Solar panel myths and facts

Forget what you think you know about this alternative technology. When it comes to green energy, the sun is shining brightlyMyth: Installing panels for solar heating is too expensive.Fact: The system costs around £3,500-£5,000, but grants are available to pay for up to £400 of that. See www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/Grants-for-your-home for details. What’s more, many installers provide free loft and cavity-wall insulation at the same time, saving you hundreds of pounds.Myth: The cost of installation never pays for itself in hot-water savings.Fact: The average family spends £250-350 a year on hot water. Solar thermal systems provide 50 to 70 per cent of this, so you can expect payback in 15 to 20 years. More detailed financial analysis shows that solar thermal can show a return on investment of up to 4.25% that is greater than that available from most savings accounts. In addition, solar thermal heating will add value to your home and will also improve the Energy Performance Certificate rating required when selling a home.Myth: The water won’t be as hot as with traditional heating.Fact: There won’t be a change in the water temperature. The way solar heating works is that it pre-heats the water, then it goes into the hot water system, where it gets heated by traditional methods to the desired temperature. So in summer, the boiler will probably not need to do much at all because the water will be preheated by the solar system to the desired temperature, but in winter, the traditional system will probably do more work.Myth: You need a lot of available space to install the panels, pumps and components.Fact: Even the largest panels are only about the size of a king-sized duvet, and will fit easily on most roofs. You’ll need a little room for either an additional hot water cylinder or to have yours replaced with a larger one, and a little space is needed for pumps, valves and control panels. Good installers provide design services to assist with fitting the system into your existing space.Myth: The UK isn’t sunny enough to provide my home with hot water.Fact: There is plenty of sun in the UK to provide useful solar energy for heating and other purposes. Solar panels absorb both visible light and invisible infrared light, and so work even in cloudy conditions. They also have special coatings to help retain heat, meaning they function well even in cold weather.Myth: You need a south-facing, sloping roof.Fact: Most roofs are suitable, even east- and west-facing roofs, although ideally one side should face within 45 degrees of due south. If you have a flat roof, the panels will probably be installed on a frame with a slight tilt to the south and help keep glass clean.Myth: It’s hard to get planning permission.Fact: Since April 2008 for England, and end of 2009 for Wales, installation of solar thermal panels has been permitted for most homes through the General Planning Development Order, as long as they meet with basic guidelines. This means you automatically get planning permission in most cases. Listed buildings, homes in conservation areas and homes in Scotland and Northern Ireland should consult with their local authority prior to installation.