Urban Energy Solar Thermal FAQs

What is the science behind a solar panel?
Solar radiation enters the Earth's atmosphere in short wave. Upon contact with an object, whatever that may be, the short wave converts itself into long wave. This conversion creates energy, which in turn produces heat.

How do they work?
When solar radiation hits an object, or a solar panel, the short wave radiation is converted long wave radiation and this process creates heat. This is the process that describes solar heating.

How much conventional energy will a solar thermal produce?
On overage, our panels produce 900 - 1,400 kWh of clean green energy, per year. Output is usually 1.6 kWh similar to an immersion heater. Performance does vary per household, your micro climate and location are factors to consider, however, on average the evacuated tube system will supply all of your hot water needs from March- September and most of the winter months.

What temperature can I expect from a solar thermal system?
On a typical sunny day you can achieve temperatures of up to 75°C (45°C = hot enough for washing, bathing, etc), on cloudy days it will reduce the amount of boiler use needed, thereby assisting to extend the life of your boiler. Currently, boilers are preset to keep water in the hot water tank above 60°C, to prevent legionella. This means your heating method will be continuously maintaining the temperature, whether you are using it or not, solar panels can help to incur some of the cost of this.

Will the water get too hot?
The system has been engineered to prevent it getting hotter than 85°C

Will you need to change my hot water cylinder?
A tank change will be necessary, unless you already have a twin coiled solar compatible tank.

How long will it take to install?
It usually takes 2 or 3 days, depending on the size of property and amount of work needed.

Will I be able to use my hot water?
Yes, there will be a short period of 4-5 hours where it will need to be switched off, but other than that you will be able to continue using your hot water as usual.

How much CO2 will my solar thermal system save?
You can save up to 2/3rds of a tonne, which is equivalent to taking a typical family car off the road for a year, every year.

Solar tubes or solar panels?
A few people prefer the look of the flat panel solar systems; however the solar evacuated tubes are far more efficient and last longer, both systems are of excellent quality.

Do we get enough sunlight in the UK?
The evacuated tubes that we use are specially designed for the UK climate. Imagine a thermos flask; the inside of the solar tubing is designed in a similar way.

If you have any additional questions regarding your Urban Energy solar thermal installation, please do not hesitate to contact one of our qualified advisors on 0800 232 1624

Urban Energy Solar Electricity – FAQs

Sizing
The power output of photovoltaic systems for installation in buildings is usually described in kilowatt-peak units (kWp). This is the amount of energy an area of panels will make in one hour under peak conditions. In the case of the Urban Energy photovoltaic system this is about 6 of our standard PV panels.

How big a system do I need?
PV systems are built in modules and a typical domestic systems range from 1 – 5 kWp. Whatever excess energy produced by the householder is sold back to the grid so there is no limit on the size of a system.

How much roof space do I need?
PV systems do take up quite a lot of roof space (about 8 m per kWp). Our surveyor will determine upon the initial site assessment the correct sized system given the available roof space.

Will I have to change electrical supplier?
Nearly all electrical suppliers will buy back domestic generated solar power (PV) electricity. However some buy at a much better rate than others. Urban Energy will be pleased to give advice on the best domestic solar power supplier at the time of purchase.

If you have any additional questions regarding your Urban Energy solar photovoltaic installation, please do not hesitate to contact one of our qualified advisors on 0800 232 1624