When choosing whether or not to install a solar thermal system the following conditions are worth considering to ensure that the proposed building is suitable. Preferably the building will need: 

• 2 - 5m2 of Southeast to southwest facing roof space that receives minimal shading during the main part of the day
• Space to locate an additional water cylinder if required
• Existing water heating system (e.g. some combi-boilers may not be suitable)
• The budget available for the project

A competent professional installer should be able to assess the situation and propose the best configuration to meet the needs of the building. This includes ensuring that the solar system is efficiently integrated with any auxiliary water heating sources to gain the greatest benefit.

New build or Retro-fit

Solar hot water systems may installed on new build project or as part of a retro-fit programme. Various costs can be off-set from the cost of a SWH system if installation can be planned with other refurbishment work. Solar installations on taller buildings are likely to require the use of scaffolding tower, in which case coinciding a solar hot water system installation with any roofing work that is required will also help to off-set the installation costs.