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Browse are frequently asked questions!
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Do I need a South-facing roof for Solar Panels?
Solar Panels work well on any roof facing South, SE or SW. Although your Solar Panels will perform better and produce more electricity if they are South facing, they will still perform at 86% (compared to South facing) either facing due East or West.
How much roof space do I need for Solar Panels?
How much roof space do I need for Solar Panels?
Solar Panels can be fitted to your roof or on your land. Generally, an 8-panel Solar PV system would be one of the smallest we would recommend and this could easily fit on the roof of an average 3-bed semi. Our popular LG panels generate the most energy per m2 so you can still get plenty of electricity from a smaller roof.
Do I need constant sunshine for my Solar Panels to work?
No, Solar Panels work in all daylight conditions and actually work at their optimum at 10ºc. In fact, they even work in the snow.
How do I compare different makes of Solar Panels?
Your panel choice will usually combine a number of factors including aesthetics, value for money, performance, track record and guarantees. Our team know the market and can advise you on the panels that will suit your needs best.
How long does it take to install Solar Panels?
Most domestic Solar Panel installations take no more than a day with minimum disruption. Typically, the scaffolding will be erected a couple of days before the Solar PV installation team arrive. We will then mount the panels on the roof and install the inverter, batteries and EV charger if ordered. Finally carrying out the internal wiring.
Do Solar Panels need cleaning?
Solar panels are generally self-cleaning if positioned at an angle of over 15 degrees. However, it is advised to visually inspect them annually and rinse if necessary. Most window-cleaning companies have a reach-and-wash system and should be able to clean your panels.
What ongoing service and maintenance do Solar Panels require?
It is recommended that your Solar Panels are checked and serviced every 2 years. We offer a this as part of our aftercare package.
Is there a danger my Solar Panels will blow off the roof during a storm?
It is highly unlikely, when we install the Solar PV panels we make sure they are securely attached to the fabric of the building using a roof hook and rail system. Our panels are always mounted at least 30cm in from the edge of the roof to prevent excessive wind loading.
How do Solar Panels connect to the electrical supply in my home?
The electricity produced by your Solar Panels is converted from DC (direct current) by the inverter to AC (alternating current), which your home is run on. The electricity is then taken from the inverter via an AC cable to your distribution board, where it is used to power the circuits in your home.
If I have Solar Panels, can I come off grid?
Solar PV panels alone will not give you electricity 24 hours a day as they only produce electricity in daylight hours. You would need a battery system as well as Solar PV panels to be able to come off grid.
Will my Solar Panels work when there is a power cut?
If there is a power cut your inverter will switch off, which stops any generation from your Solar Panels entering the property. This is a safety feature to protect workers who may be repairing the grid. However, we can install a back-up system which will enable you to use your solar energy in a power cut.
Do I need to change my electricity meter to an export meter if I have Solar Panels?
Most electricity suppliers are not installing export meters in domestic properties. They assume that you will export 50% of the electricity produced and pay you for this however much you export to the grid.
How do I ensure my Solar Panels will qualify for the Feed-in Tariff?
Wallop Energy are MCS accredited which means all our Solar Panel installations meet the government requirements for you to claim the Feed-in Tariff. We will issue you with a MCS certificate once the Solar PV installation has been completed and your system is fully functional. We then register your Solar PV installation and you will need to send your MCS certificate to your energy supplier so you can claim the Feed-in Tariff.
How do I choose which EV Charger to purchase?
We will show you the recommended Electric Vehicle chargers based on your answers you gave us, so if you are seeing multiple packages, you can choose any of these.
How long will my vehicle take to charge?
The Electric Vehicle chargers that we install work by providing Fast Charging capability to your home or office, which is up to 4 times quicker than the output from your standard plug sockets.
How much would it cost to run?
Based on a Electricity rate of 14p per kWh, it would cost around £8 to fully charge a 60kWh Electric car. This would give around 200 miles of range.
How long will it take to charge?
This depends on the charger you choose and the vehicle that you own. As a benchmark, a 7.2kW charger can fully charge:
A Toyota Prius in approx. 1.5 hours
A Nissan Leaf in approx. 5.5 hours
A Tesla Model S in approx. 13 hours
Will visitors be able to use the charger as well?
Yes, they will be able to use your charger providing that they have the correct cable to connect to their vehicle.
What Is a Heat Pump, and How Does It Work?
Heat pumps are devices that move hot air from one place to another in order to heat the building in the winter, and for cooling in the summer. The process works even at low temperatures, since there is always heat to be sourced. Read more about the functioning of air source heat pumps.
How Many Types of Heat Pumps Exist and Which Are They?
There are two main types of heat pumps: air source heat pumps that take the heat from the air, and ground source heat pumps that extract it from the ground where the temperature is quite constant, regardless of the temperature above the ground.
What Is a Ductless System?
The name explains itself as this system doesn’t require air pipes. It consists of some outdoor and indoor units called heads that allow the air blowing, and are fixed in the wall as bathroom fans. Each of the splits is independent and can be turned on or off at need.
When Installing a Heat Pump, Do I Still Need the Old Heaters?
Heat pumps provide you with a fair amount of warmth, but it is advisable to keep other heating sources in case the temperature drops, or in places where the heads are not enough. An important factor when deciding on which device to use is laid out in the building regulations.
How Is Heat Pump Installed, and How Long Does It Take?
Usually, the process is completed within 2 days, as you need to install an outdoor unit and an indoor one in place of the device previously used. For a ductless system, it may take just one day while it takes longer for ground source heat pumps, especially if you need to dig a borehole.
How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost?
Depending on the complexity of the system, the price can range from £7,000 to £40,000. It is not easy to forecast the exact price for it, as there are many details to consider. We can give you a free quote and finance options if needed
What Are the Incentives for Buying Heat Pumps?
The government is very committed to reduce greenhouse emissions and the negative effects of climate changes, so it has launched many programmes to convince the public and companies to turn green.
How Long Will a Heat Pump Last?
The average lifespan of a heat pump is 15 to 20 years if they are constantly being monitored and preventive maintenance is performed.
Can I Use the Heat Pump 24 Hours a Day?
It is unnecessary and very expensive to have the heating running all day long, it is much more convenient to have it on only when needed. If the house is well insulated, you only need a few hours until you achieve the desired temperature level and the heat pump works more effectively.
The time needed to achieve the temperature varies with the amount of heat needed and that lost in case of non-optimal insulation so that it takes more time and energy to heat up the area. Naturally, the amount of time you use your heat pump will affect the running cost of your heat pump, too.
Can I Programme a Heat Pump to Operate Automatically?
Yes, it is possible as most of the devices can be set to work only at defined times.
If I Turn the Heat Pump on High, Will the Room Heat up Faster?
It is not useful and unproductive to use the heat pump as a normal radiator. When it is set to a high temperature, the device is put under strain as it tries to absorb the heat from the air needed to reach such a high temperature. It is much more efficient to set the temperature to the required level and let it become warm: it will be faster and it will save energy.
Does a Heat Pump Prevent Condensation?
Yes. The heat pump dehumidifies in cooling mode and in the heating mode, such a function is not needed as the water circulating through the pipes removes the humidity.
Do Heat Pumps Exchange Heat with the Outside?
Yes. The heat exchange allows the system to work. The heat pump extracts heat from the outside through an outdoor heat exchanger coil and it transfers it into the system ducts through an indoor heat exchanger coil.
Are Heat Pumps Noisy?
No, heat pumps are not noisier than a boiler and many other appliances we use in our everyday life.
Helpful videos
Please enjoy our videos to help you better understand our products.
