Solar Thermal

Solar thermal systems use the sun's energy to heat water directly, unlike solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that generate electricity. These systems capture solar radiation through evacuated tubes or flat plate collectors, transferring the heat to a fluid that circulates to your hot water cylinder. Reform Energy installs solar thermal systems that can provide 50-70% of a typical Devon household's annual hot water needs, with particularly strong performance during summer months. While solar PV powers all electrical appliances, solar thermal specifically reduces water heating costs, which can represent 25-30% of domestic energy bills in Devon homes.

Devon households typically save 50-70% on water heating costs annually with solar thermal systems, representing approximately £200-£300 in reduced energy bills for an average family. Reform Energy's solar thermal installations perform exceptionally well in Devon's climate, with the South West receiving more sunshine hours than most UK regions. The exact savings depend on your household's hot water consumption, current heating system, and property specifics. While initial investment is typically £3,500-£5,000, the systems last 20-25 years with minimal maintenance, providing excellent lifetime value and significant carbon reduction of approximately 400-600kg CO₂ annually.

Yes, solar thermal systems work excellently alongside existing heating systems. Reform Energy designs integrated solutions where solar thermal pre-heats water in your cylinder, reducing the work required from your boiler or heat pump. We install dual-coil cylinders that allow both your conventional heating system and solar thermal to heat the same water supply effectively. This integration is straightforward with most systems found in Devon homes, including gas and oil boilers, heat pumps, and biomass boilers. During summer months, your conventional heating may rarely activate for hot water, while in winter, solar thermal continues to reduce energy consumption by pre-heating incoming cold water.

A typical solar thermal system for a Devon family home requires approximately 3-5m² of roof space, with the exact size depending on your household's hot water demand and cylinder capacity. Reform Energy conducts thorough assessments to determine the optimal collector area for your specific needs. The compact nature of solar thermal makes it suitable for properties with limited roof space or where aesthetic considerations are important. We can install systems on pitched roofs, flat roofs, or even ground-mounted frameworks where appropriate. The collectors are designed to withstand Devon's coastal weather conditions, including strong winds and salt-laden air.

Solar thermal systems do continue working during Devon's winter months, though with reduced output compared to summer. Even on cloudy days, modern evacuated tube collectors can capture diffuse solar radiation and contribute to water heating. Reform Energy's high-efficiency systems typically provide 15-25% of hot water needs during December-February, and 40-60% during spring and autumn months. For year-round performance, we carefully size the system based on your household's usage patterns and implement intelligent controls that maximise efficiency in all weather conditions. Your conventional heating system automatically supplements the solar contribution when needed.

Solar thermal systems require minimal maintenance when professionally installed by Reform Energy. We recommend an annual inspection to check fluid levels, pressure, pump operation, and control functions, which we can perform as part of a maintenance plan. The glycol-based heat transfer fluid should be replaced approximately every 5-7 years to maintain optimal performance and frost protection, particularly important in higher elevation areas of Devon. Modern systems include monitoring capabilities that alert you to any issues, and quality collectors from our trusted manufacturers typically carry 10-year warranties, with expected lifespans of 20-25 years for the entire system when properly maintained.

Most Devon properties are suitable for solar thermal installation if they have sufficient unshaded roof space with orientation between southeast and southwest. Reform Energy conducts comprehensive site assessments to determine viability, considering factors such as roof structure, existing hot water system, and household hot water demand. Properties with higher hot water usage (multiple bathrooms, large families) typically see better financial returns. We also assess your existing hot water cylinder—ideally, you'll need a twin-coil cylinder of sufficient capacity, though we can include cylinder replacement in your installation if required. Even listed buildings and properties in conservation areas can often incorporate sympathetically designed solar thermal systems.

Solar thermal systems excel at water heating with lower initial costs than heat pumps (typically £3,500-£5,000 versus £8,000-£12,000 for a complete heat pump system). While heat pumps provide both space heating and hot water year-round with consistent performance regardless of weather, solar thermal offers virtually free hot water during summer months with minimal electricity use for the circulation pump. Many Reform Energy customers in Devon opt for combined systems, using solar thermal alongside heat pumps for maximum efficiency. Solar thermal requires less space than air source heat pumps and operates silently, making it suitable for properties with space constraints or noise-sensitive environments.

Yes, combining solar thermal and solar PV creates an excellent renewable energy package for Devon homes. Reform Energy designs integrated systems where solar thermal handles water heating efficiently while solar PV powers your home's electrical needs. This dual approach typically delivers greater overall energy savings than either technology alone, with complementary benefits throughout the year. The systems can be installed simultaneously or phased, with careful design ensuring optimal positioning for both technologies. Some customers use solar PV to power the circulation pump for their solar thermal system, creating a nearly self-sufficient hot water solution during sunny periods, maximising both energy independence and carbon reduction.

Solar thermal systems installed by Reform Energy in Devon homes typically reduce carbon emissions by 400-600kg CO₂ annually when replacing gas heating, and substantially more when replacing oil or electric water heating. Over a 25-year lifespan, this represents 10-15 tonnes of CO₂ saved per household. The environmental impact extends beyond carbon reduction, as solar thermal systems reduce demand for fossil fuels and their associated extraction impacts. Manufacturing energy is typically recouped within 1-2 years of operation, making solar thermal one of the most environmentally beneficial renewable technologies available to Devon homeowners, with particular relevance in environmentally sensitive areas like Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.