Frequently Asked Questions
How much hot water will the solar system provide?
An average solar hot water heating system will provide up to 90% of your hot water in the summer, and up to 20% in the winter. When averaged throughout the year, the solar water system will provide up to 70% of your hot water.
How much does solar thermal cost ?
Around £3500, excluding the 30% solar grant. This includes supply and installation of the solar panels, hot water cylinder and all pipework and controls. Solar Price will vary depending on the system that is required.
Are there solar grants available for the solar water heating installation?
Yes. At the moment there are solar grants for 30% of the total installed cost.
Is a boiler still needed?
Yes. Solar water heating systems will not replace your boiler. Your boiler is still needed for your central heating and to top up the temperature of your hot water when necessary. However, your boiler life may be extended due to reduced cycling.
Does the system still work on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar panels produce more output in direct sunlight, but they also make a contribution in indirect sunlight (diffuse radiation) as on a cloudy day.
Is Planning Permission Required?
No not normally. Not unless you live in a listed building or within a conservation area. However, it is always a good idea to double check with your planning department before installing the system.
What area of solar panels are needed?
An average house will need 4 square metres of solar water heating panel. This would require around a 250 litre hot water cylinder.
Can solar panels be used for producing hot water and running central heating?
Yes. However, much larger panel areas are required and also a much larger water storage volume. Since the peak supply of sun never occurs at the same time as the peak demand for heat, the heat must be stored. It should also be noted that such systems are only suitable for use with specifically designed underfloor heating.
What maintenance does the solar water heating system require?
Very little. However, it is a good idea to visually check the solar panels on the roof on a regular basis, and every three years have the fluid in the system checked.
Do I have to pay VAT on the cost of the solar hot water system?
Yes. However, if the system is professionally installed, you only pay 5% instead of 17.5%.
What roof requirements are there?
Ideally, solar panels should be installed on a south facing roof. However, depending on the orientation others may also be suitable.
How long will it take to pay-back the cost of the installation?
This depends on a number of factors including the level of gas prices over the coming years. We are not able to predict future energy prices, but it is unlikely that they will fall. On average 25% of a households heating bill is accounted for by hot water heating. If you now calculate how much you spend on hot water and reduce it by around 70%, you can estimate your annual saving.
Will the solar panel freeze in winter?
No. The fluid in the solar water heating panel is a special non-toxic anti-freeze.
Other
Our highly efficient solar panels for water heating will help to reduce fuel bills and CO2 emissions. Purchasing solar panels for producing hot water may also add value to your property, as buyers are becoming more aware of the reduced fuel bills these systems can offe
In most cases our efficient team of solar panel installers will install the solar water heating system in one or two days. Normally, installing a solar water heating system will involve replacing the existing hot water cylinder. Hot water cylinders for use with solar panels are designed specifically for the job. In particular, a purpose built hot water cylinder for solar panels will have a 'dedicted solar volume'. This dedicated solar volume is crucial to the efficiency of the system, since it remains unheated by the boiler. In this way, the solar panels have a greater potential to add solar energy into the hot water cylinder.
