for a brighter future tomorrow
Solar Heating Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on many years experience we have compiled a very comprehensive list of questions that we often get asked. If you cannot find an answer to your question please don't hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
Q. Should I install evacuated tubes or a flat plate collector?
We are happy to install either. Evacuated tubes are more efficient than flat plate collectors but this can be compensated by increasing the size of the flat plate collector. Output vs Cost is better for flat plate collector installations.
Q. How much does a solar thermal installation cost?
This depends on your exact requirement but typically between £3500 and £6000 inc VAT.
Q. Are there grants available for solar thermal installations?
IES are approved MCS installers so you could be eligible for a low carbon buildings program grant of £400. You should also contact your local council to see if there is any local funding.
Q. How much energy will the solar panels output?
Our solar thermal installations typically output between 1000 and 2500 kWh.
Q. I’ve heard that the grants are difficult to get, is this true?
No, this is a rumour spread by unapproved installers. The grant can be applied for online and you will receive an immediate response. The grant is paid out to you usually within 3 weeks of the installation being completed.
Q. Can I get grants through any installer?
No, most installers are not approved by the government’s microgeneration scheme so cannot offer you genuine grants from the government. Be wary of grants that the supplier can arrange for you, this is usually simply a sales discount.
Q. What is the payback for a solar thermal installation?
Our systems typically payback around 2-3 times over 25 years of use. This is based on a predicted fuel inflation from Ernst and Young of 12.9% per annum.
Q. Do I need to replace my hot water cylinder?
Most people do not have a spare heating coil in their cylinder so we usually need to replace the cylinder. Be wary of systems that utilise your existing cylinder as these solutions will compromise the output of the system massively.
Q. Can I have solar panels if I have a combi boiler?
Yes, we have a specially designed system that works very well with most combi boilers. It requires the installation of a storage cylinder and our combi boiler ‘Intelligent’ control package.
Q. Do you offer solar thermal DIY kits?
Usually not, solar panels are relatively simple in operation but it is important that they are installed properly if they are to have a long and trouble free life. We frequently see DIY and non specialist plumber installations that do not take into account the very high temperatures that solar panels achieve. Problems range from melting pipe clips and insulation to soldered joints that develop leaks after a few years of use.
Q. Does my roof need to face south?
South facing roofs at a 30 degree angle offer the best annual output. However, east or west facing roofs can function very well as the available solar radiation only reduces by about 20% in these orientations. We can increase the size of the panels to compensate for this reduction.
Q. Are your panels approved?
We only use the very highest quality of materials. The panels we use meet all the required standards including Solar Keymark and MCS approval for government grants.
Q. Do you work with domestic or commercial clients?
We work with both domestic and commercial clients. Commercial system are usually more involved than domestic applications so you should contact us to discuss your requirements.
Q. How much space do I need on my roof for a solar thermal installation?
Typical installations have panels sizes occupying 4.6 or 6.9m2 of roof area.
Q. Whose panels and tubes do you use?
Typically we offer high quality German manufactured tubes and panels from Schueco and Viessmann.
Q. What guarantees will I receive?
We guarantee our panels for 10 years. Most other components and labour is guaranteed for 2 years. Be wary of companies offering excessive guarantees. These usually come from cheap unknown manufacturers who have nothing to loose by offering long guarantees, also check the small print as to exactly what is covered. These guarantees do not cover the main components that may fail such as a circulation pump.
Q. Do I need planning permission?
Our roof mounted systems do not need planning permission unless the property is listed or in a conservation area.
Q. Will my roof be strong enough?
Most roofs are strong enough to take a solar installation without any reinforcement.
Q. Does your prices include for Scaffolding?
Surprisingly, many solar thermal installers do not include for installing the necessary scaffold at your property. We include for scaffolding installation in all our prices unless there is a specific reason for us not to.
Q. Will a plumber fit the panels to the roof?
No, all roof work will be completed by our trained roofing specialists. Many companies use the wrong trades people to fit panels on roofs, we use our plumbers for plumbing work and our roofers for roofing work.
Q. How are the panels fixed to the roof?
We use rigid steel brackets that are fixed directly to your roof rafters. The brackets hook out from underneath your existing tiles. We do not drill tiles/slates or use mastic/silicone to weather proof your roof. These techniques do not have a long life span.
Q. How long will the installation take?
Installation normally takes 2-3 days.
Q. How much do Solar Thermal collectors weigh?
Our systems weigh about 19kg per m2.
Q. Are the collectors fragile?
No, the solar collectors we use are designed to be very robust. We use toughened glass that will resist hail stones and other normal stresses.
Q. How hot will the solar heated water get?
The panels can routinely exceed 100 degrees C. Given the high temperatures it is important that pipe clips, insulation/lagging and pipe joints can withstand up to 150 degree heat.
Q. Do I need permission from building control to install solar panels?
Building control have some specific criteria in determining whether your need to submit a buildings notice. We will discuss this with them and you on a case by case basis. Often a buildings notice is not required. Be wary of installers who are not aware of how an installation will involve building control.
Q. Can I power the circulation pump with a solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) panel?
Some systems use a small PV panel to power the circulation pump. These systems tend to be fairly low in cost to install but are less efficient that our system that utilises a mains powered pump. Our panels can provide heat to the water cylinder even in low light conditions, PV powered pumps do not operate properly in low light conditions.
Q. Can I heat my house and my hot water with solar?
Most houses in the UK need their heat during the winter when solar radiation is at a minimum. This means that to heat your property you need very large collector areas to make a worthwhile contribution to your heating. At the moment this solution is not cost effective for the UK climate.
Q. Can I heat my swimming pool with solar panels?
Yes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools can be heated with solar panels. This can be a very effective way of reducing the heating and Co2 costs associated with swimming pools.
Q. What happens to the panels when I go on holiday?
You can leave the system switched on and it will continue to heat your cylinder while you area away. Unlike some, our system will not be damaged by periods of minimal use.
Q. What is the output of a solar thermal panel in terms of kWh?
Typical outputs from a domestic solar water heating system are in the range of 1000 – 2500kWh per year.
Please note that these answers are designed to be appropriate for typical installations. The exact specification for your system will be detailed in your personal proposal.