ᐅ Solar thermal system for domestic hot water: 5 sqm or 10 sqm?

Hello,

we are planning to install a solar system on our (future) new build.
Now the question is whether to choose a 5 sqm (54 sq ft) or 10 sqm (108 sq ft) system?
Isn’t a 5 sqm (54 sq ft) system sufficient with a storage tank of about 300 liters (79 gallons)? – Or not?
We have been told that with a 10 sqm (108 sq ft) system, the surplus energy could also be used for preheating the heating water?
Does this work?
Does it make sense?
Does it cost anything extra, or can I connect it directly to the heating water circuit without any problems?

I am looking forward to expert advice :o
Thank you very much.

No Fear schrieb:
Hello,



we are planning to install a solar system on our (prospective) new build.

Now the question is whether to choose a 5 sqm (54 sq ft) or 10 sqm (108 sq ft) system?

Isn’t a 5 sqm (54 sq ft) system sufficient if you have a storage tank of around 300 liters (79 gallons)? – Or not?

5 sqm (54 sq ft) is sufficient for a household of four.

No Fear schrieb:
Now we were told that with a 10 sqm (108 sq ft) system, the surplus energy could also be used for preheating (?) the heating water. Does that actually work? Does that make sense?

In my opinion, this statement doesn’t make much sense unless you have a household of ten and fill your bathtub multiple times a day :-)

Does that cost extra or can I connect it easily to the heating water circuit?

Well – logically, 10 sqm (108 sq ft) of solar collectors cost more than 5 sqm (54 sq ft); the installation costs, however, remain roughly the same.

Thank you very much

You’re welcome :-)

Bauexperte

There are only two of us 🙂

It goes without saying that 10 square meters (about 108 square feet) will cost more than 5 square meters (about 54 square feet) 😉

approximately €5000,--

The additional costs mainly referred to a possible extra connection to also use the heat for the heating water of our future underfloor heating system. After all, the preheating for domestic hot water and heating are not exactly the same, right?

Hello,

No Fear schrieb:
After all, the preheating for domestic hot water and the heating system are not the same—right?

This cannot be answered in general terms, as it depends on the system being installed; some have a circulation loop, while others work with direct domestic hot water heating.

The best approach is to check your contract for the specific manufacturer and have a direct conversation with them.

Regards
Bauexperte

Hello,

No Fear schrieb:
...we are planning to install a solar system on our (prospective) new build.

It might be worth considering investing the costs of a solar thermal system into improved thermal insulation instead, as the best energy is the one that is never used. 😉

Best regards

€uro schrieb:
Hello,


It might be worth considering investing the costs of a solar thermal system in improved thermal insulation instead, since the best energy is the energy you don’t use at all. 😉

Best regards.

This is new to me, that water heats up through insulation 😀