Solar Questions

How does a Solar PV system work?

Solar PV systems use photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of a semiconducting material - often silicone. When the light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity.

Do Solar panels increase home value?

Research suggests that solar panels add around 4.1% to a home’s value. And it’s easy to see why. Solar panels are a long-term investment designed to improve the energy efficiency of a property. They help to reduce energy bills, save the climate, and mean residents don’t have to rely totally on the National Grid. Potential buyers are likely to see the benefits of having solar panels installed and will factor such elements into their offer when looking to buy.

Do Solar panels ruin your roof?

Solar panels will not damage your roof so long as the solar panel installation is done professionally and carefully by a reputable supplier. It is important, however, to ensure your roof is in good condition with no weak spots or holes before the work begins. This will provide a solid foundation for solar energy installation and will prevent any future issues.

Do Solar panels come with batteries

Solar panel battery storage allows you to capture electricity so you can use it at another time. For example, you can store the electricity your solar panels generate during the day and use it at night. That said, some people who have solar panels installed go without battery power and choose not to add energy storage to a solar panel system. This is because they’re happy to rely on the National Grid when their panels aren’t generating electricity themselves. It’s usually people who are determined to live completely ‘off-grid’ who decide to use solar batteries.

Do Solar panels void roof warranty

Installing solar panels should not void the warranty on your roof if the racking system is installed according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you have any concerns or further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.

Do i need planning permisson for Solar panels?

In April 2008, solar panels were designated ‘Permitted Development’, meaning that planning permission is no longer necessary. The only exceptions to this are:

Your house is a listed building

Your house is situated within a conservation area

Will i need to inform building control?

Solar panel installations must pass standard building regulations for the property. The key areas are the structural safety of a building and the electrical safety of a building. Your roof must be able to support the additional weight of solar rooftop panels, and the electrical elements of the system must be safe. You do not need to inform building control yourself, however, if you use an installer which is a member of an improved Competent Persons Scheme (CPS). Your installer will get the green light on your behalf.

Will my roof be strong enough?

In the vast majority of solar installations, the existing roof can adequately handle the additional weight of the roof-mounted solar system. But, of course, no risks should be taken and an untrained eye will not be able to make this decision safely. Instead, a third-party architect or structural engineer must inspect the roof to ensure it can hold the weight of your chosen panels. A certified letter stating their approval will then be issued and the solar panel installation can go ahead.

Will i need an energy performance certificate?

If you’re looking to install a solar PV system, having an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is essential in order to receive the full feed-in tariff. A feed-in tariff pays you for surplus energy you produce at home via technology such as solar panels or wind turbines, and send on to the National Grid. Designed to encourage investment in renewable energy, feed-in tariff rates vary, but they can help reduce your energy bill. After creating the feed-in tariff, the government set up legislation that requires a home to have at least a level D EPC to qualify for the full feed-in tariff. For properties with a lower rating, the owner would receive a lower rate. It is estimated that around half of UK homes meet grade D already, but some properties may need a bit of extra work. Did you know that solar PV systems actually count towards your EPC rating and can often increase the grade you receive to the next band?

Invisible Insulation

ProPERLA Masonry Crème creates an invisible insulation barrier for single skin buildings and those built with a cavity. It has been proven to help retain heat in walls and reduce heat loss.

UKAS accredited tests have demonstrated that by reducing water absorption of the walls, ProPERLA Masonry Crème lead to thermal performance benefits. It has been proven to meet ETAG 004;2011.

Testing in a hygrothermal chamber revealed that a wall coated in ProPERLA Masonry Crème and subjected to repeated heat-rain conditions in accordance with ETAG 034:2012, resulted in reduced heat loss when compared with the uncoated (control) wall. The uncoated wall showed on average an increase of 6⁰C of heat loss in comparison to the walls coated with ProPERLA Masonry Crème.

ProPERLA Masonry Crème improves thermal efficiency and contributes to lower energy consumption and lower energy bills, by keeping walls dry. Damp walls act as ‘thermal bridges’ – enabling heat to transfer from the inside out twice as quickly as it would if the walls remained dry.

Independent testing has shown that ProPERLA Masonry Crème  reduces water absorption by 96.3% and meets the British standard for water vapour resistance BS EN ISO 7783:2011.

While fiberglass insulation and cellulose insulation are common cost-effective materials that provide thermal insulating value, a modern choice, such as spray foam, goes beyond to offer more!

Icynene spray foam expands 100 times its original size, to fills cracks and crevices stopping air leaks. Traditional types of insulation, on their own, will not accomplish this task.

Did you know that your home loses heat through the roof 40% through the walls 35% and even through the floor 15%.

Many homes now benefit from cavity wall insulation and improved double and triple glazed upvc windows. This causes a funnel forcing more heat loss through your loft.

Many homes have had cavity wall insulation fitted which is causing problems with interstatial damp and condensation. 

The BBC News investigates

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-lancashire-39647021/horrendous-scale-of-cavity-wall-insulation-problems

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/advice/11333991/Why-is-there-condensation-in-my-loft.html

You can save up to 45% on your home energy bills with  Icynene spray foam insulation and further significant savings with ProPERLA Masonry Crème.

Just book a FREE survey and one of our surveyors will assess your home and provide you with a FREE no obligation quotation. 

By being thermally effecient you can lower your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.

Icynene spray foam insulation or ProPERLA Masonry Crème will ensure that heat is retained and heat loss is reduced.

Roofing costs can be expensive however customers with Icynene spray foam benefit from reduced maintenance costs.

Why?

Icynene spray foam supports existing roofing felt negating the need for expensive felt replacement.