Costs: Solar hot water systems | Features

Solar hot water system options
	Capital cost £/unit	Net present value for 60 years £/unit	Expected service life
Aluminium interlocking plank solar hot water system	34,000	40,100	60
Aluminium interlocking plank solar hot water system with 40% enhanced capital allowance grant	20,400	26,500	60
Aluminium interlocking plank solar hot water system as a mini-district heating system of 6 dwellings	19,200	25,300	60
Flat plate solar collector. Toughened glass to BS 6206. Corrosion resistant collector components: stainless steel, aluminium or copper alloys. EPDM seals. System to BS EN 12976	4,000	8,520	25
Evacuated tube solar collector. Glass evacuated tubes. Corrosion resistant collector components: stainless steel, aluminium or copper alloys. System to BS EN 12976	5,000	9,850	25
Conventional heating system with condensing boiler and concrete tile roof	13,200	25,800	components vary from 10 to 60 years

Table notes
Net present values include allowances for inspection, maintenance and replacement of components for the whole system as well as energy costs. The complete system is included in the analysis including extra-over components to enable a fair comparison. Panel systems comprise pumps, pipework, roof fixings, controls and valves as well as the solar collector which are included in the whole life costing. Other related components such as the condensing boiler, radiators, thermal store or insulation are not included nor are energy costs. Panel collectors are sized for supplying energy to a 100 m2 house.
A discount rate of 3.5% is used to calculate net present values.
A cost analysis based on project specific information comparing complete systems, including assessment of each component, is essential for a realistic best value appraisal.
Further information
Building LifePlans provides latent defects warranty for buildings.
www.componentlife.com has building component durability information.
For more details, email peter.mayer@buildinglifeplans.com or call 020-7204 2441.