FAQ

Is solar water heating right for me?

Most homes can benefit from solar water heating. If you have a south facing roof, then that’s the ideal position for the solar panels, an east / west roof is also suitable for solar panels. Alternatively they can be mounted on frames on a flat roof, or mounted on a gable wall. They should not be heavily shaded by buildings or trees. Solar water heating can also be used with some combi boilers; a water storage cylinder will be required. Many installations are straight forward, but we always carry out a site survey, to ensure compatibility.

How well does it work in the UK?

Modern evacuated tube solar panels do not require bright direct sunshine to function. They work on cloudy and overcast days. As the UK receives 60% of the solar energy compared to the equator, solar water heating is practical way of heating your hot water. Germany with a similar climate is a leader in solar equipment manufacture; they have 30 times more solar panels installed than in the UK.

How much will solar water heating cost?

Each installation is different; systems vary depending on customer’s requirements, type of system chosen, and the property involved. A typical basic system including water cylinder can start from £3900 plus vat @5%, even a large system rarely exceeds £5500 plus vat. Typically this is less than the price of other home improvments like bathrooms and kitchens. Few home improvements will start saving you money from day one, add value to your property for many years to come, and pay for itself many times over.

How long does it take to install solar water heating?

A typical installation takes 2 to 3 days from start to finish, leaving you with a functioning solar system that will start to save you money straight away. We carry out all the work ourselves, we dont subcontract to separate roofing or plumbing companies.

Does solar water heating affect my home energy efficiency rating?

Yes fitting a solar water heating system increases the energy efficiency rating in your HIPs pack (home information pack). This can make your home more appealing to house buyers, and increases the value of your home by thousands of pounds.

Do I need planning permission to install solar water heating?

No from 2008, unless you live in a listed building, or a conservation area, planning permission is not required.

Do I still require my boiler?

Yes, a solar water heating system assists with the heating of your domestic hot water. The boiler is needed to top up the temperature and run the central heating.

Will a solar water heating system improve my shower pressure?

Where ever possible we install a new unvented water cylinder, this stores the water at mains pressure, and will usually greatly improve the pressure and flow of an ordinary shower, and reduce bath filling times.

Will I ever run out of hot water?

No your existing boiler raises the temperature of the solar preheated water, so no matter how dull it is outside, you wont run out of hot water.

How much money will I save by installing a solar water heating system?

Typically you will save around 60 to 70% on your annual water heating bill. You will also have the satisfaction of reducing your carbon emmisions, and helping the environment.

How reliable are solar water heating systems?

A correctly installed solar water heating system is very reliable. They have very few moving parts, often just a circulation pump. Many of the early systems fitted 20 to 30 years ago are still fuctioning today, many without needing any new components. Solarworxs solar water heating systems have a life expectancy of 25 years or more. Within the first three months of installation, we always call back to check the system is running at its optimum.

Is solar compatable with combi boilers?

Some combis are capable of accepting pre heated water, for those that are not, then we use the Combi Konverter system. This allows you get the benefit of solar without changing your boiler.