Home grown energy S OL A R E NE RGY
SOLAR THERMAL
APPLE POWER
Organic Electricity
Contents
Our aim is to help you understand solar energy..........................2 For us, the sun as a source of energy simply shines ....................5 Renewable energy? Things are looking up ..................................6 Could solar energy save and make you money? .........................8 Apple is where homeowners always come first.........................10 When it comes to solar energy, things are warming up ............13 It's less about feeling the heat, more about seeing the light .....14 Photovoltaic solar electricity systems give you more choice .......16 The technology behind solar electricity .....................................18 How the sun can get you into hot water ..................................21 The benefits of a solar thermal system......................................22 Frequently asked questions .......................................................26 Your successful solar energy installation in 10 easy steps ..........28 What our customers say ...........................................................30
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Our aim is to help you understand solar energy Lower energy bills, a smaller carbon footprint and extra income... what's not to love about solar energy? Renewables, carbon emissions, global warming, carbon footprints, wind power... the news headlines have been full of this kind of jargon and technical-speak for quite a while now. But what does it all mean to you? This brochure has been designed to help you cut through all the confusion and help you to make an informed decision about whether solar energy is the right choice for you, your home, your lifestyle and, of course, your pocket. In the world of renewable energy there are two important factors 1. Scientists believe the world is warming up and that warming presents a real threat to the planet and, therefore, our future. Our carbon emissions – especially from heating and lighting our homes – play a big part in global warming and need to be reduced. Using more renewable energy generated through sustainable means (such as solar energy) could help us to do just that.
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2. Plus, and you won't need reminding about this, the cost of energy for heating and lighting our homes from fossil fuels just keeps rising. These two factors have motivated homeowners like you to look at alternative energy sources. However, the upfront costs of installing an alternative energy source – such as solar panels – has frankly made their installation difficult to justify for many people. Now, that's all changed! As you may know, the recent introduction of attractive Government backed tariffs (Feed in Tariff or F.I.T, as they are known) for renewable energy generation have made many homeowners right across the country think again. And now renewable energy for the home – your home? – makes sense ecologically and, most importantly, economically. Here at Apple, we've taken a long, hard look at all the popular alternative and renewable energy sources for the home, from wind to water power. We'd like to explain to you the pros and cons of each on the next page.
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For us, the sun as a source of energy simply shines When it comes to alternative energy sources... you have lots of alternatives to consider. There are a number of different renewable energy choices available to you and we've outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each below. Wind Advantages: Wind is free, the energy from it can be stored in batteries for times when the turbines are still. The UK has nearly half of Europe's total wind energy. Disadvantages: Wind turbines for your home can be a bit of an eyesore, tend to be noisy and vibrate. None of which endears them to your neighbours! Air source heat pumps Advantages: Good for low grade heat and hot water generation and need virtually no maintenance. Disadvantages: Space is required around the units as they need room to receive a good flow of air. Plus your home's insulation will probably need to be upgraded and unless you have underfloor heating – with which they are best suited to work – you may need to change to it to get the full benefits.
Ground source pumps Advantages: As the ground 3 metres below the surface stays a constant temperature all year round, you could rely on a steady supply of energy for heating and hot water. Disadvantages: Heat is generated at only a fairly low temperature, which is why – like air source systems – this option is better suited for use with underfloor heating. A trench or bore hole needs to be dug in your garden to lay the necessary pipework. This can be inconvenient if you have a small garden and near impossible if you don't have one. Hydro electricity Advantages: A clean, cost effective energy source. Disadvantages: Not many of us live near a legally accessible, fast and consistently flowing water course! From our extensive research into renewable energy sources we believe that solar power – using light from the sun – is the most convenient, simple and cost effective way forward.
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Renewable energy? Things are looking up Help power your home with the sun and Apple We believe that solar energy represents your best chance of cost effectively and conveniently reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint. In addition, you will be able to generate an income from the energy the panels produce. But it's not what's best for us that counts, it's what's best for you So, as we said at the beginning of this brochure, our aim is to enable you to make the right decision about solar energy and whether it's right for your home. As part of that, we'll provide you with honest, objective and transparent advice. Your home and situation is unique, so our service is tailored to your individual needs When considering solar energy for your home, there are a number of important factors to take into account. Here they are in outline: *Is your home suitable? The orientation of your home or the presence of nearby trees or tall buildings may adversely impact on a solar energy solution.
