Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage and the Passivhaus - Lessons from 5 years of monitoring

This paper describes the measured performance of a domestic solar heating system with a Seasonal Thermal Energy Store (STES) which is used to meet the DHW and space heating requirements for a house constructed to the Passivhaus standard. Conclusions are drawn about the extent to which solar energy can assist in achieving NZEB in a Passivhaus in Temperate Maritime Climates, and the key lessons from 5 years of monitoring are reviewed. The recorded performance demonstrates the viability of solar thermal installations in helping achieve NZEB when used in combination with a low energy dwelling constructed to the passivhaus standard in a Temperate Maritime Climate.