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Underfloor heating provides a low-carbon solution for home heating, and many systems can be paired with solar PV systems. This article explores the advantages of using solar power for your underfloor heating, identifying the most suitable systems and explaining how they efficiently heat your home.
Solar-powered underfloor heating combines the benefits of solar panels with modern heating technology, making it an attractive option for homeowners in the UK. Here’s why this heating system stands out:
Traditional radiators can be bulky and occupy valuable space in a room, often clashing with furniture arrangements. In contrast, underfloor heating is discreet, allowing complete freedom in interior design without compromising on warmth.
Underfloor heating primarily delivers radiant heat, evenly distributing it in the room. Unlike radiators that can create uneven temperature zones, underfloor heating provides consistent warmth from floor to ceiling, promoting a comfortable living environment.
Solar-powered underfloor heating operates efficiently by distributing heat at lower temperatures, optimising energy use. Coupled with energy generated from solar panels, which harness free sunlight, this system significantly reduces energy bills. Moreover, both solar panels and underfloor heating systems contribute to a long-term investement with minimal maintenance required.
Utilising solar energy minimises CO2 emissions, offering a sustainable heating solution. Underfloor heating itself is 15-20% more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods, further reducing environmental impact while achieving comparable heating results.
UFH contributes to improved air quality by lessening allergens and airbone dust particles. Unlike radiators that circulate dust through convection heating, underfloor systems decrease dust accumulation, lowering the presence of dust mites by up to 80%. This feature can benefit respiratory health, especially for those prone to allergies or asthma.
Compared to radiators, which can become dangerously hot and pose a burn risk, underfloor heating operates at a safe, consistent temperature across the floor surface. In households with pets or childres, this helps in eliminating the risk of accidental burns.
Both wet and electric heating system have different installation solar-powered UFH installation:
Step 1: For solid floors, begin by removing the existing flooring, whether it’s tile, stone, or timber. Once the original flooring is lifted, the installer will place the mats or heating cables onto the subfloor.
Step 2: In the case of suspended wooden floorboards, the heating cables are laid directly on the existing floor, which is then covered with a new layer. If the original floor was wooden, it is often replaced with engineered timber due to its higher heat resistance.
Step 3: The heating cables are then attached to a thermostat and the main electricity supply.
Step 4: Solar PV panels are installed separately, typically on the roof. These panels are not directly connected to the underfloor heating system but are wired into the home’s main electrical supply, which powers the heating system.
Step 1: The manifold, which is a control centre for the system regulating water flow and temperature, is installed. It can be placed within a wall or a cabinet and is connected to the solar thermal system via a thermal store cylinder. Since solar thermal systems usually need a backup, the manifold is also linked to a boiler or heat pump.
Step 2: For solid floors, the flooring is removed, and a damp-proof membrane is laid. Then, pipes connected to the manifold are arranged throughout the room.
Step 3: With suspended floors, aluminium plates are placed between the floor joists and the piping is laid on top.
Step 4: Afterward, the system is tested to ensure proper water pressure. If everything functions correctly, a screed is poured over the pipes for the final flooring.
In the following section, let’s find out the operational efficiency of these systems discretely:
Solar-powered electric underfloor heating utilizes heating cables or mats that are fixed under the floor. These components convert electrical energy into heat, warming the floor. They can be powered by electricity generated through solar PV panels.
However, solar panels generate energy only during daylight hours, meaning the electric underfloor heating system relies on grid electricity during evenings and nights. Alternatively, a solar battery can store surplus daytime energy for nighttime use.
Solar-powered wet underfloor heating, also known as hydronic underfloor heating, circulates hot water through pipes. This system gets power from solar thermal panels and utilise this energy to directly warm the water. Alternatively, solar PV panels can power an electric water heater for the same purpose.
Solar thermal panels function by using sunlight to heat water, which can be utilised in various heating systems, including underfloor heating. The heated water is stored in a thermal cylinder for optmising its temperature.
These systems typically necessitate a heat pump or backup boiler. This backup is necessary because solar thermal panels may not consistently provide sufficient hot water for continuous heating, especially during periods of low sunlight.
When considering solar underfloor heating, your choice of flooring plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Some existing flooring may need replacement if it inhibits heat transfer. While insulation beneath the underfloor system helps radiate heat upwards, unsuitable flooring can diminish its efficiency, resulting in less noticeable warmth.
Opt for flooring materials that facilitate efficient heat transfer. Modern options like luxury vinyl tiles and ceramic tiles are excellent choices, as they allow the heat from underfloor systems to permeate effectively throughout your home. On the other hand, carpets, due to their thickness, often impede heat transmission, though specific types compatible with underfloor heating are available.
Installing solar underfloor heating is an extensive and disruptive process, often leading to high labour costs. New construction projects typically integrate underfloor heating into their plans, which helps reduce expenses.
Electric underfloor heating is generally more affordable than wet systems, especially when installed in smaller areas. For instance, installing electric underfloor heating in a 4m² bathroom might cost around £500, while a larger 10m² bathroom could cost approximately £800. Additional features like smart thermostats, which enhance efficiency, can increase these costs.
While wet underfloor heating systems are more efficient to run, their installation is more complex and costly. For a 10m² room, wet underfloor heating might cost around £1,200.
