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Solar Thermal
LaZer2 Solar Thermal – Market-Leading Efficiency for Hot Water
Looking for a smarter way to heat hot water? The LaZer2 solar thermal system is up to 4x more efficient than solar PV for water heating. Specifically designed for the northern European climate, LaZer2 can deliver around 70% of your hot water demand.
From hospitals to laundries, and agriculture to food processing, the demand for hot water is critical for cleaning, sterilization, and operational processes. Solar thermal energy stands out for providing immediate hot water for commercial and industrial applications. Whether used directly or as a preheating system, it enhances efficiency and sustainability in your operations
making it one of the most effective renewable energy solutions available.
Why Choose LaZer2?
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LaZer2 is a dedicated thermal engine
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World-Class Efficiency – The LaZer2 solar collector is among the most efficient in the world.
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Flexible Integration – Works seamlessly with existing boilers, thermostats, or new heat pumps.
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Real MEP Value – A well-designed solar thermal system becomes a true mechanical, electrical, and plumbing asset.
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End-to-End Solar Thermal Expertise
At Solar UK, we provide everything you need:
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Feasibility advice for meeting your DHW requirements
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Detailed system design and component specification
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Full installation and ongoing support
Government-Recognized Energy Savings
The LaZer2 solar thermal system, developed and manufactured by Solar UK, is listed on the Energy Technology List (ETL)—a government-backed register of energy-saving products. Featuring over 8,000 solutions, the ETL helps businesses and public sector organizations cut energy costs. LaZer2’s inclusion confirms its world-leading efficiency and compliance.
""We designed, and continue to manufacture, the LaZer2 solar thermal systems for the northern European climate, so that commercial and residential clients can benefit from this highly efficient technology. Our dedicated team of designers, installers, and engineers play a vital role in the success of the LaZer2 solar thermal system"
- Technical Director, Solar UK
Solar Thermal for Commercial Customers
Decarbonising Hot Water Systems with Solar Thermal
What do a city centre office building, a hospital, a university, a leisure centre, a care home, a hotel, a dairy farm, and a food processing plant have in common?
They all use hot water—and lots of it.
Heating water without relying on fossil fuels remains a major challenge. Today, architects, energy consultants, and business owners are actively seeking ways to decarbonise hot water systems, whether for taps and showers, swimming pools, or industrial processes.
Solar thermal technology has been a proven solution for years and is now at the forefront of tackling this issue.
Our Solar Thermal Design Process
When we design a solar thermal system, we consider:
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Expected consumption volume and usage patterns
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Energy performance and CO₂ reduction targets
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Building suitability for equipment installation
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Integration with Building Management Systems (BMS)
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Architectural and structural site considerations
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Client budget and ROI goals
Please dont confuse PV-T and solar thermal. They are completetly different technologies. For more inofrmation refer to the FAQ below
Solar UK provides end-to-end solar thermal solutions—from feasibility studies and system design to full installation and ongoing support. Our expertise ensures your hot water system is efficient, sustainable, and compliant.
Learn about our service & maintenance plans
Solar Thermal for Residential Customers
Why Install Solar Thermal in the UK in 2026 -Maximum Energy Savings & Carbon Reduction
Exceptional Energy Savings and High Efficiency
LaZer2 solar thermal systems are one of the most efficient renewable heating technologies available in the UK. Modern evacuated‑tube collectors, like LaZer2, achieve efficiency rates of up to 70%, outperforming solar PV when it comes to converting sunlight directly into heat.
Key benefits:
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Reduce your gas or electricity consumption for hot‑water production
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Enjoy immediate, predictable savings on household energy bills
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Ideal for the UK’s moderate and variable climate
Significant Carbon Reduction for UK Homes
LaZer2 solar thermal cuts household carbon emissions by c.25–35%, making it one of the most effective low‑carbon heating upgrades.
Generating heat directly, solar thermal is a zero‑carbon technology at point of use.
Why this matters:
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Space and water heating make up over one‑third of the UK’s total emissions
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Solar thermal provides a direct and reliable way to decarbonise domestic hot‑water use
Fully Aligned with UK Energy Policies & Regulations
LaZer2 solar thermal systems help homeowners meet modern UK energy‑efficiency standards.
