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Installation FAQ's

We will be happy to answer your questions and help you get started on the path to a more sustainable future. For any questions not answered here, email us directly at info@coldervolts.co.uk

What are the benefits of installing a smart electric vehicle charger?

There are several benefits to installing a domestic electric vehicle charger, including:

Charge smart by setting timers to use greener or cheaper times.
Maximise the use of solar PV by fitting a solar charger that can vary its output with cloud coverage.
Charge your E.V more quickly so that you always wake up to a full charge.
A smart charger is safer to use than a 3-pin socket due to additional safety devices built into the charger.
Increase the value of your property.

Do I need planning permission to install an electric vehicle charger?

No, you do not need to get planning permission to install a domestic electric vehicle charger in the UK. However, you may need to notify your local council if you are installing a charger on a listed building.

What is the difference between a tethered and untethered?

A tethered domestic electric vehicle charger has a cable that is permanently attached to the charger. An untethered domestic electric vehicle charger has a separate cable that you plug into your electric vehicle. Tethered chargers are typically more convenient to use, but untethered chargers give you more flexibility in positioning your electric vehicle.

Do I need a dedicated circuit installed for an EV Charger?

Yes, you will need to have a dedicated circuit installed for a smart charger or a fast charger. This is because these chargers require more power than a standard 3-pin domestic socket can provide.

How long will it take to charge my car using a domestic EV Charger?

The charging time for your electric vehicle will depend on the type of charger you use and the size of your battery. However, you can typically expect to charge your electric vehicle in 4-8 hours using a smart charger.

Is there grant funding available for electric vehicle chargers in the UK?

There is currently a grant of up to £350 available for the purchase and installation of a domestic electric vehicle charger in the UK. The grant is available to homeowners who live in rented accommodations or are landlords.

What are the different types of EV Chargers available in the UK?

There are 3 main types of domestic electric vehicle chargers available in the UK:

Trickle chargers: Trickle chargers are the slowest type of charger and can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. They are typically plugged into a standard 3-pin domestic socket.
Smart chargers: Smart chargers are a more powerful type of charger and can typically charge an electric vehicle in 4-8 hours. They are wired into a dedicated circuit and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. These are the ones that we fit. They give a charge rate of 7.4kW or 25 miles of range per hour.
Fast chargers: Fast chargers are the most powerful type of charger and can charge an electric vehicle from 0 to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. They are typically found in public places, such as motorway service stations and car dealerships. We can fit these but are mainly limited to business settings.

What are the benefits of domestic battery storage?

There are a number of benefits to domestic battery storage, including:

Reduced energy bills: Domestic battery storage can help you to save money on your energy bills by storing excess electricity for use when it is most expensive.
Increased self-sufficiency: Domestic battery storage can help you to become more self-sufficient in terms of your energy needs.
Reduced reliance on the grid: Domestic battery storage can help to reduce your reliance on the grid, which can help to improve grid stability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Optional automatic power-cut back up

What is the process for installing domestic battery storage?

The process for installing domestic battery storage will vary depending on the installer. However, the typical process will involve the following steps:

A site survey to assess your property and suitability for domestic battery storage.
The design of a domestic battery storage system to meet your needs.
The application for any relevant grants or subsidies.
The installation of the domestic battery storage system.
The commissioning of the domestic battery storage system.

What maintenance does domestic battery storage need?

Domestic battery storage systems require very little maintenance. The batteries should be checked for signs of damage or corrosion every few years.

What is the expected lifespan of a battery storage system?

The lifespan of a domestic battery storage system will depend on the type of battery and how it is used. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used for domestic battery storage, and they typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

How much can I save on my energy bills with domestic battery storage?

The amount you can save on your energy bills with domestic battery storage will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your battery, your energy consumption, and your tariff.

How much does domestic battery storage cost in the UK?

The cost of domestic battery storage has been falling in recent years, but it is still a significant investment. The typical cost of a battery storage system is between £4,600 and £8,800. The exact cost will depend on the size of the battery, the type of battery, and the complexity of the installation.

What is battery storage?

Battery storage systems are high capacity batteries that are installed in homes to store excess electricity generated by solar panels or other renewable energy sources. This stored electricity can then be used to power the home at night or during other times when renewable energy is not being generated.

What is the process for installing solar panels?

The typical process will involve the following steps:

A site survey to assess your property and suitability for solar panels.
The design of a solar panel system to meet your needs.
The DNO (Distribution Network Operator) needs to be notified before and/or after the solar installation depending on the size of the installation. DNO paperwork/documentation is completed and submitted by Colder Volts on behalf of the customer.
The installation of the solar panel system.
The commissioning of the solar panel system.
Colder Volts issue a handover pack including MCS certificate, and documentation required to claim SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) payments.

Are solar panels eligible for any government grants or subsidies?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government backed initiative that pays homes and businesses for any excess electricity they generate through renewable technologies like solar panels and export to the grid. Colder Volts provide their customers with the documentation required to claim SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) payments (including MCS certificate). ECO4 is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. Individuals may contact energy suppliers to check their eligibility for this scheme.

What maintenance do solar panels need?

Very little. Solar panels are self-cleaning, and they only need to be cleaned every few years.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are a very durable product, and they can typically last for 25 years or more.

Will my solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes, solar panels will still work on cloudy days. However, they will not generate as much electricity as they do on sunny days.

Do I need a south-facing roof for solar panels?

No, you don't need a south-facing roof for solar panels. However, your panels will generate more electricity if they are facing south. Solar panels will still generate electricity if they are facing east or west, but they will not generate as much as if they were facing south.

What size solar panel system do I need?

The size of solar panel system you need will depend on your energy consumption. A typical UK household uses around 4,000 kWh of electricity per year. A system of around 3 kWp will generate enough electricity to cover this amount.

How much will my solar panels save me on my energy bills?

The amount you save on your energy bills will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your system, your energy consumption, and your tariff.

Total Annual Savings of £1049* (including Export earnings of £87 and Energy Bill Savings of £962) based on 15p/kWh export tariff, a 4kWp system, generating 3,410kWh electricity per year, for a household that is home all day and an electricity price of 34p/kWh.

*Reference: Which? article “Smart Export Guarantee explained” Date 03 Aug 2023

How much do solar panels cost in the UK?

The cost of solar panels in the UK has been falling steadily in recent years, and it is now possible to install a system for around £5,000 to £8,000. This includes the cost of the panels, the inverter and the installation. The VAT rate for solar installations is currently 0%. The exact cost will vary depending on the size of your system, the type of panels you choose, and the difficulty of the installation.

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