or you'd also like to replace an old boiler, a heat pump may be a better fit – we'll give you an honest recommendation either way.
Get a Solar Thermal Quote
Reduce your hot water costs and carbon footprint with solar thermal technology from Solwat. Contact our team today for a free consultation and personalised quote. We will assess your property, explain your options, and design a system tailored to your hot water needs.
Book a CallSolar Thermal FAQs
Do solar thermal systems work in the UK?
Yes. They are designed to operate efficiently using daylight and can provide hot water even on cloudy days.
Will I still need a boiler or heat pump?
Yes. A backup heat source ensures hot water supply during periods of low sunlight.
How much hot water can solar thermal provide?
Many systems can supply a significant portion of annual hot water demand, especially during spring and summer.
How long do solar thermal systems last?
Most systems have a lifespan of 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
Flat plate or evacuated tube collectors – which is better?
Evacuated tubes lose less heat, so they perform better in cold or overcast weather and need less roof space. Flat plate collectors are robust and usually cost less. We recommend the type that suits your roof, hot water demand and budget.
Can solar thermal work with a combi boiler?
Solar thermal needs somewhere to store the heat it collects, so homes with a combi boiler usually need a hot water cylinder adding. We'll advise on the best set-up during the survey.
Is solar thermal covered by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers heat pumps and biomass boilers, not solar thermal. Solar thermal can still be combined with a grant-funded heat pump to cut the energy it uses for hot water.
Trusted Suppliers
Quality Assurance
The installation process
Solwat provides a complete solar thermal installation service.
Consultation & Survey
Assessment of your hot water usage and property suitability.
System Design
Tailored solar thermal solution for optimal performance.
Professional Installation
Safe and efficient installation by accredited engineers.
Commissioning & Handover
Testing, optimisation, and guidance on system operation.
Ongoing Support
Aftercare to ensure reliable long-term performance.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team will assess your property and recommend the best solution.
Get in ContactSolwat Green Energy
Lea Green Farm, Christchurch Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 0LA
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