I have just moved into a very small 2-bed house, with electric heating. I intend to go with solar panels but have absolutely no knowledge of these. I expect to install GCH as I assume that I cannot run the electric heating off the panels. Any advice re Companies for supply and installation, Council grants etc etc
2006-09-04 01:03:45 · 8 answers · asked by ann c 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
on the roof
2006-09-04 01:05:15 · answer #1 · answered by pinhed_1976 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We installed solar panels earlier this year, for the last six months we have turned on our oil fired boiler about seven times, for an hour each time. We live in north Scotland.
Our panels are for water heating only, they contain fluid which passes through our hot water storage thus raising the temperature. For a 4.4m panel and a more complex than normal setup it cost us £3500 including labour.
However I suspect you are thinking about panels for generating electricity? In which case that type of solar panel is woefully innefficient in this country. I would recommend to anyone to fit solar panels for water heating, it has saved us a fortune so far and will pay itself back in about 5 -10 years depending on oil prices. For electricity generation though? Not recommended.
As for grants, when we applied we were told that all the grant cash had been used up and that was that.
2006-09-04 03:01:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming if you refer to council grants you are UK resident - in that case unless you are prepared to love the environment more than your finances don't do it - it will never be cost effective in our climate & will never heat more than just your hot water and some days not even that.
Better to change from electric heating to gas and leave it at that - condensing combi boilers are best bet for economical running.
If however you love the environment and money is no object - try www.est.org.uk - the energy saving trust.
2006-09-04 02:16:57 · answer #3 · answered by Steel Lady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where are you, depends on local climate for the solar energy available and subsidies avaiable -your council or phone book should help. or see if you can spot anyone in the neighbourhood with pannels & ask them.
eg Northern hemisphere needs to be south facing.
Suggest getting solar thermal to pre-heat water
not photovoltaic.
can be at ground level for ease of connection & maintenance, or on a roof to be out of the way. depends where your boiler and header system is located.
www.cat.org.uk have designs and UK affiliated suppliers
2006-09-04 01:17:31 · answer #4 · answered by fred 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would be better putting the money towards a Micro CHP heating boiler, you'll get a grant and you can sell the excess energy back to your electricity company.
2006-09-04 01:45:15 · answer #5 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-03-02 06:34:03 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont bother in GB as the amount of power they will produce in the winter wont be enough to heat your house.
You may get away with powering the lighting but thats about it.
2006-09-04 01:09:43 · answer #7 · answered by Rich S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are very expensive to buy and fit. Small properties would prob find it in efficient and you might need a larger roof!
2006-09-04 01:06:10 · answer #8 · answered by Rob S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