ECA ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LIST 2014 SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS AND COLLECTORS

Solar Thermal Systems and Collectors

(formerly Solar Thermal Systems)
Date added to ETL 2002 (Revised 2014).
1. Definition of Technology
Solar thermal systems are products that are specifically designed to capture solar energy and convert
it to useful heat for water heating applications.
2. Technology Description
Solar thermal systems are energy saving products that reduce the amount of fossil fuel consumed by
conventional water heating plant. They are built around a solar collector that has a dark coloured
absorbing surface, which traps solar radiation and converts it into heat. This heat is then transferred
to a storage vessel by means of a circulating fluid, or in some instances, the solar collector could be
directly connected into the heating circuit.
A solar thermal system either may be assembled by an installer using plumbing components from
different suppliers, or a complete system may be purchased in kit form direct from a single
manufacturer. To cover these options, the ECA Scheme covers two categories of product:

Individual solar collectors for use in installer-assembled solar thermal systems.

Complete, ready to install, fixed configuration, solar thermal systems.

Investments in solar thermal systems can only qualify for Enhanced Capital Allowances if the specific
product is named on the Energy Technology Product List. To be eligible for inclusion on the Energy
Technology Product List, products must meet the eligibility criteria as set out below.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, products must either:
Use collectors that comply with the requirements of BS EN 12975-1:2006 Thermal solar
systems and components. Solar collectors. General requirements; or
Be sold as a complete, ready to install, fixed configuration, solar thermal system that
complies with the requirements of BS EN 12976-1:2006 Thermal solar systems and
components. Factory made systems. General requirements.
Where a solar thermal system may include the following components:
One or more solar collectors.
One or more appropriately sized storage vessels (where required).
The pipework and valves forming the connection loop between the solar collector(s) and
storage vessel(s), including any non-return valves, control valves, pressure relief valves, air
bleed valves etc., as required for the effective operation of the product.
Circulation pumps (where required).
Any controls or sensors (and their associated power supplies) needed to:
a) Stop circulation when the yield is low.
b) Ensure compliance with Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.
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ECA ENERGY TECHNOLOGY LIST 2014 SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS AND COLLECTORS

c) Operate a drain down or a frost protection strategy (where required).

The following items shall not be considered to be part of a solar thermal s ystem unless they are
required to deliver the functionality outlined above:
The pipework from the storage vessel(s) to the point of use.
Any auxiliary tanks used to provide back-up heating to the solar thermal system.
Any cold water tanks and associated pipework used to replace the water being consumed at
the point of use.
Any re-enforcement to roof or structure required to mount the solar thermal system.
Performance criteria
The solar collector within the product must:
Pass the reliability tests detailed in the standards specified in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Requirements for reliability tests
Product Category

Applicable Standard

Individual solar collectors

BS EN 12975-2:2006 Thermal Solar Systems and Components

Solar Collectors Part 2 test methods.

Complete, ready to install, fixed

configuration, solar thermal systems

BS EN 12976-2:2006 Thermal solar systems and components

Factory made systems Part 2: Test methods.

Required test procedures

All products must be tested in accordance with the procedures and test conditions laid down in the
standards specified in the performance criteria above.
4. Scope of Claim
Expenditure on the provision of plant and machinery can include not only the actual costs of buying
the equipment, but other direct costs such as the transport of the equipment to site, and some of the
direct costs of installation. Clarity on the eligibility of direct costs is available from HMRC.

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Queens

Pr inter and Contr oller of HMSO 2014 The material featured in this document is subject to Crown copyright protection. It may be reproduced free of charge in any f ormat

or medium provided it is reproduced accurately and not used in a misleading context. The Energy Technology List comprises th e technologies and products which qualify for the UK Governments
Energy- Saving Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme and their energy-saving eligibility criteria. This extract is taken from the Energy Technology Criteria List (ETCL) as published in August 2014.
For the most up to date copy of the ETCL and for further information about the ECA scheme please refer to the ECA website https://etl.decc.gov.uk. The ECA scheme is being developed by the
Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and HM Revenue & Customs and promoted by the Carbon Trust. The Carbon Trust manages the Energy Technology List.