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*Irradiation levels Irradiation levels vary across the country. So we'll explain what they're like in your area, to give you an understanding of just how much energy can be generated from the sun where you live. *The pitch and position of your roof The angle of your roof and the way it faces are also important considerations in the success of a solar energy system. Don't worry though, we can easily measure your roof and work out how much space, and in which position, you have your panels. *Photovoltaic or Solar Thermal? Again, don't worry about the jargon. The first of these options, Photovoltaic (sometimes known as PV or Solar Energy) generates electricity for your home. The second option, Solar Thermal, simply heats your water. We'll help you decide which is best for your home and your needs. *Your lifestyle The way you and your family live and use energy is obviously important in your choice of a renewable solution.
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*Your expectations Apple will give you a clear, realistic and practical idea of what solar energy can deliver to you, so that the benefits you and your family actually gain match your expectations. *Costs We will tell you, in an honest and straightforward way, what your installation will cost, how much money it could save you and how much you make through incentives such as the Feed in Tariff. Myth busting There's a lot of hype surrounding sustainable and renewable energy sources. So here are a few facts about solar energy: • There are two types of solar energy system: Photovoltaic, which generates solar electricity and Solar Thermal, which heats water. • In the UK, the sun radiates, on average, the equivalent energy output of about 1,000 power stations. • Though every location in the country could benefit from solar energy, the amount of irradiation which falls on different areas of the UK varies. This means that the power generated from solar energy varies too, depending on where you live.
• Solar energy systems work all year round, because they use light from the sun not heat, although they do produce more energy in the summer months. • Solar panels work best on south facing roofs, but work in west or east facing locations as well. • Planning permission is not usually required to install solar panels. You will require Building Regulations approval. Don't worry, our experts will look after that aspect for you. • The government's green energy initiatives mean that solar energy systems have never made as much economic sense as they do now. We can't just 'give you a quote' and you can quote us on that! When it comes to choosing the right solar energy solution for you, your home and your pocket, there are simply too many variables and issues to be carefully considered before we can give you an accurate estimate of the costs and benefits involved. So please don't ask for a 'ball park figure' over the phone!
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Could solar energy save and make you money? Government incentives mean that by reducing your CO2 emissions you could actually receive payments! If you install a renewable energy solution – such as solar – there are government schemes which can help to save and possibly even make you money. Here's an idea as to how the two current schemes work: Feed in Tariffs (or F.I.T) for Solar Electricity systems Don't just generate electricity, you could generate payments as well... • Your energy supplier will pay you a set rate for every unit or kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you generate. This tariff will continue for 25 years, the payments are tax free and increase in line with inflation. • For every unit of energy you generate but do not use and export to the grid you will receive an additional payment.
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So, as a result of installing a solar energy system for your home, your bills will be lower because you're buying less electricity from your supplier and your income will be higher from your Feed in Tariff. Renewable Heat Incentive for Solar Thermal systems There is a limited budget available for the Renewable Heat Premium Payment incentive of £300 and can be applied via the Energy Savings Trust from 1st August 2011 untill the 31st March 2012 and then the second phase will be released as part of the ‘Green Deal’ in 2012.
How the tariff works Until smart meters are introduced into UK homes, it is deemed that 50% of the electricity that is generated is exported back to the grid and the other 50% is used in your home.
Generate
USE & SAVE
EXPORT & SELL
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Total benefit and savings
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Apple is where homeowners always come first We thrive on saving people money We have been in the business of offering our customers money saving home improvements for over a decade now. These include:
Why Apple is good for you We promise that this is what you can expect from us:
• Roofline products that include, fascias, soffits, guttering, and A rated energy efficient windows and doors.
• An accurate idea of how much energy you can generate, what it will cost and what it will save you.
