Frequently Asked Questions

Conservatory Roofs

  • What will the difference be in terms of insulation?

    This will depend on what your current conservatory roof material is. Standard 25mm polycarbonate roof material has a poor heat retention value (U value 1.6w /m2k) against our system of 0.42w / m2k which therefore provides four times the insulation properties than a standard polycarbonate conservatory roof.

    As a guide a cavity wall of outer brick and 100mm inner block wall would have a U value of approx 0.43w / m2K when the cavity is filled with a typical 65mm cavity wall insulation.

  • How does it compare to roof blinds?

    Blinds are fitted on to the interior of the conservatory roof and are designed to reduce brightness of the solar glare rather than act as an insulating material. Therefore they let solar heat straight in and do not really reduce heat loss from inside the conservatory.

    Our system quite simply dramatically out performs ANY conservatory roof product on the market today and therefore turns your conservatory into a very desirable additional room. It is this superior performance that prevents the heat build up in summer and the extreme cold temperatures in winter.

  • Do I lose much light?

    No, the standard polycarbonate roof is opaque and limits light intrusion anyway. With the majority of ambient light delivered into the conservatory through the window and doors, it is considered that the installation of this system on average only results in a modest light loss of about 5%. For all the benefits gained from the insulated roof system this would appear to be an acceptable trade off.

  • Will I lose much head height?

    No, the new installation follows either the line of the existing roof keeping it a vaulted pitched sloping ceiling or a flat level ceiling which will be constructed to the same height of your house ceiling. Because of the average height of conservatory roofs, this is generally not a problem.

  • How long does the process take?

    An installation is expected to take a maximum of 5 days.

  • Will it look different?

    An installation is expected to take a maximum of 5 days.

  • I have some opening roof windows – will I lose them with this method?

    Yes, any existing opening roof lights will have to be removed, but you are able to have a VELUX roof light system fitted instead if required although we find that this is not required by our clients.

  • Are there any other benefits?

    Yes, quite often polycarbonate roofs become discoloured with algae growth and become unsightly from the inside & outside. Our system replaces the polycarbonate roof structure, giving you the look internally and externally of an extension to your home.

    Also more importantly it greatly reduces the noise generated when it rains. Because the roof becomes a fully insulated roof, then the noise reduction is also very noticeable, and reduces rainfall noise from that you get from a traditional polycarbonate conservatory roof.

  • Will the roof require ventilation?

    An air gap flow is retained which is hidden within the depth of the system, and also hidden behind the guttering externally ensuring that there is enough air movement to prevent the possibility of condensation being formed.

  • Does it damage my conservatory roof?

    No, although we remove the existing polycarbonate roof sheeting and replace them with our composite roof tile system, the structure will actually be stronger as we are tying it all together with the composite roof tile system.

    In the unlikely event that the system was to be ever removed, it would mean that the only elements which would need replacing are the polycarbonate sheeting as the original roof structure would remain in place.

Q&A - PV Solar Panel Technology

  • Will PV Solar panels work during the winter?

    Yes, absolutely. Solar panel manufacturing technology is very advanced and produces power even on totally overcast days.

  • What’s the difference between PV and other solar energy technologies?

    PV solar systems convert daylight into D.C. current by means of solar panels. This D.C. current is then converted into everyday A.C. current via an inverter.

    Wet solar systems (water heating), use a solar collector that has to face south and will only work with direct sunshine. Something that we are not overly blessed with in the UK. At least not anywhere near 12 months of the year!! They are not as efficient as PV solar systems. Instead we recommend using the excess energy created by your normal solar panels to be diverted to your immersion heater via one of our products specially designed for this purpose.

  • Why should I consider a PV solar system?

    PV solar systems are easy to install with minimal disruption and have no moving parts. PV is now a mature technology, is guaranteed at a minimum 80% efficiency for 25 years, creates no pollution and is silent when operating.

  • What are the disadvantages to installing a PV solar system?

    The only disadvantage is the initial cost outlay; however this is offset by the feed in tariff you will receive, the export payments you receive and the savings on electricity that you will not need to purchase.

  • How big a PV solar energy system do I need?

    The size of solar system you decide to purchase depends on the available space to install the panels and how much you choose to invest at the outset.

My Electricity Provider

  • What happens when I produce more electricity than I need?

    When your PV system produces more electricity than you need, the surplus will be “exported” or sold automatically back to the national grid. Your electricity supplier will pay you extra for this surplus power.

  • Should I change my electricity supplier?

    No. You can continue to purchase electricity from your current or any provider. However there are restrictions on companies who are allowed to pay you your F.I.T. income. You can buy from one provider and receive your income from another.

About Halo Energy

  • Are Halo Energy Ltd a national company?

    Yes. We sell and install nationwide via regionalised operations. We could be described as a national company providing a local service.

Installation

  • How long will it take to install my PV solar system?

    Domestic PV systems can usually be installed and ready to produce electricity in just 1 day. Larger 3 phase commercial installations take on average 3 days to complete.

  • Could I install a photovoltaic (PV) system myself?

    Yes you can, however unless you are very handy or experienced in home wiring, we suggest using experienced professionals to design and install anything more than the simplest application, for the following reasons:

    • You have to pay 20 % VAT on all the components rather than the 5% on the full installation from an accredited installer.
    • You will not be MCS approved and therefore your investment will not be eligible for the feed in tariff. However on a positive you would get free electricity during day light hours.
    • Electricity can be dangerous, especially A.C current. You could get hurt!
    • You may damage your home or appliances during installation.
    • You would NOT have the correct insurances in place.

Maintenance following installation

  • What maintenance and cleaning do the systems need?

    PV Solar systems are silent in operation, have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. Dust or dirt may cause a power reduction. The modules can however be cleaned with a hose and clean water.

Warranty & Finance

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    We provide a full 10 year insurance backed warranty. So for the first 10 years you will have complete peace of mind. All our panels come with a 25 year performance warranty. At Halo Energy we can also install a remote monitoring service which will track performance daily/weekly/monthly and tell us immediately if your system is producing what it should.

  • Can I cancel my contract after signing?

    Yes, under the RECC's code of conduct a customer has 14 days from the date the contract was signed to cancel without incurring any costs.

  • How long should my Solar PV system last?

    30 years plus. You have complete peace of mind for the first 10 years with our 10 year insurance backed guarantee. After this, in the event of the system failing to operate at the correct levels you may need to service the system or replace certain components. This is especially true of the inverter which may need replacing during the lifetime of your system.

  • What is the RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)?

    The Renewable Energy Consumer Code was set up by the Renewable Energy Association. The aim is to guarantee a high quality experience for consumers wishing to buy a small scale energy generation system for their homes. The RECC logo is a sign that the company has agreed to abide by the high standards set out in the Consumer Code.  Click here to visit the RECC Consumer Code