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What is a heat pump and how do they work?
· A heat pump is a boiler that uses electricity and the air/energy from the ground or water, to generate heat. Unlike gas or oil boilers that use fossil fuels. Heat pumps are very efficient and are a low carbon technology and a great way to heat your home, helping to reduce your carbon emissions.
· In most cases, heat pumps could save you money on your energy bills depending on what heating system you are replacing.
· Heat pumps take the energy from the air, ground or water and raises this temperature using a compressor, which then transfers this higher heat into water that heats your radiators underfloor and your hot water cylinder in the same way a traditional system would.
· There are different types of heat pumps, However, they all work in a similar way, the main difference is where they get their initial energy from. Air source gets its energy from the air, Ground source takes the energy from the ground and water source takes its energy from water normally in lakes, rivers or bore holes.
Basic costs
A typical air source heat pump system would consist of a heat pump and new hot water cylinder. This can range anywhere from £9000-£12,000. However, some of the internal heating system, such as radiators may need to be upgraded to deliver the correct amount of heat into each room and this would come at an extra cost.
Current incentives
· Currently there is the scheme called boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) which sees eligible applications receive £7,500 towards the installation.
· There is also another scheme that is called ECO4 and this could see the full installation be covered if you qualify.
For more information on this, please go to the Ofgem website.
Solar panels
What are they and how do they work?
· Photovoltaic panels, often referred to its solar panels or solar PV are individual cells made from layers of semi conducting material, normally silicon that can produce an electrical charge when they become energised by daylight.
· This charge creates a direct current (DC) of electricity.
· This current then passes through an inverter which turns the DC current into AC electricity. This is what we use in our properties.
· These panels do not need direct light to work. They just need radiation (light) which you also get on cloudy days. However, the brighter the day the more electricity generate.
· The average installation consists of around 10 panels and the most common panels are around 400 to 420 Watts. This size system sees up to 3500 kWh of electricity generated in a year.
Cost
The average cost for a 10 panel system, fully installed, including scaffolding should be around £4500 to £6000. The price can vary depending on how many roofs need to be worked on and the amount of scaffolding required. This system, could see a reduction in your annual electric bill of around £500- £600 pa. This is based on an annual generation from the solar of 3,500 kWh, self consumption of 50% of the generated electric and a unit price of 30p.
Incentives
There is currently a scheme called smart export guarantee (SEG) where the surplus electricity that you do not use in the property, is sold back to the grid. Most Utility companies offer this scheme, and prices vary ranging from 5p to 24p. Check with your own energy supplier to see what their current price is for this scheme.
Battery storage
Battery storage, is where you store the surplus energy that the property is not using in a battery, for use later. This can help you use more of the generate electric from your system, which will increase your savings.
Before considering a renewable system
Explore all the different technologies available and decide which one suits your project best. The three most popular ones are
· Solar panels, which can help you reduce your electric consumption in your property by generating your own electricity
· Battery storage, this is where any electricity you generate that is not being used in the property, can be stored in a battery for you later. Helping you increase your self-consumption of your solar panel system.
· Heat pumps or ground source heat pumps, These are boiler systems that uses the air around it or the temperature in the ground or water to generate heat which can heat your property via your radiators, underfloor heating along with your hot water cylinder.
Next Steps
· Once you have decided which technology suits your project best, the next steps are to find a reputable installer.
· It's important to find a certified installer for the system you want to install and that they are accredited through the microgeneration scheme.
· MCS is a quality assurance scheme that is supported by the UK government and certifies installers and products. To find a list of the accredited installers in your area, visit the MCS website and use their search function. This will ensure the company has the right knowledge experience and products that meet this code of practice.
Quotes
It is always recommended that you get at least three quotes for each technology you wish to install.
Going with the installer who is the cheapest is not always best practice.
Things you should consider are
· Do the company employ their own staff or would it be contracted out to contractors?
· Do they have after sales servicing and support.
· Payment options, and deposits should not be more than 25%
· Are there any hidden costs they have not highlighted, such as Scaffolding for a Solar PV systems or radiator upgrades for the heating systems that could be require to get the best out of your new system.
· Can they give you case studies or customers to speak to regarding previous works?
· How long have they been trading, and do they have the right experience.
Other things to consider
Depending on your property and where you live, you may need to check if Planning permission is required. This can be done with the local council. Most installs come under the permitted development rights. However, if you are in a listed building, conservation area or area of outstanding natural beauty, you'll need to check if planning permission or consent is required.
After the installation
· Make sure the installer gives you a thorough handover and explains how the systems work, how to operate them and what to do if you think there is an issue with the systems.
· Check that you receive all the relevant paperwork and warranties from the installation, especially your MCS certificate, as you may need this to claim any incentives you are entitled to.
· Check that your household insurance covers your new system that's been installed. Should you ever need to make a claim?
· A letter from your local DNO (Distribution network operator) approving the system can be connected to their network.
· Apply for any cash back schemes or incentives for your system may be available.
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