Q: How much does an 'Average' system cost?

A: Unfortunately there is no such thing as average. Every house is different and uses hot water in different quantities and at different times. When designing a solar system these are some of the different factors to be considered:
• Which direction is the roof facing - if it is a east/west split then more tubes will be needed. If it is south facing then it won't need as many tubes but the water cylinder may be on the north side of the house which means extra piping inside to link the cylinder with the tubes.
• Is the property in  shadow or shaded from neighbouring properties, trees or buildings?
• How many people live in the property?
• How much hot water is used on a daily basis?
• When is the hot water used?
• Will the property need scaffolding or access equipment?
• How is the water heated at present?

Q: How long does it take to install?

A: Usually a basic hot water system will take 2 - 3 days. Again, this all depends on the lay-out of the property and the position of the collectors.

Q: Will the system work?

A: In a word Yes! Thousands of people up and down the country are seeing the benefits of installing solar hot water systems. All Arun Solar systems have a 10 year Warranty but they are expected to last at least 20 years.  Bpec  is a government approved qualification set up in association with the Solar Trade Association and is a universally recognised qualification for the solar industry. All Arun Solar Engineers are Bpec certified. 

Q: How much money can be saved on fuel bills?

A: Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to work out exactly. It all depends on which system is installed. These systems can produce up to 70% of year round hot water needs, this will give an approximate saving of 25-35% of an average households annual energy bill.

Q: Why is a site survey needed? 

A: Not every house in England is suitable for solar so Arun Solar will make a convenient time to visit and firstly check to see if solar is suitable for the property. If the survey shows the property is suitable, a free demonstration of our system is offered. Arun Solar would then design a system to suit  and then a price would be worked out for the total cost of supplying, installing and maintaining the system.  It is a totally FREE service and  without obligation.

Q: What do Solar Systems do?

A: Solar Systems are used for generating FREE energy from the sun. The systems Arun Solar supply are thermal water heating systems. It really is as simple as that, FREE energy from the sun is transfered into hot water from the taps.

Q: How is the system installed and is there much disturbance?

A: Solar tubes are simply installed above the existing tiles/slates.  There is little disturbance in the house during the installation as most of the work is carried out in the airing cupboard and the loft space. Most systems are installed in 2-3 days, with the hot water and heating being switched off for ½ day. Normally, the existing hot water cylinder is changed to a new regulation, high grade, twin coil solar cylinder, one coil for solar and the other for the boiler.

Q: Can the solar system integrate with existing systems?

A: Yes. The Arun Solar system can integrate with virtually all systems, whether they are oil or gas boilers, wood burners, Aga's, Rayburns or electric immersion heaters. For combi-boilers, a pressurised cylinder is installed either in the loft or in the airing cupboard. This gives improved performance from the combi-boiler in winter and bypasses it altogether in summer, going directly to the taps.

Q: Is it worthwhile due to warmer weather and cheaper fuel?

A: Cheaper fuel is a thing of the past. The fight against global warming may see carbon taxes being introduced across Europe, never mind the ever-increasing costs of the extraction of oil and gas. Our hot water usage in the UK is actually increasing year by year. Demand for hot water has increased with the rise in showers, baths and general requirements. By joining in the widespread installation of solar heating, customers will be benefiting financially and helping reduce global warming across the world

Q: How do Active Systems Work?

A: An electronic digital controller constantly compares the temperature of the solar collectors with the temperature of the water in cylinder. Whenever the collectors are hotter than the cylinder, the controller switches on the system's circulating pump. A special heat transfer fluid  is then circulated through the collectors and the coil in the cylinder,  indirectly heating the water stored.

Q: How will they look on the roof, and do they need planning permission?

A: Planning permission is not needed unless the building is listed or situated in a National Park or Protected Area. In these cases, planning permission may be needed. However, Local Authorities Planners look very favourably on solar energy systems nowadays. The evacuated tube system is a neat, single panel  unlike the large, old flat panels you may see on existing roofs.