Hi all,

I explain you my problem ... I've not found clear and interessing answers in web of my country so I ask you !!

Since some years, I dream to be more self-sufficient with energy, use more natural things. So, one of this points is to replace my gas boiler by solar energy photovoltaic systems for heating.

Yesterday, my technician for boiler repair <link removed> (city of my second house, I live in Belgium .. I give you his website link because he makes great job, if people of Belgium discover one day this post). After his work, I talk with him one moment and I explain that I wish change. He listen me and he answers :

He explain to me that he understands but he's a specialiste only with gas and oil. He says that he can't help me, he doesn't have knowledges with solar technology. But he was honest : he advices me to seek informations on internet and forums.
BUT ... He explain to me an interessing thing about gas energy. In fact, and he's true, the gas is cheap, easy, powerful and more ecologic than lot of energies.

So ... I have to deliberate. There is good advantages with gas in fact, also with solar ..

According to you, what energy win, is the more interessing ?? Gas or solar ? (money, quality, ecology ..)

Thank you for all your answers.
k

 

Usually, solar alone isn't enough in a country that has a winter. The solar will save on the gas.

 

I don't have the details but with solar there is a hidden environmental cost in that the production of the solar panels creates pollution.
So to compare solar to gas you need to include that.

Another approach is to just reduce your energy use. You invest in insulation, air sealing and thermal mass along with passive solar and then consider any make-up needs during cold spells. I have no idea as to how this works for you but there are many homes in America that are totally self sufficient. For your needs since you already have gas service you could continue that as a backup and do the best you can to reduce the total need.

Bud