There are two main options for installing Solar Power, each with its own benefits. Solar Thermal systems generate hot water, Solar Photovoltaics (PV) generate electricity. The systems can of course be combined if required, and whilst south facing elevations are the most effective, don't think that you can't have solar power without a south facing roof.
To see if your property is suitable for Solar Power we are happy to undertake a no obligation survey and to advise you which systems might best suit your requirements, what the costs would be, and of course what energy and carbon savings you could make.
Grants are available for the installation of solar power products, see our 'Grants' page, or give us a call.
Photo Voltaics- Photovoltaics, or PV for short, is a technology in which light is converted into electrical power.
The average UK home consumes around 3300kWh (or units) of electricity per annum. A typical PV solar panel system would be a 2kWp system which would produce approximately 1500kWh per year (based on 750kWh per 1kWp installed under UK conditions), which is roughly half of the expected yearly consumption. Payback will vary greatly depending on individual electricity consumption patterns and naturally, energy prices, which are projected to rise remorselessly. The time will obviously be even shorter as the desire to become more environmentally friendly in making purchase decisions for the home, combined with the obvious attractions of saving money, will definitely add value from day one. Some Industry sources are already happy to suggest that a home fitted with a solar panel system should demand at least a 10% higher price than the same house without solar power. Furthermore, as Home Information Packs (HIPS) come into force, homes with solar panels fitted will achieve a higher rating on their Energy Performance Certificate.
As well as traditional solar panels, used largely for retrofit applications, we are also able to specify and install a range of Solar Roof Tiles (both Solar PV and Solar Thermal) that best suit a new build, or new extention being built as they replace the actual roof tiles. These fit seemlessly onto your roof, as seen below.
Solar Thermal Water Heating- Using Solar power to heat water is remarkably efficient, and new systems are proven to work well even during the winter months. The vacuum system prevents the heat tube from being cooled much by the ambient temperature which can be well below freezing, and so winter sun can easily heat water to 50+ degrees even in the depths of the coldest season. Even if it is very cloudy and very cold, enough sunlight gets through to keep the tubes well above freezing and so they will be still be pre-heating the water which can then be heated further by a standard immersion heater or gas burner reducing the costs of heating the water. Again we work with a number of suppliers to provide the best solution to each client.
