FAQ Solar Domestic Hot Water
Will a solar hot water system replace my current system?
No, solar systems need to work in conjunction with an additional form of heating to provide space heating and back up for hot water. This would typically be a gas boiler but you can also run a solar system in tandem with a heat pump were no gas is present for the optimum in system efficiency.
Will you get much solar gain on a cloudy day?
Yes, on a cloudy day you will still achieve a solar gain via solar radiation which will heat your hot water. The systems are obviously more efficient in the summer but even in the winter your will add heat to your system which helps the efficiency, on average you will get the following 80 – 90% of all summer hot water needs 40 - 50% of all spring / autumn hot water needs 10 – 20% of all winter hot water needs.
Is Planning Permission Required?
Planning permission is not generally required for the installation of solar panels. However, it is always worth checking with your local planning authority, especially in conservation areas and other architecturally sensitive locations.
How much will a typical installation cost?
Cost depends on the number of panels required, the size of the cylinder and on installation details such as accessibility for the scaffold and the complexity of the wiring.
A typical system cost will start around £4,000
