KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
Solar Energy for the UK
Solar energy in the UK is far greater than most people imagine. In the UK summertime we become aware of the Suns heat. However, even in the spring and autumn and on clear winter days we receive very useful amounts of solar energy.
In the UK, by tilting a surface to a 30 degree angle and facing due south the amount of solar radiation falling on it will be greater than that falling on a surface laid flat.
Fortunately, the average tilt of a UK house roof is about the optimum for receiving solar energy.
NB. The average property requires approximately 3,000 kWh per year for domestic water heating.
The sun freely provides 1kw (1000 watts)- enough to light 10 x 100w light bulbs for every square metre of land on earth.
Solar power is a clean, environmentally friendly form of heating. There is no toxic residue and there are no emissions.
Energy affects every part of our lives, life at home and on the go. Because of its complexity, many people feel powerless to make any meaningful impact, but there are solutions and potential solutions available. Global warming is real and has major implications and air pollution is affecting everything from forests to the quality of human life.
SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS
Solar water heating systems can provide over 70% of a households hot water requirements over the year.
Solar hot water systems have no moving parts and works in conjunction with your existing water heater. Virtually maintenance free and a working life of 25 years.
WHEN TO INSTALL
1. NEW BUILD
A particularly good time to install solar is when the building is under construction. Installation costs can be kept to a minimum by plumbing and wiring the system before the wall coverings are put up. By designing the house to accommodate a solar system, optimum performance can usually be arranged at little or no effort.
The major advantage of installing solar heating in new buildings is that overall savings in the cost of installation can be achieved by integrating the solar panels as part of the roof structure. This is easily achieved using a in-roof system where the absorbers effectively fit in underneath standard skylight fittings.
2. EXISTING BUILDINGS
It is a straight forward installation for a in-roof solar panel system. The installation can be compared to that of a "VELUX WINDOW" with the exception of plumbing. Also, it makes sense to replace your existing hot water cylinder if it was manufactured before 1988 when a much improved hot water cylinder standard was introduced.
3. THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 2000 ARE BEING REVISED
in order to meet with the requirements of the EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings (EU EPBD).
reference website www.carbontrust.co.uk/climatechange/policy/building_regs_partl.htm
The policy states 2010 is the preferred date of installation for products under the carbon trust procedures. It is anticipated that the improved energy efficiency measures will save one million tonnes of carbon per year by 2010 (equivalent to emissions from more than one million semi-detached homes). Sections of the regulations will be updated incrementally. The first changes, to Parts F (ventilation) and L (fuel and energy conservation), came into effect on 6th April 2006.
The revisions to Part L set maximum carbon dioxide emissions for whole buildings. The regulations will apply both to the construction of new buildings and renovation of existing buildings.
For new buildings, it is anticipated that Part L will reduce carbon emissions by 25% from 2002 standards which already reduced emissions by 15%. The net reduction of 40% from pre-2002 is often used as an indicator of improvement.
THE COST OF UK FUEL BILLS
The cost of powering UK homes has risen dramatically in recent years. On average 13% (reference the guardian newpaper 2008) annual fuel such as gas and electric bill stands at £1050 per average household. Typically, a homeowner relying on electricity to heat water could save up to 70% in the first year of operation by installing a solar water heating system. The savings over time increases due to increasing electricity rates.
With the price of fuel continually increasing, the time taken to pay back the initial investment in a solar heating system is continually coming down. What is more, it is recognised by independent surveyors that a solar panel system installed in your household can improve the value of your property by an additional 5% to 10%.
Cost and maintenance:
Energy Saving Trust website www.EST.org.uk. quote;
the typical installation cost for a domestic system is £3,000 to £5,000 and they are virtually maintenance free.
Do you have double glazing?
Most people who have installed double glazing considered the benefits. Solar Water Heating in many respects offers similar benefits. There is the direct benefit in that fuel bills go down and an additional benefit in that solar water heating systems come with a new hot water cylinder. If you live in a hard water area, it is likely that your existing cylinder needs replacing!
FREE HOT WATER!
Why not install a larger hot water cylinder and be sure that however much hot water you use during the day, there is always
more free hot water to come. Perhaps it will make the prospect of a hot tub in the garden that more realistic.
Will it add value to my property?
Solar Hot Water Heating is increasingly becoming accepted as an effective system of heating. It will make your house more attractive to a purchaser and more likely to realise the price you are asking. As the price of energy goes up, anything that makes a house less expensive to run will be a key selling point!
Is my property suitable?
Preferably you will need 3 square meters of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day. You will also need space to locate a water tank if required.