The technology is also supported in national schemes such as the Warm Homes Plan and previously through the Green Homes Grant, underscoring its importance in the UK’s long‑term net‑zero strategy.
Why this matters:
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Straightforward integration into EPC pathways
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Helps properties against rising regulatory standards
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Strongly aligned with government retrofit and decarbonisation priorities
Solar Thermal is a Proven and Reliable Technology Across Europe
Solar thermal is widely established across Europe, where climates are often similar or less favourable than Britain’s. Its success demonstrates that solar thermal is a highly effective, mature, and dependable technology. LaZer2 is designed for the Northern European climate
Implications:
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The UK climate is well‑suited to solar water heating
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Long‑proven performance and reliability
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A low‑risk, high‑return renewable heating solution
Lower Installation Costs Than Many Other Renewable options
Typical installation costs for LaZer2 solar thermal in the UK range from £4,500 to £6,500, making it more affordable than technologies such as solar PV & Battery storage or heat pumps.
What this means:
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Lower upfront cost makes decarbonisation and energy saving more accessible
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Faster return on investment compared with other renewable options
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No major heating-system overhaul required
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Maintains full hot‑water reliability throughout the year
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Extends the lifespan of existing heating appliances by reducing demand
Summary: Why Solar Thermal Is a Smart Investment for UK Homes
Installing LaZer2 solar thermal in the UK offers several compelling advantages:
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Efficiently covers a large proportion of hot‑water demand
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Delivers strong and immediate carbon reductions
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Fits perfectly within UK regulatory and decarbonisation frameworks
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Offers one of the most cost‑effective renewable‑energy upgrades
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Performs reliably in typical UK weather
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Protects households against rising energy costs
RECC sets out high consumer protection standards for businesses who are selling solar PV or solar thermal systems to domestic consumers. RECC is approved by Chartered Trading Standards Institute as part of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme By displaying the RECC logo Solar UK have signalled they have agreed to abide by the high standards set out in the Consumer Code
Learn about our service & maintenance plans
General FAQs
Does solar thermal really work?
Yes it does; it’s a great technology. Solar thermal is capable of supplying you with around 70% of your annual hot water demand simply by harnessing the sun’s radiated energy. We need a small amount of electricity to power any pumps, but otherwise the energy used to generate the hot water, is FREE.
In tandem with some solar PV, which powers the pump and a back-up immersion heater you can achieve a truly renewable source of year-round hot water, which allows you to rid yourself of your fossil fuel boiler.
The system, when maintained properly, will have a life of 25+ years and it can be remotely monitored by us, using our RM-7512 monitoring system to ensure it always performs to specification. When designed, installed, and maintained properly, we think solar thermal is a fantastic technology.
Is PV-T the same as solar thermal?
PV-T is a hybrid solar collector, with a photovoltaic side to it (PV) and a thermal side to it (the T) and they are designed to generate both electricity and hot water from a single collector, which on the face of it sounds interesting.
Well, these are two very different technologies and to begin any comparison we ought to firstly define what hot water is.
We define it as being above the pasteurisation temperature, which is 65°c.
PV-T has what is referred to as a “thermal ceiling”
If you need hot water of 65°C+ from a renewable energy source with native delivery, i.e., it doesn’t require any other technology to help it e.g., a heat pump, then PV-T is generally unsuitable for the following technical reasons:
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Efficiency Trade-off: PV-T panels are designed primarily to cool the PV cells to keep them efficient (electrical efficiency drops as panels get hot). Consequently, they are optimised to produce "low-grade" heat, typically between 25°C and 45°C.
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The 45°C Barrier: Attempting to run a PV-T system at 70°C+ would likely cause the PV cells to overheat, significantly reducing their electrical output and potentially causing long-term delamination or damage to the panel.
