Biomass Boilers – Biomass is a green renewable energy source, generated from burning wood, plants and other organic matter, such as manure or household waste. It releases carbon dioxide when burned, but considerably less than fossil fuels. A Biomass heating system burns wood pellets, chips, or logs to provide warmth or to power central heating and hot water boilers.
One of the biggest selling points of a Biomass boiler is its ease of use. You are going back to basics burning a sustainable/renewable fuel to generate heat and energy. This renewable heating system works much like the existing boiler in your home, making the switch from traditional fossil fuel heating to a greener solution much easier. This renewable, sustainable, eco-friendly boiler utilises wood, wood chips, pellets, or logs, to generate heat.
Biomass boiler heaters work by burning the natural fuel that is intended for your specific system, whether that be wood pellets, logs, or wood chips, creating heat that can be utilised as a part of a heating system or for one localised area. For the boiler to continue operating it will need to be fed fuel, this can be automated or done manually depending on your preference and budget.
Your biomass heating system will require little maintenance to function, however, the ash that is built up from burning fuel will need to be removed occasionally, and regular biomass boiler servicing or maintenance wouldn’t be a bad idea. – We also supply and install other boiler systems that are energy efficient, such as Electric Boilers and energy-efficient Combi Boilers.
Wood Chips: Wood chips are small pieces of wood which have been taken from logs and other general wood waste. the sizes of wood chips will vary. Wood chips are reasonably cheap and readily available but not always as efficient as their pellet counterpart. Wood chips are suited more for heating larger buildings. You can use wood chips, as well as pellets, in an automated system that uses a hopper to feed the boiler.
Wood Pellets: Made from compacted sawdust, woodwork/forestry waste or wood shavings, wood pellets are the most frequently used fuel for domestic biomass boilers. They are designed well to suit the automated hopper system and are often sold in large quantities so that you can stock up for continued usage. Wood pellets take up little room but provide great efficiency. Wood pellets are the most consistent and reliable fuel option, with low moisture content and standardised sizes creating an easy-to-use experience.
Wood Logs: Logs are possibly the least common choice for biomass boilers these days. Using wood logs is a valid option but requires the fuel to be fed by hand. Buying logs can be cheap, however, the number of logs required to reach satisfactory heat levels can be high. It is recommended that those with a larger property with more suitable storage space go for this option, as well as those looking for more control over the fuel input.
Affordable heating fuel – Although the price of wood fuel varies considerably, it is often cheaper than other heating options.
A lower carbon option – The carbon dioxide emitted when the wood is burned is the same amount that was absorbed over the months and years that the plant was growing. The process is sustainable if new plants continue to grow in place of those used for fuel.
There are some carbon emissions caused by the cultivation, manufacture, and transportation of the fuel, but if the fuel is sourced locally, these are much lower than the emissions from fossil fuels.
Biomass Boilers are an all-year-round solution to heat your entire home. A biomass boiler will utilise the hot water pipes and radiators and heating systems that are already in place in your home.
Biomass heating runs on biomass energy, making biomass heat a type of renewable energy heating.
As domestic biomass boilers themselves don’t give off any heat, they can be placed anywhere you have the space, such as in a garage, outbuilding or even the utility space in the kitchen.
Benefits include:
A biomass stove works by burning compressed wood or biomass pellets to create a source of heat. The biomass fuel then feeds from the storage container (called the hopper) into the burn tray. This creates a constant flame for your biomass Stove, monitored to ensure the greatest efficiency.
If you are looking for an even greener and more cost-effective method of heating your home than a wood-burning stove, have you considered a Biomass Stove? Biomass Stoves (also called Biomass Burners) are an incredibly effective method of providing heat, and hot water if required, to your home and can be run exclusively off waste products from timber- wood chippings and wood pellets, but also seasoned or kiln-dried logs.
When using wood chippings or wood pellets, running a biomass stove can significantly reduce costs when compared to running a wood-burning stove, as pellets and chippings are by-products of timber and therefore are much cheaper to buy in bulk.
Biomass stoves are designed to run off one specific fuel source, so it is important to choose the right appliance for your requirements and bear in mind fuel storage options as many of these appliances require a constant supply of fuel.
So, what is a Biomass Stove? To put simply, a Biomass Stove works very similar to a boiler stove or woodburning stove in the fact that it burns wood to produce heat, and this is measured by an output rating.
Just like with boiler stoves, biomass stoves can be attached to existing hot water systems to heat whole houses or single rooms, depending on the size and capabilities. The main difference between a woodburning stove and a Biomass Stove is usually size and appearance. Biomass Stoves tend to be much larger than their woodburning equivalent and are also designed to be much more
efficient, running at approximately 80-90% efficiency. Many biomass stoves are designed to run on a constant automatic feeding system and with automatic programmes, so these stoves essentially run themselves.
