Solar Water Heating FAQS
Is there enough sunshine in Cornwall to make solar energy viable?
The South West provides enough sunshine throughout the year to supply the average household with as much as 70% of their hot water requirements.
What size of system do I need?
This depends on the demands in the building. For household systems a general guide would assume approximately 1m² of collector per member of the household, with a minimum of 2m².
Where do I position the panel?
Solar thermal panels are typically mounted on the roof of a building; ideally they are located as close to the water storage cylinder as possible and orientated as close to due south as possible, avoiding shaded areas.
Will I need to re-plumb my whole house?
The only part of the existing plumbing that has to be changed is the hot water cylinder.
Can I install a solar system with a combi boiler?
Most combination boilers made before 2007 are intended to heat water directly from the cold mains supply and are not designed to receive pre-heated water from solar or any other source. However most boiler manufacturers now realize the benefits of using solar power to pre-heat the water, therefore helping the boiler to save energy, and have started to make a new generation of solar compatible boilers. Please contact us for advice if you have a combi system.
Do I need planning permission?
Solar panel planning permission is not usually required, as you are permitted to make certain minor changes to your home without needing it, and installing a solar panel comes into this category. These changes are called 'permitted development rights' - however, if you live in a listed building or in a conservation area you may need consent, as these development rights do not apply.
In all cases we advise that you contact your local authority planning department for advice and also check if building regulations might apply.
When you contact your local authority planning department, they will require some information from you, which we can provide.
Can we get funding to install a solar system?
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme currently offers homeowners an overall maximum of £400 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower.
Air Source Heating FAQS
Is it warm enough in Cornwall to make air source heat pumps viable?
Relatively mild winter temperatures in Cornwall mean excellent levels of efficiency and performance are achieved throughout the year.
What size of system do I need?
This depends on the demands in the building and will be discussed during initial consultation.
Where do I position the collector?
Air source heat pumps are suitable for either outdoor or indoor installation.
Will I need to re-plumb my whole house?
The only part of the existing plumbing that has to be changed is the hot water cylinder.
Can I install an air source system with a combi boiler?
Most combination boilers made before 2007 are intended to heat water directly from the cold mains supply and are not designed to receive pre-heated water from another source. However, most boiler manufacturers now realize the benefits of using pre-heated water, therefore helping the boiler to save energy and have started to make a new generation compatible boilers. Please contact us for advice if you have a combi system.
Do I need planning permission?
Air-source heat pumps are often attached to the external surface, and planning permission may be required if the external collector projects above the highest point of the building or does not conform with the external finish of the building. Any ancillary building constructed to house the heat pump may require Planning Permission.
In all cases we advise that you contact your local authority planning department for advice and also check if building regulations might apply.
Can we get funding to install an air source system?
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme currently offers homeowners an overall maximum of £900 or 30% of the relevant eligible costs, whichever is the lower.