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Products - Solar Panels
It seems as though rarely a day goes by without a news story hitting the headlines concerning either rising fuel prices or the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming. But realistically, what can you - as an individual - do about it? Wouldn’t it feel good to know that actually there is something you can do which, for a reasonable investment, would not only reduce the carbon emissions from your own home, but would also save you money on your fuel bills?
At Classical Gas we have, for some time now, been investigating the benefits of alternative technologies, in particular solar technology. Whilst we are all concerned to “do our bit,” in the real world you have to weigh up the cost of the initial investment against the savings you are likely to make. In this respect, we believe a solar powered hot water system has “come of age”.
There does seem to be a growing tendency to treat the business of solar technology as a mass marketing opportunity; you may well have received marketing literature from out of town companies offering you discounted prices in return for becoming a “demonstration” property in your area. The research we have done has shown that the old adage - you get what you pay for - is just as true for solar panels as with anything else. The quality of the systems available varies tremendously, as can the price.
At Classical Gas we have chosen to supply only systems that we believe are among the best available, supplied by reputable, long standing manufacturers who offer a good back-up service. What’s more - we will not make false claims about what the system is likely to do. Some of the marketing literature we have seen appears to be at best optimistic and at worst misleading.
- We have installed systems in our showroom and in our own homes to test the technology before we risk our reputation on it.
- We are a long established local company and we are selling systems with long manufacturers guarantees.
- We aim to be around for at least as long as the life of your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about solar systems, but if you would like further information please feel free to e-mail, ring or call into our showroom for more detail.
- What would it cost?
- What would it save me?
- Does it need sunshine to work?
- Will it provide energy for the heating system?
- How does it work?
- Can I fit it myself?
- Are there different types of panel?
- Why should I use Classical Gas?
- How do I know if my system is working?
- What sort of guarantee will I get?
- What sort of maintenance is required?
- How long will it take to install?
- I might be interested - what do I do now?
What would it cost?
A typical solar system for a three bedroomed house utilising the existing boiler would cost in the region of £3000 + VAT supplied and fitted.* Many panels and cylinders come with manufacturers guarantees of up to 20 years for some of the component parts; this is a long term investment. Also, there are currently government grants available giving you up to £400 of the installation costs back and VAT is only charged at 5%.
*Subject to survey and individual estimate.
What would it save me?
In return the system would provide anything up to 60 - 70% of your annual hot water requirements free - which means lower fuel bills for you and the satisfaction of knowing that you really are helping to reduce harmful greenhouse gases.
With oil and gas prices rising a good solar system will help to reduce the impact and means that you won’t be so reliant on these conventional fuels.
Also, a good quality system will add value to your property and make it more attractive to purchasers.
Does it need sunshine to work?
It is a common misconception that solar panels need sunlight to work. In fact, although they are most productive in strong sunlight they will still provide some energy even on cloudy days using diffused radiation. In our region the sunshine produces around 1000 kilowatt hours annually. On the days when the panel can’t produce sufficient energy to make the water hot enough your conventional system automatically kicks in to “top it up” so you’re never without hot water.
Will it provide energy for the heating system?
No. The systems will only provide hot water. There is a technology called photovoltaics which will provide heating and hot water, but the technology is much more expensive.
How does it work?
Put very simply, solar panels absorb energy from the sun to heat a fluid contained in the panel which is then pumped in a sealed circuit to an indirect coil in a water cylinder to heat the water.
Can I fit it myself?
Yes you can - but - the system can reach circulating temperatures of up to 200°C, and bear in mind that it is an unvented system which means the liquid circulates at high pressure. This is not something to be dealt with on a “trial and error” basis; you really need to know what you’re doing.
Are there different types of panel?
There are two types of panel. There is an evacuated tube panel which can be angled towards the sun. This is the more expensive option but is arguably more efficient in our climate. The panels are positioned on the roof.
A flat plate panel can be integrated into the roof itself and tends to be harder-wearing with longer manufacturers warranties.
Circumstances such as the direction or pitch of your roof can often influence which type of panel we would recommend.
The panels usually measure in the region of 1m wide by 2m long.
Why should I use Classical Gas?
- We are a long established company with a strong local presence.
- We have highly skilled engineers who have undertaken additional training in order to gain the necessary skills to fit solar powered systems, including manufacturer based courses.
- Our engineers carry the BPEC Certification in Solor Domestic Hot Water Systems.
- We have invested time and money over several years in research to ensure that the products we fit will do what they claim to do.
- We are an accredited installer for the Clear Skies initiative which means that our installations are eligible for government grants under the DTI’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme. We can help you with the forms.
- Our quotations are free. We don’t send sales people - we send engineers.
How do I know if my system is working?
We have chosen a pump station with a clear digital display which will show you the temperature of the liquid in the panel and the temperature of the water in your cylinder achieved by the panel. This will also indicate if there is a problem with your collector.
What sort of guarantee will I get?
The guarantees are not straightforward. Different component parts carry different warranties and vary from 2 to around 20 - 25 years, depending on the manufacturer concerned. For example - one panel manufacturer will give a 20 year anti-corrosion warranty, a ten year performance guarantee and two years on all other parts! Beware of adverts claiming “20 Year Warranties”; the detail will be in the small print!
However, it is not unusual for manufacturers to claim a life expectancy of around 35 years for the system. This is a long term investment.
What sort of maintenance is required?
Very little. Your boiler will still need its annual service and, if we have fitted the system, we will make all the necessary checks at the same time as we service your boiler, included in the price of the service.
How long will it take to install?
A typical system will take around two to three days. Our engineer will explain the fitting process to you.
I might be interested - what do I do now?
If you live in the Hull/East Yorkshire area and are possibly interested in a system for your own home, please contact us and we will arrange for an engineer to call. If the potential project is larger, eg. a new housing development not in the Hull/East Yorkshire region, please contact us for an initial discussion as we may still be able to help.