Commercial Solar Thermal & PVT
TECHNOLOGY
How they work
Commercial solar thermal systems capture sunlight to generate direct heat, rather than electricity. They’re highly efficient – converting up to 70% of solar energy into usable heat – and by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, they lower operational costs, shrink carbon footprints, and strengthen sustainability credentials.
Cost savings
By heating water directly, solar thermal bypasses the energy losses associated with converting electricity into heat - delivering significant savings for businesses with high hot water demand.
High efficiency
These systems perform well in moderate climates like the UK, offering strong heat collection from available daylight - even on overcast days.
Energy independence
Reducing reliance on gas or electricity for hot water protects businesses from fluctuating fuel prices and supports longer-term energy security.
ESG and EPC impact
Solar thermal installations can improve a building's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and support green reporting, carbon reduction targets, and broader ESG commitments.
direct heat
Where commercial solar thermal works best
Commercial solar thermal is ideal for:
- Hospitality (hotels and leisure): Provides large volumes of hot water for guest showers, commercial dishwashers, laundry services, and swimming pools.
- Agriculture and farming: Well-suited to dairy and livestock operations, which require continuous, large-scale hot water for daily equipment sterilisation.
- Food and beverage processing: Generates the mid-to-high temperature heat needed for sterilisation, pasteurisation, and cleaning in breweries, laundries, and commercial kitchens.
- District heating: Large-scale solar thermal arrays can supply heating and hot water to entire commercial complexes or campuses.
hybrid system
Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT)
PVT panels are a two-in-one hybrid system, generating electricity and producing hot water simultaneously. A thermal heat exchanger sits behind standard solar PV cells, capturing heat that would otherwise be wasted - improving overall efficiency andmaking use of a single roof space for both outputs.
energy strategy
Is solar thermal or PVT right for your business?
Whether solar thermal, PVT, or standard solar PV makes most sense depends on how much hot water your business uses, your roof space, and your wider energy strategy.
We review your current energy usage, evaluate the costs involved, and model what each option could realistically deliver – including projected savings and payback – so you can see exactly where the value lies before making a decision.