Is your home suitable?

The vast majority of properties are suitable for photovoltaic solar panels. Here's a quick check list but if you are in any doubt please call us.

• You must have an existing metered electricity supply

• You need to own the freehold to your property. If your property is leasehold, you'll need permission from the freeholder. If you rent your property, you'll need written permission from the landlord

• If you live in a basement or mid-floor flat, sorry it's not for you. If you live in a listed building, conservation area or World Heritage site, you must check with your local planning office. Generally speaking you do not need planning permission for any kind of solar installation

• Ideally you should have an unshaded roof, facing between east and west through south. Virtually all flat roofs are suitable. Although the panels work off daylight, north facing roofs will not allow you to gain the maximum benefit of a solar installation. If you are in any doubt please contact us.

 

FAQs about solar energy


Q. Does Britain have enough sun for solar energy to be effective?
A. Reflect Energy's advanced solar technology collects energy from daylight, not the sun's rays - so they will provide you with a renewable energy source even when it's cold.

Q. Is solar energy efficient?
A. Our solar installations use the sun's renewable energy to provide up to 40% of your electricity or 70% of your hot water all year, every year... come rain or shine.

Q. Can renewable energy like solar technology ever pay for itself?
A. Our solar installations will generally pay for themselves in about 8-12* years based on the savings you will make on your energy bills and in the case of photovoltaic, the additional earnings from the government feed in tariff. So you'll save money - and reduce your carbon footprint!

Q. What is the cost of installing solar panels?
A. It varies from house to house but with technological advancement and the worldwide market growing, costs of solar energy have come down appreciably in recent years. Photovoltaic installations start from as little as £10k.

Q. Will it make any difference to the environment?
A. Domestic solar energy is classified by the National Energy Foundation as a 'major' method of achieving significant financial and CO2 savings. Good for the environment - and good for your pocket!

Q. Will a solar hot water system work with a combi boiler?
A. Our solar panels will provide a renewable energy source that works with any type of boiler.

Q. What do solar panels look like when installed?
A. Click here to see photographs of solar panels on houses.

Your question not answered here?

Ask the expert. Send us your question about renewable energy or solar panels and we will try to answer it here.

Or better still, if you want to know more about our solar heating technology contact us here or telephone us on the number at the top of this page.


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“ Mr Luff of Centrica argues that consumers will simply have to get used to the idea that energy will take up a growing share of their spending.

   Financial Times,
   [3 Feb 2010]