Questions and Answers
How much will it cost to install an solar water heating system?
What does the installation include?
How much will I save?
Is Eco2Solar fully accredited?
How much disruption will a solar panel installation cause?
How many panels will I need?
Do we have enough sun in the UK for solar power?
Will the Ecotube work when the weather is cold?
Which way should the panel face?
What about shade?
Can I convert my existing system?
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Can you do the job for me?
Can I get help towards the cost of solar panels?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How much will it cost to install a solar heating system?
It is difficult to be exact until we have discussed your individual needs and surveyed your property. But we can say that for an average family home solar panels cost around £3,000 - £4,000. Solar energy is also subsidised by government grants which could be up to £1,400, meaning that your cost could be as little as £2000.
It is also a worthwhile investment – an article in “thelondonpaper” on 1st March 2007 predicted that within 3 years eco-friendly features could add 6% to the market value of a house.
As members of the Solar Trade Association we are proud to adhere to their code of practice for sales and customer service. We will always be clear with you about what you are getting for the investment you are making, how much the solar panels cost and we will ensure full after sales care for you.
Contact us now for a no obligation assessment at your premises or home.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What does the installation include?
Each solar energy installation is different depending on the layout of the property and the existing hot water system. Typically the installation includes a solar heating panel of evacuated tubes, a replacement solar rated twin coil cylinder, electronic controller, pressure vessel, circulating pump, piping, valves, safety controls and insulation, non-toxic anti-freeze as well as scaffolding, installation, commissioning and making good (generally 2 people for 2 days).
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How much will I save?
Each solar energy installation will save up to 2000kw hours of power over the year, and provide up to 70% of your domestic hot water needs - but there may be other benefits too, if you use the panels for under-floor heating for example. The financial savings depend on what type of fuel you are using (electricity is much more expensive than gas for example), how much hot water you use, when you use it, the efficiency of your boiler and last but not least how much we assume fuel prices will rise in the future. As such, for a domestic system savings can range from £100 to £500 per annum – much more for larger installations or swimming pools!
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is Eco2Solar fully accredited?
Yes. Eco2Solar are fully accredited for the Low Carbon Buildings Programme through the UK Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This is an onerous qualification to obtain and, when we received this certificate in April 2008, we were one of an elite group of only 12 solar installation companies to be accredited. Not only is this a demonstration of the quality of our solar heating installations and our customer service, it is also necessary for our customers to obtain grants.
If a solar installer is not accredited by MCS then you cannot claim a renewable energy grant!
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How much disruption will a solar panel installation cause?
Eco2Solar will make the solar energy installation as easy and hassle free as possible. The installation will generally take only 2 days and you should not be without hot water overnight.
Our fully qualified solar installers will leave you home as they found it – with the exception of free energy from the sun!
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How many panels will I need?
Typically just one Ecotube solar panel is sufficient to supply the solar energy needs of an average household. If you have a larger project in mind, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do we have enough sun in the UK for solar power?
Absolutely yes. It is important to distinguish between solar radiation levels and air temperature. Even if you cannot see the sun, if there is daylight there will be “diffuse” solar radiation. Solar radiation is what heats the panels and solar radiation levels in this country are as high as parts of Spain and 60% of the levels at the equator.
The heat in the solar panels is typically much greater than the air temperature. The evacuated tube design of the Ecotube works like a thermos flask to minimise heat loss and ensures that the system is effective even in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will the Ecotube work when the weather is cold?
Yes. The Ecotube is temperature independent working on solar radiation. It will work on cold, clear winter days providing you with a surprising amount of energy. One of our clients has reported temperatures of 50 centigrade in his hot water cylinder in February – with his boiler switched off; all of the heat provided by solar energy!
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Which way should the panel face?
It should face roughly south, but anything between southeast and southwest is fine. Uniquely the Ecotube will work on any roof angle from horizontal to vertical as the tubes themselves can be rotated on installation. This allows the panels to be positioned on a pitched roof, flat roof or even on a wall.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What about shade?
Shade from buildings or trees will reduce the amount of solar energy that falls on the solar panel, so the less shade, the better.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can I convert my existing system?
Yes. A solar heating system can be fitted to existing water heating systems (including combi-boilers) whether powered by gas, oil, solid fuel or electricity.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
No. Unless your house is a listed building or is under construction – in which case you will be putting plans in anyway.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you do the job for me?
Yes. Our engineers are fully qualified to carry out the installation, normally in one or two days. All of our solar installers are qualified plumbers or roofers and carry a BPEC solar qualification.
Eco2Solar also ensure that our installers visiting your property will be smartly dressed, polite and neat in their work. Solar energy installations generally take only 2 days and our installers will clean up afterwards – leaving your home as they found it.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can I get help towards the cost of solar panels?
Yes. Through the
Feed-in-Tariff and
Renewable Heat Incentive. The
Feed-in-Tariff is accessible for
properties with a solar PV installation, and the proposed
Renewable Heat Incentive will be available to properties with a solar thermal
installation, should it past government, which is planned in April 2011.
The previously existing ₤400 grant that was available under the Low
Carbon Building Programme has stopped. This is due to the success of the
scheme, and the finite resources used to fund it
Back to Top
If we still haven't answered your query please:
