Solar heating is ideal for any building that requires a large hot water load – for example; hotels, restaurants, nursing homes, public pools, schools with kitchens and swimming pools or large sports halls, campsites, sports and social clubs etc.
Other commercial buildings usually find photovoltaics to be a more suitable system, unless in a new build or refurbishment where solar can be linked to heating – see the section on solar thermal for heating, for further details.
The Phase 2 government grant scheme now includes solar thermal – giving up to 50% grant for all schools, charities and non-profit organisations, with top-up funding possible from other sources.
There is currently no funding for businesses, but solar thermal is now tax-deductable for one year and eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances. Interest-free loans are also becoming widely available. Planning requirements now often require solar to be fitted on all new buildings – we can certainly assist with the designs to fit with any such obligations.
The performance of the solar heating system can also be downloaded for study purposes by students etc, and is an ideal educational tool. A visual display can be fitted in foyer/classroom/meeting room etc to demonstrate publically the green credentials of the organisation.
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