How much does solar heating cost?

Let's cut straight to the chase. This is what everyone wants to know and it's an important question. Because, saving money is the key reason to install solar water heating. Well, the cost is going to vary and depend on the type and quality of the panels, whether you need scaffolding, and how easy it is to integrate into your existing plumbing system. Generally speaking, the average cost of installing solar water heating in London is around £8000.

When do I get my money back?

How cost effective your solar thermal system is and therefore when you can expect a return on your investment, depends on a wide range of variables and is different for each system. Payback times can vary from five years to twenty years. On average, in London, it's going to take around 10 years to break even. To do this you'll need a system that is capable of producing around 50 to 70 per cent of all your water heating requirements.

Can I get a grant?

Well. Solar heating is eligible for the renewable heat incentive, which was enacted on 1 April 2011. To qualify you must use a MCS accredited installer and product. We only use MCS accredited installers and products, by the way.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

It's all about green initatives now, isn't it? Thus, generally speaking you are going to get permission for a solar heating installation unless you live in a listed building or a conservation area.

How does solar water heating work?

Solar water heating, also known as solar thermal, captures heat from the sun and uses it to heat up water for use in the home. It's a simple process: panels on your roof absorb heat from the sun �- they are known as the collector. The water in the panels heats up and is pumped through a coil in your cylinder which transfers the heat to the water in a cylinder. Simple!

What type of solar panel is best for me?

Solar panels come a variety of types and systems. From evacuated solar tubes and flat panels to PV electric solar panels. The choice depends on your budget, location and requirements. In reality, there isn't much difference with regard to performance during the summer months, but in winter, with lower light and cold days, evacuated tubes perform slightly better. However, we offer a free consultation and quotation service and we'll give you clear, unbiased advice on which is the best solar solution for your property.

Flat solar panels

Flat solar panels are designed for water heating and often chosen because they can fit onto a roof. The panels transfer heat to a solar hot water cylinder. The cylinder itself can be placed in an unobtrusive place such as an airing cupboard. The cylinder then stores the hot water that has been produced during the day by the sunlight, ready for use when you need it.

Evacuated tubes

Evacuated tubes are designed for solar water heating. They are the most efficient solar energy collection system. Vacuum flask tubes collect heat from the sun. The heat is transferred to a super-efficient hot water tank. In the winter this helps to keep hot water in the tank in conjunction with a conventional heating system such as a condensing boiler or Megaflo system.

Solar panels for swimming pools

Solar panels are a great way to heat a swimming pool. In fact, heating that volume of water with any other method is an expensive business. Even in the UK, where you need heating in the pool, solar heating can make a valuable contribution.

So, what are the benefits of solar heating?

• You can reduce your heating bills by 70% to 90% in the summer
• You can reduce your heating bills by 25% to 30% in the winter
• On average this equals approximately 50-75% reduction annually
• You can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by anything from 400 to 750kg per year
• You can increase the value of your property

We pride ourselves on our open and honest pricing - there are no hidden charges and we even charge in 15 minute intervals after the first hour. You won't find many plumbing and drainage companies with a pricing policy like that! Take a look at our pricing list for a guide on how much you can expect to pay.

We also have a price comparison tool, that enables you to check our prices against our main competitors. For larger projects such drain repair, drain excavation or drain lining we can provide you with a fixed price and what's more, the quotation is free!

Hourly rate pricing

	Service	Price - 08:00 to 18:00	Price - 18:00 to 22:00
Plumbing services £80.00 per hour £100.00 per hour Drain clearing £80.00 per hour £100.00 per hour Drain jetting £150.00 per hour £200.00 per hour Commercial drain jetting POA POA

Fixed rate pricing

	Service	Price - 08:00 to 18:00	Price - 18:00 to 22:00 and Saturdays
CCTV drain inspection & survey From £200 to £300 N/A Gas Safety report £80.00 for up to 2 appliances £100 for up to 2 appliances Gas Safety report - Extra appliance £40.00 per appliance £60.00 per appliance Boiler Service £80.00 £100.00 Commercial Boiler Service POA POA Commercial Gas Certificate £150.00 £200.00 Commercial Gas Services Discounted rates for contract customers Call for multiple boilers Boiler Replacement quote Free Free Power flush From £350.00 (for up to 9 radiators) N/A Parts delivery / collection £30.00 £30.00

Points to note:

• All prices exclude VAT
• Hourly rate charges are billed in 15 minute intervals with a minimum charge of one hour
• All prices exclude congestion & parking charges (unless a parking permit for the duration of the visit is provided)
• All prices exclude costs for materials
• Gas or safety certificates cannot be issued until payment is made in full
• Quotations are free of charge.

Delivery charges

• Where possible we carry spare parts
• However, this is not always possible with 1000's of different makes of boiler on the market
• If the part is delivered and installed on the same day of the appointment, collection is charged at the hourly rate
• If the part is collected and installed any other day, there is a fixed £30 delivery charge
• The time to install the part is charged at hourly rate

Drainage services

Plumbing services

What you need to know