Why Solar?

UK GOVERNMENT`S CARBON COMMITMENT:

KyotoProtocol CO2 emission reductions

• 12.5% reduction (1990 levels) during 2008-2012
• Revised Goal of 20% reduction by 2010
• Long term goal of 60% reduction by 2050

Is the UK climate suitable for solar power?
The short answer is yes. Our product range is proven to generate power for hot water from daylight. Sun strength is important but in most panels generate some energy even on cloudy days.

How much will my system cost?
Evacuated tube systems will cost from as little as £2,999.00, fully installed inclusive of everything.(subject to survey)

Do I need Planning Permission?
Planing permission is not normally required for solar panels
You may need permission if:

• The panels are of an unusual design.
• They project significantly beyond the roof slope.
• Your house is a listed building or is in a conservation area.

Can Solar save me money as well help the environment?

• Helps reduce UK CO2 emissions.
• Fast payback time (5-10 years at todays fuel prices, 3-6 years
  at predicted fuel prices, faster for larger installations.
• Free high grade heating and hot water (60-70% of total
  High efficiency.
• Can be used on almost any property.

How hot will the sun heat my cylinder?
For a large proportion of the year your water will be heated to above 60° C.

Is there a danger that the water could get too hot?
No. The system shuts down once your cylinder temperature is at 65° and only starts up once you draw off water and the cylinder cools.

Does my roof have to be facing south?
No anything between southeast and southwest is fine.

How does Active Solar Heating Systems Work?
Solar Panels are fitted to your roof collecting energy from the sun. This is then turned into heat and collected via a manifold that sits above the evacuated tubes. It is then piped into the hot water system where it joins the heat produced by your standard domestic boiler (or biomass boiler). An electronic controller constantly compares the temperature of the solar panels with the temperature of the water in the cylinder. On a sunny days the energy from the sun can provide all an average house's daily hot water. On cloudy days the boiler will have to be used as a backup if necessary to bring up the temperature.

How do flat plates compare with vacuum tube solar panels ?
On hot sunny days the flat plate panels will produce approximately the same amount of heat as vacuum tube panels of the same area. Under ALL other conditions, the vacuum tube panel will produce more heat than flat plate panels - usually by a very substantial amount.

Flat plate panels perform very badly during cold conditions, windy weather, in overcast conditions etc. Some of the very best and expensive flat plate collectors can compensate for this with more advanced design, but they still do not perform as well as vacuum tube panels.

If you have any more questions please free to contact us