Bulk Tanks
Looking to make the switch to gas central heating, or looking at options? This page has all the information you’ll need concerning above ground bulk tanks, their installation and a rough pricing guide.
What is a bulk tank?
The Calor above-ground bulk tank is exactly as it sounds - a bulk storage of propane situated directly on your property. Tanks can come in either 1200 litre or 2000 litre sizes depending on the needs of your home.
Above ground bulk tanks are installed on concrete platforms at least 3 metres away from the home. A pipe will be run underground going from the tank to your home, providing a steady stream of propane to your central heating boiler.
We have a dedicated bulk tank filling gas tanker in our Lerwick depot that is regularly driven around Shetland refilling the various bulk tanks we supply around the isles.
Why get a bulk tank?
The main benefit of having a bulk gas tank is ease - the alternative for gas central heating is 47kg Propane cylinders, which must be ordered and changed periodically as they run out. Our smallest bulk tank size, the 1200 litre tank, is equivalent to roughly thirteen 47kg bottles. This means you won’t spend as much time worrying about your gas running out, and will need to order much more rarely.
Secondly, a bulk tank may be a more attractive solution for your central heating. Our typical cylinder heating gas customers have several 47kg bottles outside of their homes, which may not be preferable to a tank that can be tucked away in a corner of your property. The underground pipe ensures the perimeter of your home is left unobstructed by gas piping or other infrastructure.
Ordering becomes easier, too: your bulk tank will have a gauge on it letting you know how much is left in the tank, and once it runs low you can simply phone us and let us know, and we’ll have our tanker out to refill your tank as quick as we can. The invoice for this refill will then be sent to your home. This eliminates the issues of trying to figure out how many of your cylinders are empty or when they were last filled.
Telemetry devices
The new technology that ensures you never run out of gas
Installing a telemetry device on a bulk tank allows for the volume of gas left in the tank to be monitored remotely on a mobile phone or computer. The devices give an accurate reading of your tank’s current level. It allows for alerts to be set up, sending you and us a notification when the tank reaches a specified level. This means you won’t run out of gas unexpectedly.
The telemetry devices also allow for your gas consumption to be tracked, giving you a better idea of your usage, refill frequency and costs.
The telemetry devices do not run on Wi-Fi and do not need an electrical connection
Stress-free refills
The installation of a telemetry device means we are notified when your tank runs low. This means you don’t need to phone in when your gas is low - we will know when you need your tank refilled and fill it accordingly. We can either invoice you each time your tank is filled or we can organise a monthly payment, giving you certainty and regularity when it comes to heating your home.
Our tanker travels all over Shetland each week refilling both domestic and commercial bulk tanks. Our large bulk storage vessels at our Lerwick depot ensure that our propane supplies is consistent throughout the year, including during periods of disruption over winter.
How much would a bulk tank installation cost, and how does it compare to just using 47kg propane cylinders?
The following prices are estimates only and are subject to change. Pricing depends on the complexity of the installation, the location of your caravan (installations in the isles will incur ferry expenses) and other factors. Prices an estimate as of August 2026.
| Component | Description | Cost (Estimate only) |
| Installation of bulk tank | Full installation of a 1200-litre tank | £1,500.00 |
| Quarterly hire fee | Quarterly hire fee for a bulk tank (includes maintenance and upkeep costs) | £23.00 |
| Refilling a bulk tank (on demand refills) | Refilling a 1200-litre bulk tank from 20% to 87% (maximum safe fill level) | |
| Monthly refill fee (scheduled refills) | Refilling a 1200-litre bulk tank (estimated use for a 44m² caravan) |
Bulk tank installation enquiries
If you would like to enquire about getting a bulk tank installed on your property, or if you would like any more information, please visit our showroom in Lerwick or get in touch on 01595 692807 or gas@rearo.co.uk