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Lack of Insulation: Unlike the LaZer 2 evacuated tubes, which use a vacuum to "lock in" heat, PV-T panels are uninsulated. As the water temperature rises above 45°C, the panel begins to lose more heat to the ambient air than it gains from the sun, making 70°C+ output nearly impossible in the UK climate.
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Surface Area Inefficiency: To reach 70°C with PV-T, you would need a massive surface area and complex heat pump boosting. In contrast, LaZer 2 reaches these temperatures natively using a fraction of the roof space.
The LaZer2 solar thermal system takes 70°C in its stride and can deliver water at 120°c and above.
And so perhaps think of the T in PV-T as standing for Tepid, and it will help you to remember the clear distinction:
LaZer2, is a dedicated thermal engine capable of delivering vast quantities of truly hot water, whereas the other is anything but that.
Can solar thermal help me in my industrial process?
Yes it can. Solar thermal can provide water far in excess of 100c should it be needed and can easily provide a pre-heat for existing infrastructure, meaning that existing hot water plant need work for less time to achieve the desired outcomes, extending its economic working life and reducing service intervals.
How does a solar thermal system work?
A solar thermal system uses solar panels (collectors) to absorb sunlight. These collectors transfer the absorbed heat to a fluid, which is circulated through pipes to a heat exchanger. The heat is then used to warm water or air for various applications such as domestic hot water, space heating, and swimming pools.
Is the LaZer2 collector a flat plate or evacuated tubes?
The LaZer 2 collector uses evacuated tube technology and consists of nine tubes per collector, with each collector covering 1m2. We strongly advocate for vacuum tubes over flat plates, especially in colder climates, because of their greater efficiency.
What are the benefits of solar thermal energy over fossil fuel alternatives?
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Renewable and sustainable: Solar thermal energy relies on the sun, a truly renewable resource.
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Cost savings: The running cost of a solar thermal system is minimal and it can reduce your hot water bills significantly over time.
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Environmentally friendly: Solar thermal systems produce zero emissions during operation.
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Low maintenance: These systems require minimal upkeep once installed.
What is the difference between solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems?
Solar thermal systems convert sunlight into heat for heating water or air, whereas solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity. PV is typically used for electricity generation, while solar thermal is used for heating hot water.
How efficient are solar thermal systems?
Dedicated solar thermal collectors, such as our market-leading LaZer2, are 3.5 to 4 times more efficient at producing hot water than a system using solar PV. Our LaZer2 systems are highly efficient and return efficiencies in the range of 60% to 70%.
What are the costs associated with installing a solar thermal system?
No two projects are the same. These systems are designed for a specific site each time and whilst the components are often standard, the number of collectors, the storage capacity, the desired output temperature, and the size of the pump, will vary and so it is impossible to give a precise estimate here. However, please contact us at any time for a no obligation chat about your specific needs and we will be pleased to provide an indicative cost.
How much space is required for a solar thermal system?
Again, this varies depending on your requirements; the more hot water you need, the larger the area of collectors and storage required.
What maintenance is required for solar thermal systems?
Solar thermal systems generally require little maintenance. The Solar UK Service & Maintenance team will work out a service schedule with you, and we can also include our remote monitoring system, RM-7512, which will allow us to keep an eye on your system’s performance for you.
Can solar thermal systems work in cold climates?
Yes, solar thermal systems can work in cold climates; the LaZer 2 collector was specifically designed for northern European climates. It may sound obvious, but performance will depend on the amount of sunlight received on any given day; a bright January day will produce heated water.
How long does a solar thermal system last?
Solar thermal systems typically last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. The collectors and panels usually have long lifespans, and the only components that may need occasional replacement are the storage tanks or heat exchangers.
What is the payback period for a solar thermal system?
As with the initial cost, the payback period will vary from one project to the next. The more hot water you use, the more you will save, the quicker the payback.
Can solar thermal systems provide all of my hot water needs?
In theory, yes. However, to achieve that, the system would need to be somewhat oversized, which adds initial cost, and some likely performance issues during the hot summer months. We aim to design a system that will produce around 70% of your annual hot water requirements, and so you should always maintain some form of back-up, which is often a simple immersion heater, which can be powered by solar PV.