I am installing a Combi-boiler. Is it possible to link this with solar heating panels to preheat the water?

Question

I have just been hit with an exceptionally large bill form my power supplier. This is even after we kept asking our provider if it would cover the expense. Each time they told us yes.
So bit p****d off.
Any thought or relevant information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance

Answer 1

OK but be careful, have you got a corgi registered plumber to fit the boiler or are you actually fitting it yourself then you need to get someone to commission it for safety reasons.

Answer 2

The practical answer is yes. You could add a thermal store and solar panels, however this would take up alot of space and presently the cost would be prohibitive , the gear is gradually coming down in price, and probably in 5 years will be main stream.

I notice Travis Perkins, where they have a plumbing & heating dept are converting their showrooms into an alternatives area,so might be worth having a look if you have one near.

Please get your boiler fitted by a registerd fitter, as it will require certifying with building regs on completion,You will not be able to sell your property without a certificate, and manufacturers can get snotty if it requires a warranty call, not to mention the leqallity, and if you caused damage your insurer wont want to know!

CORGI Reg

Answer 3

If you mean to pre-heat the cold mains supply to the combi via solar panels, then NO! The water would freeze in winter and the mains pressure would probably burst the panels anyway. If you mean - to help to heat a storage cylinder which would be heated indirectly by the combi, that is possible but would cost a lot with a very long payback. If you are fitting a new condensing combi you should make a good saving compared to whatever you had before. I would leave it at that, and see how it goes.