Solar Panels FAQs

Q. Can solar panels really work in the uk?

A. Yes, they can and do. In fact solar panels have been sold in the UK since the 1960's. The UK receives approximately 55% of the solar energy of the equator which is more than enough to power a solar hot water heating system - regardless of where you live in Britain. Each square meter in the UK receives between 900 - 1200 kwh of solar radiation each and every year.

Q.Will I need planning permission?

A. No, unless you live in a listed building.

Q. Can solar panels be fitted to my flat roof?

A. Yes they can with the use of an A frame.

Q. Do the panels need servicing or maintenance?

A. Not usually but we recommend you have us check them over once every 4-5 years. Mostly to check the antifreeze levels.

Q. How long will the solar system last?

A. We guarantee our evacuated tube solar panels for 10 years, but would expect them to last 30+ years under normal usage.

Q. How can evacuated solar panels save 70% of my hot water heating bills?

A. During spring, summer, and part of autumn our solar power systems will provide all, or nearly all, of your hot water requirements. Even in the depth of winter it should still supply 50% of your needs. Your boiler simply needs to top up your requirements rather than heating up your water from freezing all the time.

Q. Will solar water systems work in cloudy and cold days?

A. Yes, many people mistakenly think that solar hot water panels work through the sun's heat hitting the panels. When in fact they work through solar radiation hitting the panels. This happens even when cloudy and cold.

Q. What is the payback period on solar panels?

A. What is the payback period on your current energy supplies? In other words what is the payback on your gas, oil, or electricity supplies? None! Because you 'rent' it and will have to pay an ever increasing price each year. When trying to work out the payback period simply taking the initial purchase cost and dividing by your fuel savings isn't an accurate way of comparing costs. You need to factor in the increases you will have to pay in energy prices next year and the year after. Add to this inflation, the savings to boiler repairs and replacement (they are used much less often). Typical payback periods of between 6 - 15 years are now realistic. This varies depending on how much energy the solar panels replace, the inflation factor you use and of course how much hot water you use.

Another way of looking at the financial savings with solar hot water heating systems is that the financial savings each year are equivalent to a return on you investment of between 8 - 12%. See this Guardian article.

Q. Will solar power generation systems add value to my home?

A. Yes. If you were looking at two different houses and all things being equal, except that one had a solar hot water heating system that would save you 70% of your hot water heating bill each and every year which house would you buy? HIPS reports now value houses higher that use renewable energy.

Q. How long does it take to install the evacuated tube solar panels system?

A. It varies depending on the size of installation and your property, but usually takes one to one and a half days.