In air-based systems, it's very important to plan for a collector array of the right size for your needs. It's a difficult calculation for inexperienced installers because you need to strike a balance between the collector output, the amount of thermal mass inside the building and the rate of heat loss from the structure. If you're unfamiliar with calculating thermal mass and heat loss, it's going to be even tougher.

It's a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people do not sit down and plan every aspect of their solar thermal installation before they go out and buy materials. Installing a solar thermal system is a huge project with far-reaching ramifications for your home: the equipment will be in place for decades, so you need to get it right or spend years messing around with expensive repairs and adjustments.

Let's start with a disclaimer: every solar thermal installation project is different, so these are just basic steps to help you on your way. You'll need to consider your specific circumstances at every stage and plan accordingly. Now that we've got that straight, let's look at the first steps in planning a successful solar thermal system!

1. Work out your needs

Although they are extremely efficient and produce very comfortable radiant floor heating, high-mass solar thermal systems can be difficult to live with, especially at first. They require changes in habits and it may take a few years to figure out the optimal approach for your particular situation. This article will provide the background knowledge and some pointers to help you along the way.