ᐅ Solar thermal system and pellet heating, heating support/hot water

Created on: 26 Jul 2018 06:53
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Ade123
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Ade123
26 Jul 2018 06:53
Hello,
We are currently planning a new build with a living area of about 150 m² (1,615 sq ft), solid brick construction using 35 cm (14 inches) bricks, triple-glazed windows, no basement, underfloor heating on the ground and upper floors, a hip roof house, and an extension with a hip roof pitched at 20° (20 degrees) directly facing south. The heating system is an ETA PU7 with approximately 850 liters (225 gallons) buffer storage, and there is a controlled mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Currently, the household consists of two people.

The extension essentially serves as our garage and boiler room, with an access passage to the living area.

Originally, a solar thermal system with heating support and domestic hot water was planned. After reading some discussions here, I was quite shocked to learn that it is basically considered a waste of money, and if anything, only domestic hot water generation would be worthwhile.
My interest is partly for two reasons: 1. to save money eventually, and 2. to reduce wear on the heating system so it does not have to operate as often during the summer.

The heating installer suggested two solar thermal system options: 1. Buderus Logaplus package with 4.7 m² (50.6 sq ft) collector area or 2. Buderus Logaplus with 9.5 m² (102.3 sq ft).

I am aware that the roof pitch is not ideal, so if it would be worthwhile at all, I would consider mounting the collectors on a frame.
wrobel26 Jul 2018 23:31
Hello

Since a buffer tank is required anyway for the pellet boiler, adding a solar collector system is a relatively small step. This way, during the summer months and transitional periods, the boiler doesn’t have to operate for short cycles.

I would choose the 9,.. system and install it on a tilted roof frame.

Olli
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Ade123
27 Jul 2018 00:17
Thanks for the response, Olli,
I believe the Buderus would cost around 5500 euros, but I couldn’t find any online information about the quality or reliability. However, the Wolf F3 was recommended here in the forum, and the price is quite similar. Are there any other manufacturers worth recommending?
I forgot to mention that the stratified buffer tank is the Eta Solar SPS 825, and a fresh water module is to be added as well.

Could I also use the solar thermal collector with a size of 9.6 m² (103 ft²) to support the heating system?
ares8327 Jul 2018 08:05
Do you actually need the ST system? Controlled mechanical ventilation might be sufficient on its own. Considering the initial investment of around 5500€ (approximately 5900 USD), it could take a very long time to recoup that cost in a new build.
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Ade123
27 Jul 2018 08:26
Honestly, no. I thought it would be worthwhile, but after doing some research, I was a bit disappointed. Part of my goal is also to save on heating, but considering that a pellet stove costs around 8,500 euros and has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, a solar thermal system for 5,000 euros wouldn’t really be a good investment. The one from Wolf with 9m² (97 ft²) would cost 3,000 euros, probably less with subsidies...

Can it generally be said that a solar thermal system is not worthwhile? The roof actually has a good orientation.
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caddar
27 Jul 2018 11:40
Our energy consultant said that prices for ST have not decreased in line with photovoltaics due to market volume, and he would recommend, if anything, installing photovoltaics combined with an electric heating element in the buffer tank.