Newbie question about a whole system

[woodgreen1]

Hi

We're getting an extension soon which will mean that our current combi boiler will need upgrading.

We would like a new renewable  future but I'm finding the options quite daunting and don't know where I can relevant independent advice.

We think a mix of electricity and hot water solar panels are the right way forward. We're home most of the day and likely to be that way post pandemic. But this raises lots of questions.  Is it better to store excess electricity or sell it? If stored are batteries worth it, how long do they store for and are then any other options. What happens when solar can't meet our demands? Do we still need to have a backup gas combi boiler  plugged into the whole network. Is it better to use the electric from the panels to power an electric boiler, electric radiators and then use the grid for electricity (which is more expensive) for the times that solar won't work?

I'm finding this is all rather confusing and difficult to calculate the ultimate cost and savings!

[Bradders2175]

Hi,

If I were going down your route, I would have a solar hot water system again. Solar to totally heat your house would require a few panels plus a large store of water. It works more efficiently with a wet underfloor system than radiators which require more heat. Our solar hot water panel is very efficient, but would be more so if our roof pitch was steeper like most houses in the UK. Ideally, it needs to be pitched at the angle of latitude for your location, to get optimum energy from the sun all year.
We do gain from our solar pv feed in tariff, but as they have disappeared, the payback is far longer. If you are planning to stay in the house for a long time, it could be worth investing in a system. We don't store any, selling it all back to the grid. However, if we were still in the house in ten years time when the contract runs out, I'd be looking to store it.
Personally, I think that gas boilers, although efficient will begin to be phased out. Also, obtaining gas from other Countries could become difficult.
I'd also look at a pellet boiler system. Pellets are relatively cheap with little residue.
Air source heat pumps need careful looking at. If you can have the heat pump within a garage, it will be more efficient. In the warmer months they can be very efficient. 1 unit of electricity in to approximately 4 units of energy out. However when the temperature drops they become less efficient, down to 1 for 1.
Paul

[pewe]

[quote author=Bradders2175 link=topic=12051.msg14892#msg14892 date=1622893676]
If you can have the heat pump within a garage, it will be more efficient.
[/quote]

Why do you say that??
I did not think this was recommended for an Air source pump - see below

euroheat.com.au/floor-heating-can-i-put-an-air-source-heat-pump-inside-my-garage/