Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) We do not get enough sun in this country - do we?

A: The panels collect light (solar radiation) so will still be productive, even on cloudy days. Back to top.

 

Q2) Does my roof need to be south facing?

A: Ideally Yes, but panels can work just as well 30 degrees east and 40 degrees west of south, and with evacuated tubes, they can be rotated for optimum alignment to the sun. Back to top.

 

Q3) How much hot water will the panels actually supply?

A: The yearly average is 50-70% with up to 100% during the summer months. Back to top.

 

Q4) The initial cost of the system will out way the savings wont they?

A: Depending on your existing system, the addition of panels can be cheaper than you think, payback timescales are reducing all the time. Rogue companies have given the industry a bad name by heavily overpricing systems. Apollo is committed to providing affordable systems, and will always offer the best value option. Back to top.

 

Q5) Can I monitor how well the system is performing?

A: Most systems come with a digital programmer, which can be installed in a convenient position, these displays will tell you when the panels are working and the temperature of water made available from the panels. Back to top.

 

Q6) What happens when the water in the cylinder is up to temperature?

A: The system will be fully programmed and set up after installation, different types of system have different safety settings, but generally the pump from the panels will automatically turn off when the water temperature in the cylinder has reached the pre set maximum temperature. Back to top.

 

Q7) What happens to the system when no hot water is being used, for example when on holiday?

A: When no hot water is being used, the system goes into stagnation, it will reach a certain temperature and shut down, which means that the fluid that runs through the panels will stop circulating, the temperature of water delivered at the tap will never exceed the pre set maximum temperature, so the system will stay in the stagnation state until hot water is called for again. Alternatively some manufacturers provide black out covers that fit over the panels, so that no hot water will be produced, leaving the system dormant as if it were night time. Back to top.

 

Q8) Will I have to replace my boiler?

A: Not in all cases. However most boilers that are more than 8-10 years old will be running considerably less efficiently than a more modern type of boiler, attaching a solar system onto an old boiler possibly running at less than 70% efficiency is a false economy, when a new A band boiler would give you efficiency at around 90%. Your free survey would establish whether your boiler would need replacing and some boilers may not be compatible with solar systems. Back to top.

 

Q9) What happens in the winter, can the system freeze up?

A: The fluid that circulates around the panels themselves is not actually the water that is being heated, this is a designed for purpose fluid that does vary slightly between different systems, this fluid acts as an anti freeze, and providing all other components of the system and pipe runs etc have been fully insulated, the risk of freezing is ruled out. Back to top.

 

Q10) Will I need planning permission?

A: The most up to date advice from the planning departments is that planning permission is not required to have solar panels installed unless the property is listed, although at this stage they are asking that the installation be made aware to them so that they have the opportunity to make any necessary checks. Back to top.

 

Q11) How big are the solar panels and how many will I need?

A: A basic rule of thumb for sizing collectors is to use 1metre square for every 50-65 litres of hot water. With an average of 40-60 litres of hot water per person, this generally results in household systems having 2.5 – 4 meter square of panels. Back to top.

 

Q12) Can I get a grant to contribute towards the cost of an installation?

A: Yes there are grants available, you have to use an installer and product that are registered with the UK Microgeneration Scheme. The grants are run through the Department Of Trade And Industry’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme. Certain other measures have to be in place before a grant application is successful. Please contact us for the most up to date information and application procedures. Back to top.