Solar Thermal FAQ's

In an average family home, a Solar Thermal system will usually provide you with 50 – 70% of your water heating for free each year.  During the summer months the system will provide you with nearly all your hot water requirements and during the winter, around 50%.
Solar Thermal systems can also be used in commercial buildings and can even heat swimming pools in leisure clubs.

How does it help the environment?
Carbon emissions are reduced, on average, by 325kgs each year and this in turn has a positive effect on the environment. ( Source : Energy Saving Trust, January 09)

Payback periods vary considerably depending on a number of factors including the type of fuel displaced and the amount of hot water you use. You may be eligible for a grant to help with the cost of a Solar Thermal system.

What new equipment do I have to buy?
You will require three main components for domestic use:

• Solar Panels to collect heat from daylight to convert into solar fluid
• A Pump station and pipework to circulate the solar fluid
• A Hot water cylinder where the water is heated and stored

Where do solar panels go?
Solar panels can be fitted on all types of roof, flat, pitched or curved, on the majority of buildings.  The greater the area the greater the heating potential will be.  In some cases, interruptions such as windows in your roof may restrict the use of solar panels.
Ideally a roof will be south, south east or south west facing.  If trees or buildings create shadow the effectiveness of the system may be reduced. This can all be assessed at a site visit.

How is it installed?
A qualified technician will come to your home.  They will fit panels into the roof and make the necessary connections to the location of your boiler.  Our technicians try to work with your needs and make every effort to keep disturbance and mess to a minimum, cleaning up carefully behind them.

How long does it take to install?
This should usually take a couple of days, depending on your requirements.  Weather conditions can affect installation times, as some work takes place outside your home.

Do I need to prepare anything?
An electrical fused spur near your hot water cylinder is required.

Do I need planning permission?
The Government has recently passed a “permitted development” order allowing certain microgeneration technologies to be fast-tracked through planning systems, However some local authorities still require additional details to allow you to fit a Solar Thermal system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings.

Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.

How long do the systems last?
Solar Thermal Systems will typically last 10 – 25+ years, depending on manufacturer.

Is the system guaranteed?
All our products come with manufacturer guarantees;
3 years parts and labour
10 years manufacturers guarantee

Are there any maintenance or servicing requirements?
A monthly visual check is advisable ensuring that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade from trees or other obstructions has not become a problem.
It is also advised that the integrity of the glycol within the system be checked and tested every 2-3 years.  More details can be provided on request.

Is the work checked/tested?
Your system will be fully tested before we leave by your technician.

What is the cost of installing a typical Solar Thermal system?
Prices for Solar Hot Water Systems vary depending on size to be installed, product manufacturer and the type of building on which a system is mounted.
The size of the system is dictated by the hot water usage and storage capacity.
Most domestic systems usually include 2 – 3 solar panels with a 200-300 litre domestic hot water cylinder.

For a system of this size, it would typically cost between £3,500 – £6,000.

How do I use the system most efficiently?
To obtain maximum benefit from a Solar Thermal system, continue to use your domestic hot water as normal. Our technicians will make sure the operation of the Solar Thermal system works at maximum efficiency.

During the months of the year when additional heating is necessary, you should set your heating to come on towards the end of the day. This will allow the Solar Thermal system to put as much heat into the domestic hot water cylinder as possible.

What should I do if I have any concerns?
Please feel free to contact us at any time to discuss any concerns. We are always happy to deal with any enquiry and most questions can be dealt with quickly for you by our specialist Solar Thermal team.