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Q&As
Solar thermal, RHI and space heating.
Prompted by the article on SolR Water Heating in the June 2017 BuildIt, I’d like some clarification on the point about not being eligible for RHI if solar collectors make any contribution to space heating eg via thermal store systems. I’m puzzled because an example given (Roger and Jo Stevens’ home) is of a mix of renewables, including solar thermal panels, providing their hot water and heating. They apparently are getting RHI payments.
We are currently planning something similar, so would like to know where we stand.
Answers
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for the question. I can see where the confusion arises, but on this occasion our understanding is that the Stevens’ solar panels do not make any contribution to space heating.
There still needs to be a relationship between the boiler and the solar panels in terms of which one tops up the hot water cylinder at any given time (so the most efficient result is achieved) but the heating network is on a different loop.
Hope that clarifies.
Thanks,
Chris (Editor, Build It)
