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How much will it cost to install an Ecotube?
What does the installation include?
How much will I save?
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?
Can you do the job for me?
Can I get help to pay for it?
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How much will it cost to install an Ecotube?
We can't be exact until we have discussed your individual needs and surveyed your property. But we can say that for an average family home it will cost around £4,000 - £5,000.
It's also subsidised by government grants, and is 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.
We will be clear with you about what you are getting for the investment you are making, and we will ensure full after sales care for you.
Contact us now for a no-cost assessment at your premises or home.
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What does the installation include?
Each 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).
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How much will I save?
Each panel will save an average of 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 £1000 per annum.
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How many panels will I need?
Typically just one Riomay 6-tube solar panel is ample to supply the needs of an average household. If you have a larger project in mind, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
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Do we have enough sun in the UK for solar power?
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 ensures that the system is effective even in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky.
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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.
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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.
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What about shade?
Shade from buildings or trees will reduce the amount of solar energy that falls on the panel, so the less shade, the better.
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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.
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Do I need planning permission?
No. Unless your house is a listed building or is under construction.
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Can you do the job for me?
Yes. Our qualified engineers can carry out the installation, normally in one or two days.
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Can I get help to pay for it?
Yes. The Government's Low Carbon Building Programme has a commitment to funding of £18 million. Grants of £400 are available for each domestic installation.
This replaces Clear Skies and the PV Demonstration Programme; details are available at: www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings/funding/lowcarbonbuildings/faq/
Local authorities also offer support and it's a good idea to contact them for additional funding that may be available. Please contact us as Eco2 Solar can assist you in obtaining grant funding.
See the Grants page for further information.
STOP PRESS
There have been instances where home owners have had difficulty obtaining Low Carbon Building Programme grants. For a limited period, where grants are not available for whatever reason, eco2solarwill pay the grant for you! Contact us for details
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If we still haven't answered your query please:
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