Renewable Heating advise....confused

7 years ago

We are self building on a Scottish island and had intended on having the following for UFH heating and hot water
Back boiler multi fuel stove ( high output to hot water , low output to room)..we have a never ending wood supply.
Back up secondary heat source .. oil boiler ( no gas here)
Solar thermal panels for summer hot water.

But it won't pass SAPS. We are being told we need to have PV panels. We have a south facing roof which is at a 30 degree angle but has lots of velux so there may not be enough room.

I think an air source heat pump would allow us to pass easily but we live on an island where it seems impossible to get them serviced or seen to if they break down. I'm sure this will change over time but at the moment it's an issue.

Does anyone have any advice or experience of PV , solar or air source? We seem to be going around in huge circles.

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Comments (3)

PRO
Catherine Lepreux Interiors
7 years ago
Hi there, we live in rural Fife and swapped our hideously expensive LPG system for something not dissimilar to what you're thinking of.
UFH powered mainly by multi-fuel stove (mostly wood) with back boiler.
Electric boiler for topping up the output from the stove.
Solar thermal panels for hot water in the summer.
Solar PV to try and reduce the electricity bill a bit.

The integration of the various heat sources is key - your plumbers will "love" you (not!) but it is doable.

Good luck!
acew1234
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Catherine.
Do you think the combination works or could you have done with less options? Are they all performing as expected?
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PRO
Catherine Lepreux Interiors
7 years ago
Overall, I'd say our system works well and the stove + back boiler is great if there's a winter power cut. Means we still have some heat and hot water!
Solar thermal is very useful in the summer when we don't want the fire / boiler on. But it does mean adjusting when you have your shower to when there's hot water - which is in the evening.
But, your workmen may kick up a fuss as the combination's not the easiest to get your head round. Happy to put you in touch with the firm who did our solar if you'd like to drop me an email at catherine@catherinelepreux.co.uk

Renewable Heating advise....confused

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Catherine Lepreux Interiors

acew1234
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Renewable Heating advise....confused

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Catherine Lepreux Interiors

acew1234Original Author

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acew1234
Original Author