Solar Heating London
Solar Panels in London
Energy efficiency and going green are the buzz phrases of the decade, which is why more and more people are considering solar hot water heating to boost traditional methods of providing hot water for their home.
Bates Heating and Plumbing Ltd is trained by Vaillant and certified by BPEC to professionally install environmentally friendly solar hot water heating systems throughout London and Essex.
Why should I consider an energy efficient Solar Hot water System?
Because it can provide a reasonable share of your domestic hot water energy. When used alongside any existing traditional water heating system to provide hot water energy, it offers you peace of mind that you are doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
If you have a swimming pool, a solar heating system is the ideal way of providing heated water.
The Department of Trade and Industry recently undertook an independent survey on solar domestic hot water systems installed in the UK between 1970 and 1994 and found:
- Over 42,000 Active Solar Heating systems are estimated to be currently in use in UK homes
- Active Solar Heating systems can meet around half a users' annual domestic hot water needs
- On average, Active Solar Heating systems provide 20 years' or more useful service
- Solar Heating Systems are generally considered to be very reliableø
- The majority of users say they are 'very satisfied' with their systems
Solar Heating Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I tell if my house is suitable for a solar heating system?
A. You will need to have a shade-free area on your roof to install the solar panels, or alternatively a wall or area at ground level, preferably south-facing. Bates' engineers will survey your property during their no-obligation survey visit to check that it is suitable.
Q. How long does it take to install in a solar heating system?
A. Our plumbers can usually complete an installation in three to four days for a typical 2-4 bedroom house.
Q. Will the system take up much room in my house?
A. Additional space is needed to accommodate the extra water storage capacity. There are several options available to you and your engineer will run through all of them in advance of the installation.
Q. Will there be a need for regular maintenance of the system?
A. Like other heating and plumbing installations, the solar system may from time to time occasionally need some maintenance, however this is usually minimal.
Q. Will I need planning permission for the installation of a domestic solar heating system?
A. Unless your home is a Listed Building or in a Conservation Area then you will not normally need planning permission. However, Bates Heating & Plumbing Limited recommends that the local planning authority should be consulted just in case as rules vary between different authorities.
Q. Surely I will only benefit from the solar heated water during times of good weather, something that isn't characteristic of the UK?
A. It is true that conventional flat plate solar panels only work during warm sunny conditions as they suffer heat loss when the air is cooler. However, the newer vacuum tube solar panels are unaffected by things like wind chill or cooler air temperatures due to their vacuumed structure which allows them to absorb whatever solar energy is available even on cold or dull days. This means the system can provide hot water for eight months of the year and will assist your existing traditional system during the winter.