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High-Efficiency Commercial Solar Thermal Systems for Sustainable Hot Water

Commercial solar thermal systems use the sun’s energy to preheat water, providing a highly efficient and low-carbon source of hot water for businesses and public sector buildings.

Renewable Solar Thermal Solutions for Lower Costs and Reduced Carbon Emissions

Whether for a new build or an upgrade to an existing gas-connected property, a correctly designed solar thermal installation can deliver significant savings on running costs while supporting decarbonisation targets.

Adveco specialises in commercial solar thermal systems tailored to meet the unique demands of each site. While a solar thermal system alone will not usually supply 100% of your annual domestic hot water (DHW) needs, it can generate a substantial proportion — often upwards of 30% — with the remainder topped up by your boiler or other renewable source.

These systems pair seamlessly with technologies such as air source heat pumps or direct electric boilers to form highly efficient hybrid solutions. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and making the most of free solar energy during the sunnier months, you can cut both operating costs and carbon output while ensuring a dependable hot water supply all year round.

Every solar thermal system is tailored to your site’s energy profile and hot water demand.

We manage delivery, installation, and commissioning to guarantee optimal performance from day one.

Our expert engineers provide guidance, servicing, and maintenance to keep your system running at its best.

Every solar thermal system is tailored to your site’s energy profile and hot water demand.

We manage delivery, installation, and commissioning to guarantee optimal performance from day one.

Our expert engineers provide guidance, servicing, and maintenance to keep your system running at its best.

Features & Key Technologies

Options

Solar Thermal and Gas Water Heating 

Solar thermal preheat for buildings with an existing gas connection which rely on large amounts of domestic hot water (DHW).

Solar thermal pre-heat, followed by gas water heating to ensure peak demands are met.

Reduces demand on gas-fired water heating to conserve energy. reducing emissions and operational costs.

Basic System Elements:

  • Flat plate collector
  • Drain back module
  • ATSI stainless steel cylinder
  • ADplus water heater

 

Solar thermal and gas combined water heating for commercial applications.

Solar Thermal and Electric 

Solar thermal preheat with electrical water heating for new build and gas replacement projects which rely on large amounts of domestic hot water (DHW). 

Solar thermal pre-heat with electrical water heating to maximise efficient hot water generation and meet peak demands. 

Low carbon (in line with grid electrical supply) system and helps control operational costs associated with electric-only water heating.

Basic System Elements:

  • Flat plate collector
  • Drain back module
  • ATST twin coil stainless steel cylinder
  • ARDENT electric boiler 
  • Optional backup electric immersion for added system resiliency 
Solar thermal electric commercial water heating.

Solar Thermal, Airs Source Heat Pump and Electric Water Heating 

The Air source heat pump’s (ASHP) coefficient of performance (COP) is maximised by preheating the cold supply to 40°C.  Solar thermal provides a second-stage preheat raising water temperatures to at least 50°C. The electrical water heater is used to meet the final required operational temperature of 65°C and ensure peak demands are addressed. 

For new build and gas replacement projects with large DHW requirements seeking to maximise carbon reduction and lower operational costs. 

Basic System Elements:

  • Flat plate collector
  • Drain back modules
  • FPi-32 air source heat pump ASHP)
  • ATSH stainless steel cylinder 
  • ATSTI stainless steel cylinders
  • ARDENT Electric Boiler 
  • Optional backup electric immersion for added system resiliency 
Solar thermal electric commercial water heating and ASHP flow diagram.
Solar thermal electric with flow and Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) rear

Featured Case Study: The New Benchmark In Sustainable Building

100 Bishopsgate is the latest prestige construction project in the financial district of the City of London. Operated by Brookfield Properties, the development is a stunning all-glazed tower offering 37 floors of mixed-use that has been designed and constructed to meet the highest standard of efficiency, achieving an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating to maximise sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint over the lifetime of the building.

Solar panels, part of a solar thermal commercial hot water system.

Applications and Advantages of Commercial Solar Thermal Systems

From compact flat plate solar thermal collectors for smaller premises to large-scale arrays for hotels, leisure centres, and healthcare facilities, Adveco delivers solar thermal solutions for projects of all sizes. Our systems are engineered for durability, low maintenance, and consistent performance in UK weather conditions.

When integrated into a wider hot water system, solar thermal devices can preheat incoming cold water before it reaches your primary heater. This approach reduces the workload on boilers or heat pumps, extends plant lifespan, and lowers energy bills. Many of our customers choose solar thermal as part of a hybrid system, combining the benefits of multiple technologies for maximum efficiency.

Our design team works closely with consultants, contractors, and facilities managers from initial feasibility through to supply and commissioning. We ensure that every installation is optimised for its location, usage profile, and budget, with ongoing technical support to maintain peak performance.

With decades of experience in renewable hot water systems, Adveco provides commercial solar thermal solutions that deliver measurable savings, tangible carbon reductions, and a future-ready approach to sustainable water heating.

Frequently asked questions

What is a solar thermal system?

A solar thermal system uses solar collectors to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into heat for producing hot water.

How much of my hot water can solar thermal provide?

In the UK, a well-designed commercial solar thermal installation can typically meet 30% or more of your annual hot water demand.

Can solar thermal work with other heating systems?

Yes — it integrates well with gas, electric, and renewable systems such as heat pumps to form a hybrid hot water solution.

Is solar thermal suitable for retrofit projects?

Absolutely — it’s often installed alongside existing plant to reduce energy use and extend equipment life.

What maintenance does solar thermal require?

Annual servicing is recommended to check the fluid, pumps, and controls, ensuring the system continues to operate efficiently.

Related Products

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Adveco Drainback Systems – For Long-lasting, Low-Maintenance Renewables

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Adveco Solar Thermal Flat Plate Collectors To Reduce Energy Demands,
Costs & Carbon Emissions

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