Domestic Solar Thermal System Installation

Grange Heating was contacted by a homeowner who had brought the property from the previous owner, who had invested in a solar thermal system several years earlier. Unfortunately, the original installation had been carried out by a company that departed before the project was completed. Although the roof-mounted solar collectors had been installed, they had never been connected to the property’s hot water system and had remained unused ever since.

Having previously installed the customer’s new unvented hot water cylinder with a dedicated solar coil, we were asked to return and complete the renewable heating system with a modern, fully operational solar thermal installation.

he existing solar collectors had been installed by another contractor but had never been commissioned or connected. Following a full inspection, it became clear that reusing the existing equipment was not the best long-term solution due to its age, unknown condition, and the uncertainty surrounding the original installation.

The customer wanted a reliable system that would reduce their energy bills, maximize renewable energy generation, and integrate seamlessly with the hot water cylinder we had previously installed.

After discussing the available options with the homeowner, we recommended replacing the existing collectors with a new, high-efficiency solar thermal system.

Our engineers carried out the following works:

• Safely removed and disposed of the original roof-mounted solar collectors.
• Installed new high-efficiency solar thermal collectors.
• Installed new insulated flow and return pipework from the roof to the plant room.
• Installed a new solar pump station, expansion vessel, controller and safety components.
• Connected the system to the spare solar coil within the unvented hot water cylinder previously installed by ourselves.
• Filled the system with solar heat transfer fluid.
• Pressure tested, commissioned and configured the controller for optimum performance.
• Provided the customer with a full demonstration of the system’s operation and maintenance requirements.

Careful planning was required to remove the original equipment without damaging the roof covering before installing the new collectors in the optimum position. New tiles were installed where the old panels had been fixed.

As the property already benefited from a modern unvented cylinder with a dedicated solar coil, the new installation integrated perfectly into the existing hot water system without the need for further cylinder modifications.

Once all components had been installed, the system was thoroughly pressure tested, flushed where required, filled with specialist glycol heat transfer fluid and fully commissioned. The controller settings were configured to maximize solar energy capture while protecting the system during periods of high summer temperatures.

The homeowner now has a fully functioning solar thermal system that provides renewable energy to heat domestic hot water throughout the year.

Benefits of the completed installation include:

• Reduced reliance on the boiler for domestic hot water.

• Lower annual energy consumption.

• Reduced carbon emissions.

• A professionally designed and commissioned renewable heating system.

• Modern, efficient equipment with improved reliability.

• Complete peace of mind knowing the installation has been carried out to current industry standards.

What had previously been an unfinished installation is now a fully operational renewable energy system delivering tangible savings and making use of the dedicated solar cylinder that had been installed during our earlier work.

Renewable heating systems require careful design, correct commissioning and specialist knowledge to perform efficiently. Whether we’re replacing a failed installation, upgrading an existing system or designing a new renewable heating solution from scratch, Grange Heating delivers high-quality workmanship backed by years of experience in plumbing, heating and renewable technologies.

If you’re considering a solar thermal installation, renewable heating upgrade or need expert advice on an existing system, contact Grange Heating to arrange a free consultation.