Solar thermal panels are typically located on the roof of a dwelling. Roofs are less likely to be shaded by anything during the day and are usually pretty close to hot water cylinders. It is always better to have panels as close as possible to the hot water storage to minimise heat loss in pipes to and from the panels. For the simplest installations the panels themselves will need to face south-east to south-west in order to catch the maximum amount of sunlight. If your house has east – west facing roof areas it is still possible to catch the sun using either a larger bank of panels on one roof or two sets of panels either side.

You will need a hot water or thermal store cylinder inside the house to store the heat generated by the panels. Many houses will already have a hot water cylinder as part of an existing hot water system. This cylinder can be replaced with a twin coil cylinder for greatest effect or reused by using various solar devices.

The solar circuit will be controlled by an electric controller usually mounted in the airing cupboard. This will detect when the panels are producing heat and transfer it to the cylinder.

The current grant scheme relating to solar thermal is the long-awaited Renewable Heat Incentive. Introduction of this scheme will happen but in two phases, with the initial tariff support available for non-domestic systems only.

The tariff for non-domestic solar thermal is 8.5p/kWh and is available only for capacities less than 200 kWth. For domestic installations, there is a one off payment available to offset the installation cost available to households meeting certain requirements.

In October 2012 the second phase will introduce a tariff-based system for domestic properties. The Green Deals scheme is also coming into place around this time which aims to help fund domestic renewable energy projects by effectively providing loans which are paid off through your energy supplier using the savings made from the renewable technologies installed. When the domestic tariffs are introduced they will be available to all eligible renewable heat installations that have taken place since 15th July 2009, although payments will not be retrospective.

There is also some money to be saved through VAT. By having your system installed by a registered installer you will be eligible for a 5% VAT rate on all components and installation instead of the normal 20% VAT. As an example this difference would equate to a £450.00 saving on a £3,000.00 installation.

We can link solar panels with combi boiler systems provided the combi boiler can accept pre-heated hot water. You will still require a hot water cylinder to store the heat from the solar panels. The hot water from the cylinder will be linked into the existing combi system using a special valve.

If you are considering doing this remember that combi boilers are actually very efficient water heaters and it may not be financially viable for you to incorporate solar thermal into the system unless you are using large amounts of hot water.

We only use high quality equipment which will be expected to last in excess of 25 years. We’re not going to make and empty promises that nothing unexpected will ever go wrong with your solar equipment or installation although we do try our best to avoid complications. We will however promise to be on hand to deal with any problems as they arise.

We take our after care service very seriously and believe in treating our customers honestly and with respect. We will act as your first and only point of call if you do have problems and will take full responsibility for repairing any faults with your system in the first three years. After this period we will still be on hand for servicing and repair work and we still won’t make a charge unless we feel it’s fair to do so.

Yes you can! If you’re comfortable doing so you can purchase D.I.Y. solar kits from us or directly from Navitron. We can give any advice you may need or you can go on a training course with Navitron to learn everything you will need to know.

Remember that on D.I.Y. systems all components will be charged to you with the standard 20% VAT rate so it could be worth weighing up the options before you get stuck in!

In our area of the UK we receive a really good amount of solar energy every year. In real terms this can equate to lovely hot water during much of the spring/ summer months with an efficient and well designed solar thermal system. In the winter months you will likely need to top up your hot water in the cylinder using conventional means such as your existing boiler or electric immersion. However the solar system should still be providing as much heat as possible meaning your alternative heat source will have less work to do, reducing running costs.

Systems will be matched to your hot water usage to give you the most efficient system possible.

You will start saving money on your heating bills straight away once the equipment is installed! It’s impossible to say exactly how long the payback period is for solar equipment will be as there are so many factors that affect how much it costs to heat water in an average household as well as unpredictable rises in oil, gas and electricity prices.

If you can work out how much it costs you currently to heat your water you can get an idea of payback periods from this calculator.

At a very rough guesstimate we would say between 3 and 8 years would be average.

The electrical output of a PV cell is dependent upon the intensity of the light to which it is exposed. So PV cells will generate more electricity on bright days than when skies are overcast. However, photovoltaic’s do not need to be in direct sunlight to work, so even on overcast days a PV cell will be generating some electricity.

The money comes from the utility companies, and the cost is passed on to their customers… in other words, the people who don’t install renewable’s pay for those who do.

There’s no reason why not. The FIT can be transferred to the new owner, and they will continue to receive the incentive. Alternatively, you may decide to come to an arrangement where you retain the FIT entitlement, by agreement with the new purchaser, who will enjoy the benefits of free or low cost renewable energy. Of course, your house will be considerably more attractive to buyers, having a better energy rating, and the attraction of annual tax-free payments for the new owners.