• Innovations, such as solar energy that help people reduce their energy bills, their carbon footprint and their reliance on non-renewable fuel.
• A clear description of the government schemes available and how each could help you generate an income as you generate power.
Setting the standard that sets Apple apart Our solar energy systems are always tailored exactly to your needs, your lifestyle and your home.
• An accurate, objective opinion on your suitability for solar energy. If any aspect of your home or its location makes it unsuitable – such as the way it faces, lack of available space to affix panels, overhanging trees or other shaded considerations – we'll make it clear.
Our service starts with a full technical survey undertaken by one of our experts and only then will we tell you in a clear, concise and objective way exactly what solar energy can – and can't – do for you. If it's not suitable for your home or its situation, we'll tell you straight away. And your service ends with our full guarantee, for your complete peace of mind.
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• Detailed discussions regarding your situation, the right solution for your home and what you can achieve from it.
• Calculations based on every aspect that may effect the efficiency of your solar energy system, from the way your family uses electricity to the amount of sun your home receives. • High quality, excellent value products; fully trained and qualified professional installation teams plus helpful, friendly service and support at every stage of the process.
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When it comes to solar energy, things are warming up A Photovoltaic or Solar Hot Water system? You decide You can select from either a Solar Electricity System (known as a PV or Photovoltaic system) which generates electricity, or a Solar Hot Water system (solar thermal) which heats your water. Alternatively, you can choose to install both. We will advise you on the potential of the systems to help you make an informed choice.
In Germany, where the climate is almost identical to ours, there has been a ten fold increase in the installation of Photovoltaic systems since their government introduced a tariff in 2004. Similarly, the introduction of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment is also expected to lead to an increase in demand for solar hot water systems.
Solar energy – then Though both types of solar energy systems use solar collectors that are generally roof mounted, those you probably saw most of in your area over the last few years were for heating hot water. Traditionally, this type of system was more popular. Solar energy – now With the introduction of the government's Feed In Tariff there has been a marked increase in the number of Photovoltaic systems now being installed.
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How the sun can get you into hot water Understanding Solar Hot Water systems Apple’s Solar Thermal systems use the light from the sun to heat a specially formulated, long life and non-freezing fluid collected in the solar panels on your roof. This fluid runs through pipework to heat your water. How it works • Our highly effective systems use your solar tube collectors to harness light from the sun (not heat), so they work on the coldest days of winter and in the height of summer. Naturally, the longer the daylight, the more heat is generated. • This heated solar fluid is pumped around your insulated pipework (to ensure heat is not lost) then through a solar coil in your highly insulated hot water cylinder, heating your water. • Your coil is designed to transfer the maximum amount of heat from the solar fluid to heat the water in your hot water cylinder, thereby saving on the conventional energy you would normally use to do this.
• Your installer will locate and preset temperature sensors in your new solar cylinder and collector and connect them to an intelligent control panel. This continually monitors the temperature difference and switches the solar pump on and off accordingly. • Certain factors will affect the efficiency of your solar hot water system, such as the different levels of solar irradiation falling on your home. Homes virtually anywhere in the UK can benefit to some extent from solar energy. Other factors to consider include: • Location – south facing is best and most productive, followed by the south west and southeast, then west and east. North facing and shaded locations tend not to be suitable. • Optimum angle – your collector is ideally set between 30° and 45°. • Daylight hours – your system will work better during the longer, brighter summer days than darker, shorter winter days. • Results – depending on your hot water usage, a solar hot water system could produce all your hot water in summer and make a valuable contribution by preheating your water during the winter. Apple Solar Energy 15
The benefits of a solar thermal system Designed and built for convenience and cost efficiency Our solar thermal systems have been designed and manufactured with a number of convenience and cost efficiency features and benefits built in. These include: • Controller – gives you instant management of your system using state of the art components. • Bespoke hot water cylinders – these are specifically tailored for your installation rather than being off the shelf. • Especially formulated eco friendly solar fluid – designed not to break down or freeze, so you can relax. • Customer care – our team won't leave your home until you are completely conversant with your new system and can get the very best from it.
