Frequently Asked Questions

Q.
Do I need constant sunshine for my PV system to work?
A.
No, our solar systems work in all conditions. Direct sunlight will produce the highest output of water heating or electricity but on cloudy days the system will also be producing electricity. The annual estimations we will provide are based on average sunlight hours for your specific location

Q.
How can I tell if my property is suitable for a solar heating or PV system?
A.
Solar panels should be sited in a shade-free area on a roof, wall or at ground level. Preferably they should face due south, although orientations between south-east and south-west will not significantly affect the system's performance over the course of a year.

Q.
Do any special precautions need to be taken when using solar heating panels?
A.
Care should be taken to avoid scalding, because solar water heating can heat water above the temperature at which you would normally set your thermostat. This issue can be resolved with the use of a 'thermostatic mixer valve' fitted at your request.

Q.
How long will it take to install a system?
A.
Installation, for a typical house will take between two and three days.

Q.
How long will a system last?
A.
A good-quality solar system may be considered, like the general plumbing, a part of the fabric of the building. As such, a lifetime in excess of 20 years could be reasonably expected. The AES solar systems panels we use have a life expectancy of 50 years or more. Solar PV systems should last 25 year and more.

Q.
How much maintenance should be needed?
A.
The solar system, like other building services may from time to time require some maintenance. Generally this will be minimal.

Q.
Does it affect my home's value?
A.
In 2009 The Energy Savings trust carried out a survey and found that 35% of people said they would be willing to pay more for a home where some of their energy supply came from renewable resources; And also half of those questioned were interested to know if their home was suitable for renewable energy.

Q.
Is planning permission required for the installation of a domestic solar system?
A.
Planning permission is not normally needed for the installation of domestic solar systems, unless your home is a Listed Building or in a Conservation Area. However policy and practice does vary between different planning authorities. Anyone installing a system should consult their planning authority to check whether the installation requires planning permission. Most Planning Authorities accept that solar panels on a roof are "permitted development", which does not require planning consent.

Q.
What is the installation process?
A.
The installation of a solar system is relatively simple and the majority of the work is carried out outside and therefore causes minimal disruption to your home. It usually only takes a day or two to install. Quite often scaffolding will need to be erected to ensure the safety of our operatives and comply with health and safety legislation. Customer care is our priority and we would be more than pleased to discuss any concerns you had prior to starting the job.

Q.
Solar PV - What sort of returns can I make?
A.
The returns available from installing your own Solar PV system have recently greatly improved. The government has tough renewable energy targets to hit by 2020 and has therefore introduced a Feed-In tariff to entice homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity. The Feed-In tariff pays you 21p for every unit of electricity you generate and is non taxable.

Q.
Solar PV - Will it also reduce my electricity bill?
A.
As well as being paid for electricity you generate you will also benefit from a fall in your electricity bills. How much depends on how and when you use electricity. While the system is generating energy during the daytime your electricity is free. An average user (3300 kWh/yr), with an average 2kWp system will produce approximately 50% of your annual electrical requirements. You would also offset around 650 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
As electricity bills rise over time your savings will increase! With a solar electric system you'll avoid some of these increases.

Q.
Why generate your own energy/reduce your carbon footprint?
A.
As you are no doubt aware the world faces dwindling oil reserves and ever increasing fuel costs. Add that to the belief that Co2 emissions are causing global warming and generating your own electricity makes perfect sense. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems are a 'clean' source of energy. You can expect to reduce your home carbon footprint by around 20%, based on an average system (around 1000kg CO2). Solar PV is a pollution free way of producing electricity.

Q.
Are Solar PV systems safe?
A.
A quick an easy answer to this one - Yes. The systems have are no moving parts and do not emit any toxic chemicals. The vast majority of roofs are 'standard'; if we are in any way unsure about your roof we have specialist structural engineers that we can call on for opinions prior to any work being carried out.

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