The Renewable Energy Hub Forum

Renewable Energy => Solar Thermal & Solar Hot Water Systems => Topic started by: JamesH on November 29, 2015, 11:33:55 PM

Title: Why is Solar heating more common than PV?
Post by: JamesH on November 29, 2015, 11:33:55 PM

I've seen quite a few solar heating systems around, but rarely do I see PV panels on homes. It seems that the difference in prevelance is quite significant. Why is this?

Title: Re: Why is Solar heating more common than PV?
Post by: CuriousGeorge on December 01, 2015, 08:48:20 PM

It may just be where I live, but up here solar panels on roofs are extremely common. At a guess I'd say a good 10-15% of homes have them. I think they look quite nice as well  :)

Title: Re: Why is Solar heating more common than PV?
Post by: JamesH on December 04, 2015, 10:38:28 PM

Quote from: CuriousGeorge on December 01, 2015, 08:48:20 PM

It may just be where I live, but up here solar panels on roofs are extremely common. At a guess I'd say a good 10-15% of homes have them. I think they look quite nice as well  :)

Is your estate relatively new? I'd say in my town 5% at most have them, and that would be a push. However I've seen a disproportionate number on newly built homes.

Title: Re: Why is Solar heating more common than PV?
Post by: LucidEnergy on December 04, 2015, 10:40:58 PM

Cost is by far the biggest factor. Especially up north, the difference in ROI is massive. Just 2-3 years soemtimes for heating panels, but often 15 years for PV.