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The components of your system Our innovative and proven solar hot water systems are designed to make the very most of the sun's rays, using highly efficient solar collectors to turn the sun's light into heat and then deliver it into your home in a low cost, low-carbon way. Our collectors are efficient, cost effective, robust, long lasting and low maintenance, when integrated with the other components that make up you complete installation and deliver the ideal source for much of your household's hot water requirements, all year round.
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The benefits of a solar thermal system Designed and built for convenience and cost efficiency Solar Thermal Tubes Manufactured from Borosilicate glass, these efficient evacuated tubes are neat and designed to capture the maximum amount of solar radiation. Evacuated tubes are the absorber of the solar water heater. They absorb solar energy converting it into heat for use in water heating. Evacuated tubes have already been used for years in Germany, Canada, China and the UK.
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Thermal controllers Our controllers play an integral role in your solar hot water solution. These are connected to temperature sensors, which constantly monitor the temperature of the solar fluid at strategic points in the system. When the temperature of the solar fluid in your collectors is hotter than the water in your hot water cylinder, the pump is activated to circulate the solar fluid around the system. The controller is pre-programmed by your expert installer and is simplicity itself to use. The fast and easy to use settings are as follows: • Standby and normal operation for solar and boiler heating of your hot water • Solar only setting, for when the solar system can generate all your hot water during the summer • Holiday setting which looks after your system when you are away
Pump station Once your controller has indicated that the solar fluid has reached the correct temperature, one of our powerful pump stations will circulate it to heat the water in your tank.
Hot water cylinder You will need a special hot water cylinder to replace your existing one, if you are to benefit from a solar hot water system. These cylinders essentially work in two ways: one coil at the top is heated by your central heating system while a special solar coil at the bottom is fed from the solar panels on your roof. Your cylinder will be designed, manufactured and sized in line with your installation.
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Frequently asked questions Solar Thermal From our extensive experience of designing and installing solar energy systems, we've compiled a shortlist of frequently asked questions regarding the subject. We hope the list of FAQs below helps you but if there are still any questions you have or issues you'd like to discuss, please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 808 9237 or send an e-mail to info@applesolarenergy.com or visit www.applesolarenergy.com
Q: Is there enough sunshine in the UK for the collectors to work efficiently? A: Yes. The collectors are designed for the Northern Hemisphere and will work even on dull days. Q: How much hot water can I expect to gain? A: Our collectors will produce approx. 50-60% of your domestic hot water requirement over the year. Q: Is there any maintenance? A: No as the wind and rain clean them Q: What is the life expectancy of the collector? A: 30 + years
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Q: Can I use my existing cylinder? A: Generally not unless it already has a solar coil fitted. Q: Will I need to get a new boiler for my solar thermal system? A: No, your existing boiler will not be affected Q: Do I need planning permission to install a solar collector? A: Under normal circumstances Solar Panels come under permitted rights, unless you live in a conservation area or an ANOB or if your property is listed. Q: Will the installation cause a lot of disruption to my home? A: No, most installations only take 1 day and disruption is kept to an absolute minimum Note that the government has a similar scheme for solar thermal systems called the Renewable Heat Incentive, which is due for introduction in 2012 and the limited Renewable Heat Premium Payment of ÂŁ300 is available for installations after 1st August 2011 until 31st March 2012.
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Your successful solar energy installation in 10 easy steps No two installations are the same As we said right at the beginning of this brochure, your home, your lifestyle, your budget and your energy usage are all unique. So we'll tailor our solar energy systems to suit you.
Right from the very start of the process we want to ensure that we understand your needs and aspirations as much as you understand what Apple solar energy can do for you, from the costs to the possible savings. First and foremost we need to be sure solar energy is right for your home So we'll check: • The amount of irradiation in your area • The aspect of your home • How much space you have available so we can design the right sized system • Anything that will impede the efficiency of your solar energy system, such as overhanging trees or chimneys. We'll do all we can to ensure the system you buy is right for you, not for us. And only once you are completely happy, will we plan and implement your system for you, at a time that suits you, so you can start saving money and carbon emissions.
