replacing 'g-rated' old boiler and fitting solar hw at same time

[gdnumber2]

Hi all, I've recently worked out I should be replacing my old boiler, but am a bit confused by all the options out there.

I've currently got a ten+ year old Saunier Duval boiler which heats water and stores it in a tank in the airing cupboard. There's a cold water tank in the loft of the house, although I'm not sure if that feeds the boiler, or if the boiler draws directly from the mains. This boiler is making some pretty funny noises these days, but it still works so I've got a bit of time to work out the right solution.

I'd like to replace it with a more modern boiler using the boiler scrappage scheme, and most people have advised me to replace the above set up with a combi boiler (I live in a flat, ground floor, and only have one bathroom, so don't need to run two showers simultaneously). However, I'd also like to put a evacuated tube solar hot water system on the roof - or at least leave the option to put one in soon if it's too expensive to do now.

So since I'm replacing everything, I need some help on what is the best type of boiler to go for (I know some combi boilers can be made to work with solar hot water, but is this the best way forward?)

Can I use the current hot water tank to store the water that will be heated by the solar tubes (am assuming yes, but not sure)?

Am I best off getting a combi boiler that can be fed by partially heated water, or a different type of boiler altogether?

Can any of this be done by an averagely handy DIYer?

Any help gratefully received, cheers...

 

[WHPES]

You would really require a system boiler and solar cylinder. Some aspects can be done by a DIYer but if any of the system are unvented it will require someone with the correct qualifiactions and registration. There are plenty of resources on the internet and books in print.

 

[unguided1]

Hi gdnumber2
if you are living in a flat then you will find that your cheapest and most efficient option will be a condensing combi boiler.

For the amount of water that you will be using, the cost of a new boiler, solar cylinder and panels it isnt worth the expense and the solar in reality would probably take over 20 years to pay for itself

Yes you would need a new hot water cylinder becuase it will need two coils.

 

[oldplumber]

fraid you wont qualify for boiler scrappage with your boiler, its too new at around 10 yrs but may be wrong, it may pass fit if it has a permanet pilot light