Q: How much does an "Average" system cost?
A: Unfortunately there is no such thing as average. Every house is different and uses hot water in different quantities and at different times. When designing a solar system these are some of the different factors to be considered:
Which direction is the roof facing?
What angle is the pitch of the roof?
Is the property in a shadow or shaded from neighbouring properties, trees or buildings?
How many people live in the property?
Will the property need scaffolding or access equipment?
Q: How long does it take to install?
A: Usually a basic hot water system will take 2 - 3 days. Again this all depends on the lay-out of the property and the position of the collectors.
Q: Will the system work?
A: In a word Yes! Thousands of people up and down the country are seeing the benefits of installing solar systems. All our systems are guaranteed for 5 years but they are expected to last at least 20. The horror stories most people hear about are systems not being fitted correctly. All Smartpower engineers have attended a BPEC training course. The BPEC course is a government approved scheme in association with the Solar Trade Association. It was set up as a universally recognised qualification for the solar industry so that properties get surveyed properly and systems are installed that will work.
Q: How much money can be saved on fuel bills?
A: Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to work out exactly. It all depends on which system is installed. These systems can produce up to 70% of year round hot water needs, this will give an approximate saving of 30-40% of an annual energy bill.
Q: Why is a site survey needed?
A: Not every house in England is suitable for solar so Smartpower will make a convenient time to visit and firstly check to see if solar is suitable and be of benefit. If the survey shows the property is suitable, a free demonstration of our system is offered.
Q: What do Solar Systems do?
A: Solar Systems are used for generating Free Energy from the sun. The systems Smartpower supply are thermal water heating systems. It really is as simple as that, Free Energy from the sun is transfered into hot water from the taps.
Q: Can the solar system integrate with existing systems?
A: Yes. The Smartpower system can integrate with virtually all systems, whether they are oil or gas boilers, wood burners, Aga's, Rayburns or immersion heaters. For combi-boilers, a pressurised cylinder is installed either in the loft or in the cupboard. This gives improved performance from the combi-boiler in winter and bypasses it altogether in summer, going directly to the taps.
Q: How will they look on the roof, and do they need planning permission?