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Other FAQs

If you've already read through the first three sections of our dummies guide to solar energy then you'll probably already have a good idea of what it's all about. But if you're serious about a solar install then here are a few other things that are worth a glance:

What are the running costs?
The only running cost is the electricity to run the circulation pump which is equivalent to leaving a 40 watt light bulb on for an average of 2 hours per day.

 

And what about my house price? 
A recent survey conducted by the 'Energy Saving Trust' found that home buyers would choose a house with solar panels over a house with none. Those same buyers surveyed also said they would still buy if the price was £10,000 over the none solar home.

 

Will I need to install a new cylinder?
Unless you, or the previous home owners have had the foresight to install a dual-coil solar cylinder then the answer is likely to be yes.

 

Will I need to install a new boiler?
Most modern boiler control systems can be easily upgraded to runh a state of the art solar hot water system.

 

How long will the system last?
The collectors are designed to last in excess of 25 years.

 

Do I need planning permission for a solar install?
Planning permission is not normally required (other than in conservation areas), but it's always worth checking with your local planning department.

 

What if the roof of my house isn't south facing?
If roof on your house faces South-East or South-West a system will still work but a bit less efficiently. However, if your property has a East or West aspect then a dual panel system could be installed.


What about flat roofs?
The collectors can be angled to absorb more of the sun's rays, and to be honest they're really not very heavy so they can be installed safely too. 

 

Can my swimming pool be heated by a Solar system?
Solar heating is particularly effective for swimming pools and the pay back times are often a lot faster than domestic water heating.

 

Can Turnkey service and/or repair my Solar system?
We carry out solar servicing and repairs to all makes of collector and their associated control systems.

 

Is the chemical in the system dangerous?
The antifreeze solution in the system is a mixture of water and propylene glycol. In the unlikely event of a perforated coil and contamination of your hot water is not toxic.

 

How safe is it?
Though very high temperatures can be achieved in the panel, its heat is then transferred into a water cylinder where the temperature is regulated. Over pressurisation is neutralised by an expansion vessel and protected by a pressure relief valve.

 

Will solar panels work when it's not sunny?
Solar collectors can absorb direct and indirect energy from the sun, even on dull days the sun’s energy can be converted into heat.

 

Can the panel heat my radiators?
In the summer time it would be possible to produce enough heat for a central heating system, although for most people there is little need for doing so. During the Winter the sun is not strong enough to heat both your hot water and radiators.

 

Will it help the new HIP energy report?
It is understood that the HIP scheme when launched will make an overall energy assessment on a property. A Solar installation of any kind will have a positive effect.

 

Can the look of panels be improved?
Many people consider flat panels to be more aesthetically pleasing and these can be used in the place of evacuated tubes. However as they are less efficient more of the roof would need to be covered to make the same contribution in the summer and they are substantially less productive during the winter.