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A leading South-West Installer of Renewable Energy Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Technological advances ensures that solar panels are far more cost-effective than ever before.
Our systems are simple to install and help both the planet and your pocket - helping you to save on electricity bills and earn money from any excess generated.
By generating your own energy you can make excellent savings on ever increasing energy bills. We will always tailor our solutions to ensure you can make the most out of your budget.
All savings and benefits are very much dependent on the size of the system installed, the quality of the products used and the cost of electricity from your provider.
Yes!
Solar panels now have the ability to generate electricity even in cloudy, snowy, or rainy conditions. However, it is very important to note that the amount of electricity generated during such adverse weather conditions will be lower compared to bright and sunny days..
Battery storage enables you to store surplus electricity produced during the day and utilise it later when needed.
The advantages of battery storage depend on your specific electricity usage patterns.
If you typically consume more electricity during the evening, a battery system would likely be recommended. However, if you are predominantly present at home throughout the day and tend to utilise the generated electricity during that time, a battery may not be as suitable for your needs.
We are more than happy to discuss this further and advise on what you need.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a policy in the United Kingdom that replaces the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme, which closed to new applicants in March 2019. The SEG mandates that larger energy suppliers must offer a payment to customers who generate and export surplus electricity back to the grid from eligible renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.
Under the SEG, energy suppliers with more than 150,000 customers are obligated to provide an export tariff to customers who meet the eligibility criteria. The export tariff is a rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity exported to the grid. The exact rates and payment mechanisms can vary between suppliers, so we recommend comparing their offers before choosing a supplier.
To participate in the SEG, individuals must have an eligible renewable energy system installed, such as solar panels with a capacity of up to 5 megawatts (MW).
Additionally, the installation must meet specific criteria to qualify for the SEG, including certification under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and permission from the network to connect back into the grid.
Solar panels can increase the value of your property.
Studies have shown that homes with solar panels installed tend to sell at a higher price and have a faster market turnover compared to homes without solar installations.
Admiral surveyed 2000 UK homeowners and, coupled with data from RightMove, analysed the perceived benefits of eco-friendly home improvements. The results from this survey showed a 25% rise in property values where solar was installed. If you wish to read the complete report you can find it here.
Buyers are attracted to the prospect of reduced energy bills and the environmental benefits associated with solar energy, thus making solar-equipped properties more appealing.
Installing a solar panel system will provide savings on your electricity from the minute it is all up and running and any excess energy generated is fed back into the grid for reductions from your bill.
Whilst the installation initial cost can vary, depending on the quality of the products purchased, saving on your electricity often exceeds the initial outlay.
Once the solar panels have provided enough savings and excess energy fed back into the grid, to cover the initial cost, any future money generated becomes simply profit.
Although installing a Solar panel system is an excellent way to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint, not all homes are equally suitable for a solar panel installation. In order to maximise the benefits and savings available, it is paramount to ensure that your home meets certain criteria. These include:
Orientation
In order to maximise the solar energy generated, a predominantly south-facing roof is ideal. A south-west or west-facing roof can still yield benefits, although the energy output may well be lower, potentially affecting your long-term savings.
Ensuring the positioning of the panels towards the sun’s path ensures optimal and maximum exposure and energy capture throughout the day.
Angle
A pitched roof is ideal for solar panel installations,. It allows for optimal sunlight exposure and, in turn. improved energy generation. If you plan to install on a flat roof, additional fixings may be required to secure the panels in place, this could increase the overall cost of installation.
Condition
It is important to ensure that your roof is in good condition. A thorough inspection of the roof is essential to identify damage or potential issues that could impact the installation and/or the long-term performance of the solar system. If you have old or damaged tiles, it is advisable replace them to avoid complications or future repairs
Available Roof Space
Solar panels require a significant amount of space. The size of your roof is a crucial factor in determining the number of panels you can install and, therefore, the energy generated.
Our experienced team can assess your roof size and shape. They can advise on the best installation configuration of the panels to achieve optimal energy generation
Shading
An unshaded roof between 10 am and 4 pm is crucial for effective solar panel performance. Minimal shading from nearby buildings and/or trees during the early morning or late afternoon hours is acceptable.
It is best practice to ensure the Solar panel system receives the maximum peak daylight hours to generate energy. Shade can significantly reduce the performance of the system, therefore it is essential to identify potential obstructions and ensure that the sunlight to the panels is not significantly reduced by their presence.
Our experienced team can advise on whether shading will be an issue and what, if anything can reduce the restricted sunlight. For example, pruning and ongoing maintenance of trees and shrubs to control their potential to shade the solar panels.
In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install solar panels. The UK Government’s Planning Portal considers solar panels as “permitted development” in England and Wales.
However, there are exceptions.
If your property has a flat roof, is listed, or is located in a conservation area, you may need to seek approval from your local Building Control team. It is essential to check and determine any specific requirements or permissions needed prior to installation.
Spray foam insulation can turn your house into a cosy and more energy efficient home. With benefits that outweigh traditional methods, there are many reasons to choose this product.
Did you know that up to 40% of heat loss is due to air leakage? Traditional types of insulation like fibre glass and mineral wool can leave gaps, whereas spray foam gently expands into every space to create an airtight seal. It’s a highly effective way to save up to 56%* on your energy bills while increasing your comfort
Did you know that up to 40% of heat loss is due to air leakage? Traditional types of insulation like fibre glass and mineral wool can leave gaps, whereas spray foam gently expands into every space to create an airtight seal. It’s a highly effective way to save up to 56%* on your energy bills while increasing your comfort
Removing spray foam insulation is messy and labour-intensive. It usually involves cutting the roof foam as far as possible without damaging the materials around it and then scraping off the rest by hand.
We’d recommend against undertaking roof foam removal yourself. Not only could you damage tiles, electrics and other materials if you’re inexperienced, but some kinds of spray foam are toxic to touch or breathe in. On top of that, spray foam can get into all sorts of nooks and crevices, which makes it difficult to fully remove effectively. Using a professional gives you the best chance.
This is true. Some lenders will not give a mortgage on a property with spray foam insulation in the loft. This is due to: The spray foam insulation sealing the roof space and reducing the air circulation to the roof timbers. This could lead to condensation and potential wood rot. The spray foam insulation sets very hard and can add additional stresses to the roof timbers potentially causing distortions.
Unfortunately, having spray foam insulation removed is likely to cost more than the original installation. But even after the removal, there will still be lenders that refuse to offer a mortgage due to a view that the damage may well already be done.
Thermohome Ltd.
Unit 30, De Havilland Road, Skypark, Clyst Honiton, EXETER, Devon EX5 2GE
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