Green Energy FAQ
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Solar Energy Q&A
Q: Will the British weather impact on the
effectiveness of the panels?
A: The panels work extremely well within the UK as it relies
on daylight, not just sunlight.
Q: How big are the panels?
A: The size will vary depending on hot water demand but
typically 2m x 1.5m x 2m for basic standard equipment.
Q: Do tiles need to be removed?
A: Tiles do not need to be removed, as the panels can be
surface mounted. On a new build they can be built flush,
or on a traditional installation they can be fitted flush if
the client wishes.
Q: Do I need planning?
A: Listed Building Consent or when in a conservation area
usually yes but, please check with Local Building Control
in all cases.
Q: Do they have to be south facing?
A: Yes, South West or South East is also acceptable.
Q: Will it affect the stability of my roof?
A: No.
Q: Can I add it to my existing system?
A: Yes.
Low Energy Heating Systems Q&A
Q: Can it be used on wood/laminate/plastic flooring?
A: Yes.
Q: Can it be installed on a floor that is already
laid or will I require a new floor?
A: On suspended floor this usually does not cause an issue,
but on other floors like concrete, then a new floor or
excavation will be required.
Q: Can I add it to my existing system?
A: Yes.
Q: How controllable is it?
A: Very controllable. If desired, you can have a separate
zone for each room.
Q: How difficult is it to fit?
A: Underfloor heating has been used for many years and
most installers have had experience in under
floor installation.
Rainwater Harvesters Q&A
Q: Is this like a water butt?
A: The tank is usually under ground with all pipes and
services connected to it, with a small manhole cover
being the only visual part of the tank.
Q: Where are they installed?
A: Usually in the garden.
Q: What is the maintenance?
A: Very little, but most manufacturers recommend an
inspection every two years.
Q: How do they provide water?
A: There is a small pump on a pressure/flow switch so there
is no difference in flow rate from mains water supply.
Boilers Q&A
Q: What is a high efficiency boiler?
A: High efficiency condensing boilers convert more than
88% of their fuel into heat, compared to 78% for
conventional types.
A high efficiency condensing boiler works on the
principle of recovering as much as possible of the waste
heat, which is normally rejected to the atmosphere from
the flue of a conventional (non-condensing) boiler.
Q: Is my boiler a high efficiency
condensing boiler?
A: Boilers are rated according to how much of the fuel they
consume is converted to heat, as a percentage. This
rating is called SEDBUK – Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic
Boilers in the UK.
SEDBUK ratings are from A to G – A-rated boilers being
more than 90% efficient. Only A-rated boilers carry the
energy saving recommended logo.
Q: Is it simply a case of switching my
existing boiler?
A: Yes.
Cylinders Q&A
Q: How much space do they take up?
A: This will depend on hot water demand and they usually
start from 550mm width x 1.2m height.
Q: If I currently have a cylinder, can I just
swap them over?
A: A cylinder is not difficult to change or to convert to a
pressurised system.
Q: Does it link with other systems, or specific
to a device?
A: It will usually link to most products with ease.
Heat Pumps Q&A
Q: Where will it be located?
A: They can be internal and external.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Very little but most manufactures state an inspection
every two years.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: Usually no, but always check with Local Building Control.
Q: Is the pump unsightly or hidden?
A: The internal pumps, depending on output, look like a
washing machine in size and in a white case. The external
units usually come in a weather proof construction.
Q: Can I add it to my existing system?
A: Yes you can, but the existing radiator, if not oversized,
will be required to be replaced.
Q: Can I use it in conjunction with other energy systems?
A: Yes and by using a thermal store you could connect an
open fire with back boiler, Aga, Solar Panels and a
traditional boiler – the combination is endless.
Wind Turbine Q&A
Q: How big is the turbine?
A: The physical size depends on the required output
of the turbine.
Q: How is it attached?
A: They usually have their own support post when a larger
output is used, but when small units are being fitted
these attach to the dwelling.
Q: Will it damage my roof tiles?
A: No.
Q: Will I need planning permission?
A: Yes.
Q: Does it link with other energy supplies?
A: Yes, surplus energy can be sold to the grid or if energy is
required it can be purchased.
Q: Is it noisy?
A: No, the modern turbine is quiet.