If you are in the market for a Biomass Stove, come and talk to us at Solares Energies and we can advise you on the most appropriate stove for your requirements. We have a wide range of experience in all aspects of the heating sector, as well as access to multiple experienced approved installers, who will be more than willing to help you with all aspects of deciding, installing and after-care of your new Biomass Stove.
There are many advantages of having a pellet stove installed, from efficiency to fuel storage, automatic ignition, and heat output, to very low environmental impact and maintenance.
As previously mentioned, most pellet stoves have an automatic ignition and thermostatic operating system, allowing the user to be less ‘hands-on’ in comparison to woodburning or multifuel stoves, as the ignition and thermostatic controls do most of the work for you.
They can be set on timers and to reach specific temperatures, allowing you to operate a pellet stove much like a regular boiler system, but with occasional fuel re-loading and some cleaning and maintenance required. In terms of environmental impact, pellet stoves are incredibly efficient. The fuel used (wood pellets) is composed of waste products from the timber process, meaning no trees are felled to obtain the fuel.
Due to the combustion process and the type of fuel used, a much cleaner burn is achieved, thus resulting in significantly less smoke, emissions and particulate matter being released into the atmosphere. As a result, pellet stoves can be carbon positive in that they release very little particulates into the atmosphere and the fuel production process is also positive as only by-products are used.
Benefits include:
Biomass wood pellets are biomass fuels. Biomass pellets are made from either wood residue (sawdust, shavings, and offcuts, which are by-products of wood processing), or from freshly cut timber especially felled to produce wood pellets.
This includes compressed biomass matter, usually attained by recycling by-products from the milling of lumber, construction, and agriculture, such as chips, shavings, and sawdust. Producing much less carbon than fossil fuels, wood pellets are considered a sustainable and renewable energy source.
They’re also more efficient than raw biomass due to the low moisture content and higher density. very high temperatures are used to dry the material and it is then compacted in a pelletizer. The naturally occurring organic binders (lignin) in the wood are being utilized in the process, meaning that no artificial additives are needed.
Wood pellets can be used instead of charcoal, firewood, oil and gas heating, cooking, boiler, and power plants. An alternative use for wood pellets is animal bedding such as in horse stalls, and all of our pellets are excellent for this.
Delve into the world of eco-friendly heating solutions with Solares Energies’ Biomass Boilers and Wood Burners FAQs. Learn about the functionality of biomass boilers, the types of biofuel they use, their benefits, efficiency, and costs.
Explore the rustic charm of wood burners, their installation requirements, their efficiency, and how to choose the right type of wood. Our FAQs cover everything from the safety aspects to the environmental impact of these heating options. If you’re considering a sustainable, energy-efficient heating solution for your home or business,
Solares Energies is here to guide you through your journey. And for any questions not answered in our FAQs, our dedicated team of experts is ready to assist you.
A biomass boiler is a heating system that utilizes organic materials, typically plant-based, as fuel to produce heat. These boilers operate on the principle of combustion, where the biomass fuel is burned in a central chamber, releasing heat. This heat is then transferred to water which circulates throughout your home or business, providing heat and hot water.
This system of using naturally sourced, renewable fuel offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional heating methods. The biomass boiler system is designed to be self-sustaining, with the ash produced by the combustion process often being used as a natural fertilizer, enhancing the overall sustainability of the system.
Biomass boilers can use a variety of biofuels. The most common type is wood pellets, which are highly efficient and easy to store and transport. Other types of fuel include wood chips, which are larger and require more storage space, and logs, which require manual loading into the boiler but can be a more economical choice if you have access to a cheap or free supply of wood.
In addition to wood, biomass boilers can also use agricultural residues, like corn husks or wheat straw, and dedicated energy crops like miscanthus or switchgrass. Each type of biomass fuel has its advantages and considerations, such as energy content, storage requirements, and cost.
There are several benefits to installing a biomass boiler. First and foremost, biomass is a renewable and sustainable fuel source. It is largely carbon neutral, as the carbon dioxide emitted when biomass is burned is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants during their growth.
Financially, while the initial installation cost may be higher than traditional heating systems, over time, the cost of biomass fuel is often less volatile than fossil fuels. Furthermore, in many countries, there are grants and incentives available to offset the cost of installing a biomass boiler. The use of biomass boilers also supports the local economy by creating demand for locally sourced biomass fuels.
Lastly, modern biomass boilers are designed to be highly efficient, often exceeding the efficiency of traditional fossil fuel boilers. This means you can achieve the same level of warmth while using less fuel, saving money and reducing your environmental impact.
