Solar Thermal Installation Norfolk | Castle Acre | EPH

EPH Services recently completed a solar thermal installation in Norfolk, specifically in Castle Acre, connecting solar thermal panels to a twin-coil solar cylinder to provide free hot water throughout the summer months. Our engineers Rhys and Gary delivered this renewable heating solution, demonstrating how underrated solar thermal technology can significantly reduce energy bills for homeowners across Norfolk.

The solar thermal installation in Norfolk

Our team installed solar thermal panels on the existing tiled roof in Castle Acre, carefully positioning them to maximise solar gain throughout the day. The panels were then connected to a twin-coil solar cylinder, which allows the system to store heat from the sun while maintaining compatibility with a backup heating source when needed.

The installation required precise positioning of the panels between the existing roof tiles and chimney stack, ensuring weatherproof mounting and optimal alignment. Solar thermal systems capture heat directly from sunlight, transferring it to the hot water cylinder through a closed-loop system filled with heat-transfer fluid.

Why solar thermal is so underrated

Solar thermal technology often gets overlooked in favour of air source heat pumps and solar PV panels, yet it remains one of the most cost-effective renewable heating solutions available. During the summer months, a well-installed solar thermal system can provide 100% of a household’s hot water needs at zero running cost, dramatically reducing gas or electricity bills.

Unlike photovoltaic panels that generate electricity, solar thermal panels directly heat water, making them exceptionally efficient for domestic hot water production. The twin-coil cylinder installed in Castle Acre allows the solar thermal system to work alongside an existing boiler or heat pump, providing a hybrid solution that maximises renewable energy use while maintaining reliability year-round.

Renewable heating solutions across Norfolk

EPH Services specialises in a full range of renewable heating solutions across Norfolk, from air source heat pumps to solar thermal installations. Our MCS-accredited engineers assess each property individually to recommend the most suitable technology based on your hot water demand, roof orientation, and existing heating system.

Solar thermal installations work particularly well in rural Norfolk locations like Castle Acre, where properties often have south-facing roofs with minimal shading. The system installed by Rhys and Gary will deliver reliable, free hot water throughout the warmer months, with the twin-coil design ensuring seamless integration with the customer’s existing heating setup during winter.

Frequently asked questions

How much hot water can solar thermal panels provide in Norfolk?

During summer months, a properly installed solar thermal system can provide 100% of a household’s hot water needs. Even in spring and autumn, solar thermal panels in Norfolk can meet 50-70% of hot water demand, significantly reducing energy bills year-round.

What is a twin-coil solar cylinder?

A twin-coil solar cylinder has two internal heat exchangers: one connected to the solar thermal panels and one to your boiler or heat pump. This allows the solar system to heat water whenever the sun is shining, with the backup heating source only operating when solar energy is insufficient.

Can solar thermal work with air source heat pumps?

Yes, solar thermal systems integrate very effectively with air source heat pumps. The twin-coil design allows both systems to work together, with solar thermal providing free hot water during sunny periods and the heat pump covering heating and hot water when solar gain is low.

Is solar thermal better than solar PV for hot water?

For domestic hot water specifically, solar thermal is typically more efficient than solar PV panels powering an immersion heater. Solar thermal panels convert around 70-80% of sunlight into usable heat, compared to 15-20% electricity conversion for PV, making them exceptionally cost-effective for hot water production.

If you’re interested in solar thermal installation or other renewable heating solutions in Norfolk, our team would be happy to assess your property and provide a no-obligation quote. Contact EPH Services today to discuss how solar thermal or heat pump technology could reduce your energy bills.