Solar FAQ's
Why will Solar Thermal Heating Systems work?
The sun is by far the most abundant source of energy available on earth. Energy arriving at the Earth’s surface by way of solar radiation over a period of 40 minutes is the equivalent of the power used by the entire population of the Earth in one year.
Even in the UK, we still received approximately 60% of the solar radiation compared to the equator.
What are the environmental reasons for this technology?
The UK Government has made legally binding commitments to carbon reduction of 80% by 2050 from 1990 levels. This is a result of inter Governmental conferences in Rio and Kyoto.
Approximately 50% of the UK carbon output is as a result of the use of gas, oil and electricity in buildings. Therefore the challenge facing the country is to use fuel more efficiently and to become less wasteful. One way of using less fuel is to utilise direct solar radiation, which is in itself free.
How effective are Solar Thermal systems?
A typical solar thermal system should provide between 50 and 70% of your annual domestic hot water requirements.
Will solar systems work on a cloudy day?
Yes, it will work on a cloudy day dependant on the amount of cloud and how high the sun is. Basically indirect or diffused radiation will still make the system effective, albeit at lower levels.
Do solar systems work in Winter?
The further into winter, then the shorter the days. But on average there will still be a positive benefit by preheating your water, which will take part of the load off your boiler.
How reliable are the systems?
An independent survey of domestic hot water solar systems installed in the UK between 1970 and 1994 was undertaken by the DTI.
The main conclusions were:
- Solar systems can work reliably for 20 years or more
- There is little, if any, difference between current system performance and that when the system was new.
- System performances have improved significantly improved over the years. Half the systems have needed no new components and only 1% are considered unreliable. More modern systems have less problems; 68% of systems installed since 1986 have not needed new components.
Are there grant or other incentives available?
At the time of writing, proposals are being awaited for a Renewable Heat Incentive. Further information about what this is likely to be will be given on request, and this site will be updated once the full details are released by the government.
What does a system involve?
For most people, this will require a new twin coil hot water cylinder. This is to allow the input of heat from the solar hot water heating system to work effectively in combination with the input from a conventional heating source such as a boiler or immersion heater.
There will also be the need for the solar panels to be installed on the roof, ideally in a South facing position. However, if your roof isn’t South facing, then this shouldn’t be too critical, subject to a number of factors including shading and angle of the roof.
There are also a number of other system components to ensure a safe and efficient operation.
Where do we cover?
We will cover installations in Nottingham, Lincoln, Leicester, Derby and the surrounding areas.