So the past few days my farther and I have had a couple of reps out from a few different local based companies. I have also been doing a lot of internet research and I can say my head is thoroughly fried!
We have had estimations from £30k to £45k on systems to power 3 houses.
It seems there are two very different types of log biomass boilers.
Option A Requires:
A biomass boiler
Accumulator tank's up to 6000 litres
This options works by heating tanks at full burn until they hit the required temperature then shut off.
Option B Requires:
An American style biomass boiler
This is a boiler with a built in water jacket.
This options is a complete unit, it works kind of like a combi boiler. It has a 1500 litre water jacket which it heats to a set temp, it will then slow the burn down and restart back up when needed, a type of on demand system.
Strangely option B was hitting the 45k mark and i feel whilst it seems the more efficient type of system in theory. In Winter it will be going flat out all the time to provide 3 families with hot water, then in summer it will be burning on low all the time, waiting for the call to fire up to max.
Option A just seems better suited to our needs I believe.
We're fairly certain we need a 100kw system. There are a lot of makes and models on the market and I am trying to circle out a small group of manufacturers I would like to go with.
Solarbayer - Seem very good systems with high efficiency
HDG - similar to above although lack some info on a 100kw boiler
Lopper - Look a very robust unit, unfortunately cant find a UK dealer
Local dealers/fitters don't use the above makes unfortunately.
I am pretty certain I will be putting in a biomass system, it really does seem a good investment in the long run.