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Your first step to a solar powered home Call us free on 0800 808 9237, or e-mail to info@applesolarenergy.com or visit www.applesolarenergy.com to make an appointment with one of our specialist team. They'll answer all your questions, fully discuss and understand your individual requirements and then give you a free no obligation quotation.
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Working from the outside in The external elements of your solar panel installation take place, with secure fixing to your roof.
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Getting it right, first time Your Apple solar energy surveyor is equipped with a software application which will provide you with specific details of your location, your roof angle and orientation to ensure solar energy is right for your home.
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Moving inside We then install the internal components of your solar system, creating the minimum of disruption and ensuring a neat and professional finish.
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Attention to detail ensures success A more detailed survey will follow from your consultation. Our expert surveyor will thoroughly check your roof and take the precise measurements that we need for installation.
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Switch on and test Once all the installation work has been completed and all connections made, we switch on, test and double check that every aspect of your installation is functioning correctly.
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Respecting the law To save you the time and trouble, we will obtain Building Regulations approval on your behalf and thus ensure that your installation complies with the appropriate regulations.
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Getting the best from your system Once your new solar system is complete, we will show and fully explain how it works, so you can gain maximum benefit from it, from day one.
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The scaffolding goes up When required we will erect appropriate scaffolding to ensure the safety of both you and our installers during installation.
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An after sales service that's simply second to none Our comprehensive ten year guarantee is designed to give you complete peace of mind and covers your entire solar energy system.
To find out how you could reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint, while increasing your income from generating electricity you don't use, call free on 0800 808 9237, e-mail info@applesolarenergy.com or visit www.applesolarenergy.com
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Our promise, is to make you happy What our customers have to say...
Professor Peter Townsend Brighton Sussex
“The installation was quite rapid and went smoothly and so here is a short progress report on the very first month of installation of my PV panels. The first 28 days in July gave me 484kW. This is very encouraging as this year July was overcast on quite a few days here on the Sussex coast because of sea mist. “I was very amused to see the meter merrily spinning backwards when the sun was shining.”
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Mr and Mrs Garwood Petersfield Hampshire
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“I would just like to say how happy I was with the information given by the surveyor prior to installation and as promised the work was completed within the time specified, even though the electrician had to work in extreme heat. “With west facing orientation we have achieved 20kwh.”
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Our promise, is to make you happy What our customers have to say...
Ken and Jenny Parkinson Christchurch Dorset
“We recently had PV panels fitted by Apple Solar to our property in Christchurch. We are more than satisfied with the work which was carried out and would like you to pass on our sincere thanks to all involved. “Suffice to say, the system is working very well and even at this time of the year we are gaining more units of electricity than we use on sunny days. What is really satisfying is seeing the disc on our electric meter go backwards and the units used decrease!”
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Mr and Mrs Anderson Hedge End Southampton Hampshire
E NE RGY
“My wife and I are very pleased with our Apple solar panels that have been fitted to our bungalow. “I must say the service we received was first class from start to finish.”
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Our promise, is to make you happy What our customers have to say...
Peter & Clare Hill Hayling Island Hampshire
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“We should like to congratulate Apple Solar Energy on their efficient and friendly service for the installation of our Solar Panels. We were very relieved to learn that all of the panel fixing was carried out from the outside and the scaffolders were able to take all the scaffolding down the following afternoon. The inverter was fitted with a Bluetooth transmitter, so we are able to monitor performance without having to climb into the loft! So after just under 4 days we have generated 30KwH, in cloudy weather with only about 30% sunshine. Our best day yielded 11.4KwH (with 8 panels).�
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Mr and Mrs Yolland West End Southampton Hampshire
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“A manager came to give an explanation of how the system works and the electricity it could produce. Arrangements were made for a surveyor to check the number of panels ordered were correct and would fit. “Installation was booked and the work was completed in 2 days. The Apple work team were all very efficient and carried out their work professionally. We are extremely pleased with the system.”
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S OL A R E NE RGY
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