Your questions about solar water heating answered....

How many solar panels do I need?
The number of solar panels needed for a property will depend on a number of factors. When designing a solar hot water system we will take into account the size of the property, the number of bathrooms, the number of occupants and how the hot water is used throughout the day.

What types of solar panels are available?
There are two main types of collector (solar panel); flat plate
 and evacuated tube
. The evacuated tube solar collectors are more efficient, smaller and lighter than flat plate collectors. However the flat plate solar panels are generally more durable and they can be integrated into the roof.

How much will it cost?
It is not possible to price a system without a survey. This is because there are many factors which affect the cost of the system. After we have conducted a survey we will be able to provide a quotation. The fully installed cost for a three bedroom house could be anywhere between £2,000 and £5,000 depending on the brand and system complexity.

By how much will my bills be reduced?
This very much depends on how much hot water is used in the property and what type of fuel is currently used to heat the water.
If for example, there is only one bathroom with an instantaneous electric shower and no bath and the washing machine has only a cold water inlet then very little hot water would be being used and therefore the savings would be very small. However, if the property has two bathrooms with two baths and a hot-fill washing machine then the savings can be significant.
Typically annual savings of around 50%-70% of the hot water bill can be expected form a properly designed and installed solar hot water system.

I am building my own house and would like a solar hot water system. Is there anything I should consider before the heating system is fitted?
Yes. If you are considering a solar hot water system you should think about what type of boiler you will require. System boilers heat-up a store of water (usually a cylinder) whereas combination (combi) boilers heat the water on demand and therefore a store is not required.
All solar water heating systems need to store the heated water. So if you do want a combi boiler you will need a store somewhere in the property, also the combi boiler will need to be solar compatible.
If you are going to install a system boiler then you should fit a solar cylinder. This type of cylinder has two heat exchangers; one for solar and one for the boiler. The solar water heating system can then be added at a later date.

Will a solar hot water system work alongside a solid fuel boiler?
Yes. A solar hot water system works great with solid fuel. Usually solid fuel boilers are not used during the summer months and this is when there is most solar radiation. However another heat source is still required (i.e. an immersion heater) to ensure the temperature of the water in the cylinder is kept at about 60°C.

Will it give me all of my hot water?
During the summer months the solar panels will provide almost all of your hot water requirements and in the winter the system will still make a useful contribution. The boiler or immersion heater will automatically top-up the hot water when required. A well designed solar hot water system will provide around 50-70% of a family’s domestic water heating needs.

Does it work on cold or cloudy days?
On a cloudy day the sun’s rays will be scatted by the cloud, some of this scattered light reaches the earth and is known as diffused radiation. This diffused radiation will still operate the solar panel system.

Does the system need to be maintained?
Once installed the solar water heating system should operate without any problems for many years. To ensure trouble free operation regular maintenance is recommend, however, this only required once every two years and involves checking the system pressure levels and testing the transfer fluid and changing if required. This only takes about an hour so costs are minimal.

How long will the installation take?
Depending the size and complexity of the system, installation usually takes two or three days. We will keep disruption to a minimum and respect your property at all times.

Will it operate my central heating?
No. In the UK there is insufficient solar radiation during the winter months and this is when there is the most demand for central heating.

Why do you need to do a survey?
There are many factors which need to be taken into account when designing a solar hot water system. These include things like the size and type of property, the number of occupants, the daily pattern of hot water demand, the roof structure, the existing hot water system type and also the access to the site.

Can you fit the panels on a flat roof or a wall?
Yes. Solar panels can be installed on a flat roof by using brackets which position the panels at the optimum angle. Panels can also be mounted vertically (e.g. wall mounted), however the efficiency may be slightly reduced. You may need planning permission for flat roof or wall mounted solar panel installations.

Will I need planning permission?
Usually planning permission is not required unless the building is listed or in a conservation area.

Will it increase my house value?
Yes. You could expect a solar hot water system to increase your house value by a least the cost of the system, making a solar thermal system a wise investment.