Solar thermal can be used for heating systems (space heating). It is most effective for low temperature systems such as radiant heating or fan assisted radiators. This can be achieved by

installing more collectors on the roof and using a larger capacity thermal store instead of a normal solar hot water cylinder. The thermal store is larger than a hot water cylinder so it will need to be installed in a boiler/plant room or basement rather than your airing cupboard.

These systems cost from around £8000 installed and will typically employ 6 to 10 square metres of solar panels to provide an effective heating system. They are more involved to install but save larger amounts of energy and make bigger reductions in CO2 emissions - especially in low energy buildings.

Greenshop Solar is the sole UK distributor for some of the most advanced thermal stores available. See our website consolar.co.uk for more information