Solar thermal — South Wales
Heat your water for free using the power of the sun
Solar thermal panels use the sun's heat to warm water directly for your home — providing up to 70% of your annual hot water needs. Works alongside your existing boiler or heat pump, with very low maintenance for 20+ years.
Up to 70%
of annual hot water from solar
£150–£250
typical annual saving on hot water bills
20+ years
system lifespan with minimal maintenance
~500kg
CO₂ saved per year (typical 4-person home)
Collector types
Flat plate or evacuated tube collectors?
Most popular
Flat plate collectors
Glazed flat panel with dark absorber plate and pipes. Robust, low-profile and well-suited to South Wales's climate. Best for properties with good south-facing roof space.
£3,000–£4,500 installed
Higher performance
Evacuated tube collectors
Glass tubes with vacuum insulation — dramatically reduces heat loss, making them more efficient especially in colder or overcast conditions. Ideal where roof space is limited.
£4,000–£5,500 installed
FAQs
Solar thermal questions
Does solar thermal work in Wales?
Yes — solar thermal works on diffuse daylight, not just direct sunshine. Most output comes in spring, summer and autumn. A typical South Wales installation provides 50–70% of annual hot water needs across the year.
Do I need a new hot water cylinder?
In most cases, yes — solar thermal requires a twin-coil hot water cylinder. If you already have a suitable cylinder, we can often work with it. We assess your existing setup during the survey.
Is there any financial help available?
Solar thermal installations benefit from 0% VAT. Low-income households in Wales may qualify for support through the Warm Homes Programme Wales or ECO4 scheme.
Can I have solar thermal and solar PV?
Yes — solar PV and solar thermal use different parts of the roof and serve different purposes. A combined installation is an excellent way to cover both electricity and hot water from the same roof.
Where we install