|
Solar
Panel Collectors |
Most people are aware that
natural gas is in short supply.
In the 1960’s we were totally
self sufficient and exported gas
to Europe. But now we are one of
the worlds biggest gas users. It
has been said that unlike other
European countries who have
months worth of gas supplies in
reserve we would only manage a
few days if the supply was cut.
So we have to find an
alternative before it is too
late. Our systems typically
provide around 50 – 70% of your
hot water. |
Typical Contributions To Hot Water From
Solar Energy
|
Season |
Requirement Fulfilled By Solar |
|
Summer |
80 – 90% |
|
Spring & Autumn |
40 – 50% |
|
Winter |
20 – 30% |
How
does it work?
The way this system works is on a simple
principle - if the water in the solar
panel on your roof is 8 degrees hotter
than the water in your hot water
cylinder a pump comes on to circulate
the water from the solar panel to the
cylinder in the same way that your
boiler would operate. When the
temperature difference is not great
enough on the roof panel then your
boiler fires up as it would normally.
You would need to have a new hot water
cylinder fitted because you need two
separate coils (pipes) inside. One to
circulate the solar heated water and one
to circulate the boiler heated water.
Solar,
Frequently Asked Questions
What
if there is no sun or it is a cloudy
day?
The latest
technology allows the collectors to
absorb energy from diffused as well as
direct sunlight. This means the panel
can still yield results on days when
there are clouds in the sky
Do I need
planning permission to install a solar
systems?
Planning
permission may be required from you
local authority in some cases, depending
on where you live. Certain types of
minor development (e.g. roof windows and
solar panels) in some areas are known as
permitted development and are given
general permission by the Town and
Country Planning General Permitted
Development Order 1995. However local
authorities have the powers to override
this locally, in which case a planning
application will be required, as is also
the case for new buildings. Also be
careful in National Parks, conservation
areas and in listed buildings, where
planning regulations are must tighter.
In any case always check with your local
planning authority who can quickly tell
you.
Do I need
a particular type of roof for a solar
system?
In the UK
the best orientation for solar panels is
facing due south and tilted around 35
degrees from the horizontal. The gains
available will reduce as the orientation
moves away from due south
Is there
any Government funding available for
solar panels?
The
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
funds an initiative called the Low
Carbon Building Programme which entitles
home owners and not-for-profit
organisations to financial help with a
solar system when installed by an
approved installer. Householders can
apply for a grant regardless of system
size.
Are Aura
Gas Services approved installers?
Yes, of
course. For more information about
grants visit
www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
My
question is not listed?
contact us
for more information
|
For your convenience we accept all
major credit and debit cards