Hi,
My oil combi boiler has packed up and needs replacing (£4,500 best quote). However, I have been panning to switch to a more sustainable and less grid reliant set up, and while I had hoped to do this next year, maybe better to just go for it now.
i have done quite a lot of research and this is my proposal. I would welcome feedback on whether this is realistic? If so, What considerations I need to take into account? And any products or sizing advice to consider in the set up?
Phase 1
Replace defunct oil combi boiler (18-24kw) with an unvented cylinder 210ltr, capable of producing DHW and CH, initially heated using eco 7 or equivalent off peak tariff (about 10p kWh which is similar to oil). Alternative is to go with a Thermal Store, which I know from research can be great but must be set up and maintained properly, plus cost more.
Estimate cost £1000
Install a large solar battery, capable of charging from the grid as well, using off peak electricity (until solar panels are installed in summer, then most charge will come from the panels other than winter). The battery would allow me to access daytime electricity at off peak rate which is important as I have a Everhot Stove 100 (which uses about 80kwh per week).
Est cost £4500
Phase 2 (Hopefully within a year)
Install 2 Solar thermal panels which in theory (if properly set up) will provide 90% of hot water in summer, 25% in winter, avg 50-60% for the year. This would significantly reduce overall need for elec power to heat water in the year, however, less effective in winter.
Est cost £3,500 (DIY plus specialist for prep/final connections)
Install Solar PV Panels & Inverter on large outbuilding south facing roof (space for 18 large panels). Connect up to Solar battery. All spare power can go into battery and water tank (solar coil)
Est cost £3,500 (Do most of the work myself)
Total est cost £12,500
Current costs pa
oil 1800ltrs / 20,000kwh / £1,260
elec 5000kwh / £1,250 (plus 250 SCharge)
total annual £2,510 pa
12,500 / 2,510 =4.98 years pay back c20% which is excellent in theory.
however, I would still require some off peak power in winter but possibly this can be offset against what can be sold back to the grid? Also I intend to buy an EV soon which would also benefit from the solar pvs and battery if correctly sized.
My concern is if it was this simple then surely most people would go this route. Granted I am able to do quite a lot of the work myself which reduces costs a lot.
Thanks
My oil combi boiler has packed up and needs replacing (£4,500 best quote). However, I have been panning to switch to a more sustainable and less grid reliant set up, and while I had hoped to do this next year, maybe better to just go for it now.
i have done quite a lot of research and this is my proposal. I would welcome feedback on whether this is realistic? If so, What considerations I need to take into account? And any products or sizing advice to consider in the set up?
Phase 1
Replace defunct oil combi boiler (18-24kw) with an unvented cylinder 210ltr, capable of producing DHW and CH, initially heated using eco 7 or equivalent off peak tariff (about 10p kWh which is similar to oil). Alternative is to go with a Thermal Store, which I know from research can be great but must be set up and maintained properly, plus cost more.
Estimate cost £1000
Install a large solar battery, capable of charging from the grid as well, using off peak electricity (until solar panels are installed in summer, then most charge will come from the panels other than winter). The battery would allow me to access daytime electricity at off peak rate which is important as I have a Everhot Stove 100 (which uses about 80kwh per week).
Est cost £4500
Phase 2 (Hopefully within a year)
Install 2 Solar thermal panels which in theory (if properly set up) will provide 90% of hot water in summer, 25% in winter, avg 50-60% for the year. This would significantly reduce overall need for elec power to heat water in the year, however, less effective in winter.
Est cost £3,500 (DIY plus specialist for prep/final connections)
Install Solar PV Panels & Inverter on large outbuilding south facing roof (space for 18 large panels). Connect up to Solar battery. All spare power can go into battery and water tank (solar coil)
Est cost £3,500 (Do most of the work myself)
Total est cost £12,500
Current costs pa
oil 1800ltrs / 20,000kwh / £1,260
elec 5000kwh / £1,250 (plus 250 SCharge)
total annual £2,510 pa
12,500 / 2,510 =4.98 years pay back c20% which is excellent in theory.
however, I would still require some off peak power in winter but possibly this can be offset against what can be sold back to the grid? Also I intend to buy an EV soon which would also benefit from the solar pvs and battery if correctly sized.
My concern is if it was this simple then surely most people would go this route. Granted I am able to do quite a lot of the work myself which reduces costs a lot.
Thanks