Biomass boilers can be incredibly efficient, often exceeding the efficiency of traditional heating systems. Modern biomass boilers can reach efficiencies of 90% or higher, which is comparable to high-efficiency gas or oil boilers.
The exact efficiency of a biomass boiler can depend on several factors, including the type of biomass fuel used, the design of the boiler, and how well the boiler is maintained. The higher the quality of the fuel and the more modern the boiler design, the higher the efficiency.
The cost of installing a biomass boiler can vary greatly depending on the size and type of the boiler, and whether any modifications are needed to your property to accommodate the boiler and fuel storage. In general, you can expect the cost of a biomass boiler itself to range from €5,000 to €20,000, with additional costs for installation.
Ongoing maintenance costs are generally low. Regular cleaning of the boiler and flue, as well as annual servicing by a professional, are the primary requirements. The cost of this maintenance can vary depending on your location and the size of your boiler, but you can expect to spend a few hundred euros a year.
The main ongoing cost of a biomass boiler is fuel. The cost of biomass fuel is generally lower than that of fossil fuels but can vary depending on the type of fuel and where it’s sourced from.
Biomass boilers typically require more space than conventional boilers. This is because, in addition to the boiler itself, you need space to store the biomass fuel. The amount of space required will depend on the size of the boiler and the type of fuel.
For instance, wood pellets require less space than wood chips or logs, as they are denser and can be stored in a silo. For a typical household, a storage area of about 6-7 cubic meters would suffice for a year’s worth of wood pellets. Logs and wood chips require more space and might need a dedicated storage shed.
The boiler itself also needs some space for safe operation. A typical domestic biomass boiler might be about the size of a standard cupboard or small wardrobe, but industrial-scale boilers can be much larger. When planning to install a biomass boiler, it’s important to consider both the boiler and fuel storage space.
Many countries and regions offer financial incentives to encourage the use of renewable heating systems like biomass boilers. These may take the form of grants to offset the cost of the boiler and installation, tax credits, or payments for the heat produced by the boiler.
In Spain, where Solares Energies is based, there are various regional and national incentives available. The specific grants and incentives can vary and it’s recommended to check with a local energy advisor or government website to find the most current and applicable information.
The lifespan of a biomass boiler can vary greatly depending on the quality of the boiler, the type of fuel used, and how well the boiler is maintained. However, a well-maintained, high-quality biomass boiler can often last for 15-20 years or more.
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring a long lifespan for your boiler. This includes regular cleaning of the boiler and flue, servicing by a professional, and using high-quality fuel. Using poor-quality fuel can lead to more wear and tear on the boiler and reduce its lifespan.
Biomass boilers are a highly environmentally friendly heating solution. The fuel they use — biomass — is renewable and sustainable, often sourced from waste products like sawdust or agricultural residues. Biomass absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows, and emits it when burned, resulting in a carbon-neutral cycle.
Furthermore, modern biomass boilers are designed to burn this fuel very efficiently, minimizing the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. They are a great alternative to fossil fuel heating systems, which rely on non-renewable resources and produce higher levels of greenhouse gases.
Wood-burning stoves are a highly efficient way of heating your home, particularly the newer models that are designed for high energy efficiency. Depending on the model and how it’s used a wood-burning stove can reach efficiency levels of up to 80-85%, compared to an open fire which typically has an efficiency of around 25%.
This means that a wood-burning stove converts a larger proportion of the wood’s energy into usable heat, reducing the amount of fuel you need and saving you money. Wood-burning stoves also provide a source of radiant heat, which many people find more comfortable and pleasant than the convective heat provided by central heating systems.
The type of wood used in a wood-burning stove can greatly affect its performance and the quality of heat produced. Generally, it’s best to use seasoned or kiln-dried hardwoods such as oak, ash, or birch. These woods have a high energy content and burn slowly and evenly, producing steady heat and fewer smoke and sparks.
Green or wet wood should be avoided as it produces a lot of smoke and can lead to tar build-up in your stove and chimney, which can be a fire hazard. Softwoods can be used but they burn more quickly and may not provide heat as long-lasting as hardwoods.
It’s also important to source your wood sustainably – look for wood from sustainably managed forests or certified by a reputable organization.
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Sadly many companies throughout Spain are not qualified or experienced in, supplying and installing a Biomass Boiler System. Solares Energies has a wealth of knowledge and experience in supplying, installing and maintaining boiler systems. We have a dedicated team of electricians, gas fitters, plumbers and heating engineers based around the Costa del Sol area, covering the whole of Malaga, including Marbella, Estepona, Benalmadena and Manilva.
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