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Solar Hot Water Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Solar Hot Water system?

Solar Hot Water systems (sometimes called SolarThermal systems) convert light into heat, which in turn creates hot water for your home.

A Solar Hot Water system requires only daylight to generate heat so can still generate hot water on a cloudy day. There are three main components in a Solar Hot Water system for domestic applications:

• Solar Panels – that collect heat from ambient daylight and transfer it to a solar fluid (a glycol/water solution).
• Plumbing System – which includes simple piping and a pump, to pump the solar fluid around the system to heat the water.

• Hot Water Cylinder – which stores the hot water for domestic use.

What are the benefits of Solar Hot Water?

A Solar Hot Water system is one of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly renewable energy resources available. Although systems have been around since the 1970’s, it is only recently that technological advances have provided a greater selection of equipment which can be tailored to suit each application.

ot only can Solar Hot Water systems be used for domestic water heating, they can also be used for larger applications, such as commercial properties and heating swimming pools.

A Solar Hot Water system can provide 50 to 70% of domestic water heating virtually FREE each year. In the summer months, the system can actually provide almost all your hot water needs and around 50% for the rest of year.

Not only can a Solar Hot Water system save you money, it can also reduce your impact on the environment. A typical domestic system can reduce carbon emissions by around 325kgs each year. (Source: Energy Saving Trust, January 09)

Payback periods vary considerably depending on a number of factors including the type of fuel displaced and the amount of hot water you use. You may be eligible for a grant to help with the cost of a Solar Hot Water system.

Is it suitable for my home?

• Solar Hot Water systems can be installed on the majority of buildings either directly on a pitched roof or on frames if your roof is flat. However, they do require a roof that ideally faces south, south east or south west, as long as no other buildings or large trees overshadow it. If the roof is in shadow for parts of the day, the output of the system can decrease.
• Solar panels are suitable for all types of roof –pitched, flat or curved. The greater the surface area available the better the heating potential.
• Solar panels may not be suitable if your roof already has any penetrations in it. e.g. roof windows.

• Solar panels work with most, but not all, boiler systems.This will need to be checked in the initial survey.

Do I need planning permission?

The Government has recently passed a “permitted development” order allowing certain microgeneration technologies to be fast-tracked through planning systems, However some local authorities still require additional details to allow you to fit a Solar Hot Water system, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings.

Always check with your local authority about planning issues before you have a system installed. Obtaining retrospective planning permission can be difficult and costly.

Do I have to do anything before the installation?

No, apart from seeking approval from your local planning authority.

Do the installers have to come into the house?

The technicians must have access to your roof and to your existing hot water cylinder, inside the property, which will be replaced.

Is there much mess?

No, dust sheets will be laid throughout the house to minimise any dust or debris, and our technicians will thoroughly clear up before they leave.

How long will it take to install the Solar Hot Water system?

A typical installation should take between one and two days to complete. Work will take place both inside and outside the property in this time with the installation of the panels onto your roof, and also the installation of a pump station, hot water cylinder and appropriate pipe work.

However, work could be delayed due to inclement weather.

We will endeavour to keep to our schedule where possible but will keep you informed of any changes.

Do I need to provide anything?

You will need to ensure that there is an electrical fused spur in the vicinity of the hot water cylinder location.

What is the lifespan of the system?

Solar Hot Water Systems will typically last 10 – 25+ years, depending on manufacturer.

Is the system guaranteed?

All our products come with manufacturer guarantees; the panels are guaranteed for 5 to 20 years and ancillary components from 1 – 3 years depending on manufacturer.

In addition to the manufacturer’s backed guarantee, which covers the equipment, you will receive a guarantee for the installation from REIGA (Renewable Energy Installation Guarantee Agency). This is an independent guarantee which is valid for a period of 10 years and is applied for by us on your behalf. It will be sent to you direct from REIGA and can take up to 8 weeks from installation to be delivered.

(REIGA is nonprofit distributing; its only function is to stand as guarantor for the promises set out in the guarantee. It has the resources to meet the promises made in the guarantee.)

For further information see www.reiga.org.uk

Are there any maintenance or servicing requirements?

Very little. A monthly visual check is advisable ensuring that the panels are kept relatively clean and that shade from trees or other obstructions has not become a problem.

It is also advised that the integrity of the glycol within the system be checked and tested every 2-3 years. Mark Group have a range of service packages available. More details can be provided on request.

Is the work checked/tested?

Your system will be fully tested before we leave.

What is the cost of installing a typical Solar Hot Water system?

Prices for Solar Hot Water Systems vary depending on size to be installed, product manufacturer and the nature of the actual building on which a system is mounted.

The size of the system is dictated by the hot water usage requirements and domestic hot water storage capacity.

Most domestic systems usually include 2 – 3 solar panels with a 200-300 litre domestic hot water cylinder. These systems will typically cost between £3,500 – £6,000.

How can I get the best out of the system?

In order to obtain maximum benefit from a Solar Hot Water system, continue using your domestic hot water as normal.The technicians will optimise the operation of the Solar Hot Water system at commissioning.

During the months of the year when additional heating is necessary, ensure that this is set to come ontowards the end of the day.

This will allow the Solar Hot Water system to put as much heat into the domestic hot water cylinder as possible and minimise any other panel requirements.

How does it work?

A Solar Hot Water system uses solar panels to collect heat from ambient daylight and transfer it to a solar fluid. This hot fluid is then pumped to the domestic hot water cylinder (usually housed in an airing cupboard).

At the cylinder, the fluid passes through a coil allowing it to transfer its heat to the domestic hot water held in the cylinder.

In summer this is likely to be sufficient for most householders needs. At other times of the year a back up of heat source such as a boiler or an immersion heater is required to supplement the solar heating.

The solar fluid then returns to the panels, in a closed loop to be re-heated.

If I am concerned after the installation - what should I do?

Please contact us at any time to discuss any queries. Most can be answered swiftly and efficiently so please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our renewables operations team.