Renewable Energy Installation FAQs
EV Charger FAQs
How do you book an EV charging point installation?
By contacting an EV charger installer or supplier. Ecolectrix provide a bespoke, accurate quote based on your home, vehicle, and requirements. From then we will take care of any government grant paperwork and complete the installation at your home.
What is the EV charging point installation cost?
The cost of an EV charge-point installation varies according to your home and charger type. When conducting a quote, we will survey your home and provide you with a full breakdown of costs – So there will be no surprise costs at the end.
Do you offer EV charging point installation for commercial premises?
Yes, as well as home EV chargers we also install charging points for business. You can find out more by visiting our dedicated page or by contacting us.
What are the benefits of electric car charging stations?
There are many benefits to installing EV charge-points in business environments. Such as:
- Enabling the use of EV fleets
- Save money on fuelling/powering company vehicles
- Providing charging facilities to customers & employees, adding value to your business’ services
- Helps your business become more environmentally friendly
- Provides an additional source of income through commercial charge-points
The benefits will vary according to your business’ specific needs. However, the benefits of electric vehicles are only going to increase over time, and you can be ahead of the curve by investing now.
What is the cost of electric charging points for business?
EV charge-points are an investment that pay off in the long-term. The general cost of having them installed on your premises will vary depending on the number and intended use. They can start for themselves instantly if you add tariffs to customers or employees for use.
What is the cost of charging an electric car?
Charging an electric car is considerably cheaper than the cost of fueling a combustion engine vehicle. It does depend on specifics such as charger type, but generally speaking it will be between £4 and 10 per full charge session for most people with energy suppliers that offer rates under 14p/kWh.
What do the website prices include?
The price displayed on the website is the cost of your charger unit. If you would like us to install your charger, we will contact you after your purchase to discuss your requirements and provide a quotation.
I live in a household with two or more electric vehicles. Do I need more than one EV charger?
It really depends on your personal circumstances. The average daily commute is around 30 miles, which equates to around 1-2 hours recharging time. You could realistically charge both cars one after the other in one evening.
Solar Panel FAQs
Do I need a South-facing roof?
The short answer is no. Although Solar Panels will perform better and generate more electricity if they are facing South, SE, or SW due to more continuous sunlight, they will still perform at 86% (compared to South facing) either facing due East or West.
How much roof space do I need?
Solar Panels can either be fitted on the roof of a property or on your land. Typically, an 8-panel Solar PV system would be the minimum we recommend, and this can comfortably fit on an average 3-bed semi.
Do I need constant sunshine for my Solar Panels to work?
No, Solar Panels work in all daylight settings and work at their most optimal at 10ºc. In fact, if it gets too hot, they can become less efficient.
How do I compare Solar Panels makes?
Your panel choice will usually combine several aspects including aesthetics, value, performance, and reliability. Our network of installers knows the ins and outs the market and will advise you accordingly to suit your needs.
What lifespan do Solar Panels have?
Solar PV systems don’t have any moving parts and as such have long-life spans. The inverter does last for over 10 years and will cost up to £1,000 to replace and you can expect the panels to last for at least 25 years.
Do Solar Panels need cleaning?
Solar panels to tend to self-clean if set at an angle of over 15 degrees. However, we do advise that you inspect them periodically and rinse them if required.
What service and maintenance do Solar Panels require?
It is recommended that your Solar Panels are checked and serviced every 2 years.
Will my Solar Panels blow off the roof during a storm?
It’s highly unlikely, each Solar Panel is securely attached using a roof hook and rail system and mounted at least 30cm from the edge of the roof preventing excessive wind loading.
How do Solar Panels connect to the electrical supply in my home?
The electricity generated by your Solar Panels is converted from DC (direct current) by the inverter to AC (alternating current), it is then taken from the inverter through an AC cable to your distribution board which your home is powered by.
Will my Solar Panels work when there is a power cut?
In the event of a power cut your inverter will switch off, which will halt any generation from your Solar Panels. This is a safety feature created to protect workers who may be repairing the grid. However, a back-up system can be purchased which will enable you to use your solar energy during a power cut.
Do I need to change my electricity meter to an export meter if I have Solar Panels?
If you want to sell any excess electricity you generate back to the grid you will need to have a smart meter, this can be supplied by most electricity suppliers free of charge if you don’t already have one.
Have I missed out on the Feed-in Tariff?
Yes. But there is a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) available which guarantees you payments for the excess electricity generated and sold back to the grid.
Air Source Heat Pump FAQS
Is my property suitable for an Air Source Heat Pump?
This is dependent on the fuel source you currently use to heat your home; the insulation level in your property and the total space you have available to complete and installation. You will need suitable space outside your home for the heat pump to be fitted ideally with plenty of space for good flow of air to achieve the best results.
Is it difficult to maintain?
No, maintenance is simple, we advise that you regularly check that the air inlet grill and evaporator and remove any leaves or debris.
Do I need planning permission?
Air Source Heat Pump Installations are generally considered permitted development, so in most cases you won’t need planning permission. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to check with your local planning office prior.
Should I leave my air source heat pump on all the time?
They should be turned off entirely. This is because of the high expense when turned back on as it will try to increase the temperature as quickly as possible using more power.
What is the life expectancy of an air source heat pump?
On average 15 years is the average heat pump lifespan for most manufacturers, with some lower priced units lasting up to 10 years.
Battery Storage FAQs
How does battery storage work?
Battery storage enables you to capture excess energy and store it for later use. Typically, batteries are connected to an external energy production system, such as solar panels. So, during the day if your solar panels generate more power than your home needs, the additional electricity is automatically diverted to your battery.
Why is battery storage better for the environment?
Battery storage increases the quantity of ‘green’ energy you can use. A battery allows you to use more of the power created by your solar panels – energy that does not emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming.
Do batteries need a lot of maintenance?
Battery storage systems are simple to charge and maintain. They require no fuel or cleaning and basically run themselves.
How much battery storage do I need?
The size and battery type needed will change with how much power you use and how much electricity your solar panels produces.
Do I need solar panels to have battery storage?
Not necessarily no, in most cases customers do have solar panels fitted as well, however you can also install a battery storage system to do something called ‘grid balancing’. This pulls electricity from the grid through off-peak hours when tariffs are cheaper and store it for future use.