Residential – FAQ
Why should I change to solar power?
There is an array of reasons why you should switch to solar energy systems in your home. Here is a selection of the most important:
- Reduce your impact on the environment, e.g. reduce c02 emissions
- Save money on your bills
- Reconnect your house to the world around it
- Yield the suns plentiful energy
- Set an example to others
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: You will need permission for a listed building or if the building is located in a conservation area. It is very important to check with Local Building Control in ALL cases.
Q: Will unpredictable British weather impact on the effectiveness of the panels?
A: The panels rely on daylight not just sunlight, so the panels’ functions will not be hindered in the UK.
Q: What size are the panels?
A: Usually the size is 2m x 1.5m x 2m for standard equipment, however this varies, depending on hot water demand.
Q: Will tiles need removing from my roof?
A: The panels can be surface mounted; therefore it’s not necessary to remove tiles.
Q: Is it dangerous and will it alter the stability of my roof?
A: No, solar panels will not affect the stability of your roof or pose a danger, as we use fully qualified professionals for installations
Q: Do panels have to be mounted on south facing walls?
A: Yes, South West but South East is also satisfactory.
Q: Can I incorporate it with my existing system?
A: Yes.
Boilers
Q: What is a high efficiency boiler?
A: High efficiency condensing boilers convert over 88% of their energy into heat, compared to 78% for conventional types. They recover as much waste heat as possible, which is normally discarded into the atmosphere via the duct of a conventional (non-condensing) boiler.
Q: How can I tell if a boiler has high efficiency status?
A: Boilers carry a rating based on the percentage of fuel they use that is converted to heat. This rating is called SEDBUK – Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK. SEDBUK ratings range from A to G – A-rated boilers being more than 90% efficient, which are the only ones to carry the energy saving logo.
Heat Pumps
Q: Can heat pumps be added to a existing system?
A: Yes you can, but if the existing radiator is not oversized, it will need to be replaced.
Q: Where are heat pumps usually located?
A: They can be internal and external.
Q: What do they look like?
A: Internal and external pumps look slightly different. Depending on the output, the internal pumps are usually the size of a washing machine and are enclosed in a white case. The external units typically come in a weatherproof unit.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: In most cases no, but always check with Local Building Control.
Q: How much maintenance is necessary?
A: Very little but manufacturers recommend an inspection every two years.
Q: Can I use it with other energy systems?
A: Yes. Along with a thermal store you can connect an open fire with a back boiler.
