FAQ
General
What is the difference between solar electricity and solar heat?Solar electricity generates electricity in the form of direct current that is then converted to alternating current. Solar heat generates heat by heating up water.
Does the sun shine enough in Sweden?
The potential for solar energy is good in Sweden, with the country enjoying almost as many hours of sunshine as central Europe.
Does solar energy also work during the winter?
During the winter months, there are fewer hours of sunlight and the sun sits low in the sky, so energy generation levels are very low or zero if there is snow on the roof. Generation levels are highest between March and October.
Do I need planning permission to install a solar energy system?
The rules vary from municipality to municipality, so check with your local authority before undertaking an installation.
Where can members of the general public buy your products?
See our dealers.
Glass tiles
Can you walk on glass tiles?Absolutely, but they can get slippery, particularly in wet weather or if they are covered with snow – go carefully!
Do you have to clean the tiles?
No, not normally. They are cleaned when it rains.
How much does a tile weigh?
A little less than 4 kg, about the same as a traditional concrete tile.
How many tiles will I need?
About 8-10 tiles per m2, depending on the distance between laths.
How long do glass tiles last?
The expected life of our glass tiles is over 40 years.
Can you cut glass tiles?
Use a smooth blade and cool with water. However, we recommend that you finish your installation with concrete tiles instead as these are easier to cut.
SolTech Sigma
How does a solar capture device work?Solar capture devices sit on the roof of a building and absorb the radiation of the sun. The devices contain a liquid that is heated and pumped into an accumulator tank where it heats water. The hot water then passes out into the water system of the building. At times of weak sunlight, water is heated by a secondary energy source, e.g. an immersion heater.
Is any investment support available for installing solar capture devices?
Investment support is no longer available for the installation of solar capture devices. However, you can apply for an ROT rebate for labour costs.
Can I install SolTech Sigma myself?
The system can be installed by someone who is good with their hands, provided that it is completed to a professional standard. However, the pipe installation may require the assistance of a plumber.
How much does the roof installation weigh?
The solar heating modules weigh 20 kg/m2. This does not include the weight of the glass tiles, which is the same as that of traditional concrete tiles.
How is heat stored?
It is very rare that we need heat at the same time as it is generated, therefore heat is stored in an accumulator tank – “day storage”.
Can I combine solar heat with other energy sources?
Solar heat works perfectly with most other sources of heat. Oil, gas, electricity and pellets are the most commonly used.
Does the system require any maintenance?
The technology is simple with few moving parts and requires no extensive inspection or maintenance, but it is recommended that you check the heat carrier in the solar capture device once a year.
Solar Electricity
How much energy do solar cells generate in Sweden?Depending on where in Sweden you are, you can expect to get 800-1100 kWh/kW and year. In the Stockholm region, solar cells will typically generate 900-1000 kWh/kW and year.
Can you store electricity that you don’t use?
No, the solar cell system is not normally connected to a battery and therefore there is no facility to store electricity. Surplus electricity is fed into the mains electricity grid and can be sold to your electricity provider, who will sell that energy on to other electricity customers.
If you have access to the mains electricity grid, battery solutions are not yet justifiable for the normal household, although new solutions are reaching the market all the time.
What happens when panels break or can no longer be used?
Broken and dead solar cells will be taken back by SolTech Energy and sent for recycling.
How does a solar cell work?
A solar cell is a thin sliver or film of a semiconductor material that is structure so that, when exposed to light, it generates electrical current between the front side and the rear side.
Can I walk on the panels?
You can, but you should avoid doing so.
What is required to connect a solar cell system to the mains electricity grid?
You must notify your electricity supplier that you intend fitting a solar cell installation on your building. If you want to sell your solar electricity, you must contact an electricity supplier that is willing to buy the power you generate and then draw up an agreement with them.
Can I receive a subsidy for solar cells?
Up to and including 2016, government grants are available to cover the cost of installing solar cells, including the hardware and labour. As of 1 January 2015, grants of 30 % are available for companies and 20 % for everybody else. Grants will remain available for as long as the pot of money set aside to support works of this nature lasts. Grant applications are processed by the County Administrative Board, which also makes the final award decision. For more information, contact your local County Administrative Board.
Am I eligible for an ROT rebate on a solar cell installation?
You will receive an ROT rebate for the labour costs associated with the installation of your solar system provided that you have a sufficient ROT rebate amount available to you and that your solar cell system is installed and paid for in the same year. However, if you receive a government grant for your installation, you will not be eligible for an ROT rebate.
How long will the panels last?
Solar cells have a life expectancy of over 30 years.
Can I connect solar cells myself?
Connection on the roof can be done by someone who is good with their hands as no formal qualifications are required. Installation inside the building must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
How much maintenance work should I expect?
Very little maintenance is required as there are few moving parts that may give you problems.
SolTech Supreme
How much does the roof installation weigh?The installation weighs approx. 18 kg/m².
SolTech Supreme ST
Can I use Supreme ST as a replacement for windows?Yes, it is also available in double and triple glazed versions.
Which level of transparency should I choose?
As the need for shade is normally higher in a roof than in a frontage, a lower level of transparency is usually preferable in roof installations, whilst a higher level of transparency is normally required for frontages in order to give a better view.
How is Supreme ST installed?
SolTech Supreme ST can be easily installed using aluminium profiles for glass roofs or glass frontages manufactured by leading suppliers.
SolTech Power
How much does the roof installation weigh?The installation weighs approx. 11 kg/m². This does not include the weight of the glass tiles, which is the same as that of traditional concrete tiles.
SolTech Therm
What is an accumulator tank?It is very rare that we need heat at the same time as it is generated, therefore heat is stored in an accumulator tank – “day storage”. It accumulates, or saves, heat and is the heart of the building’s heating system.
What size accumulator tank will I need?
An active solar capture area of approximately 100 litres/m² is enough to generate both heat and hot water. If you only want to generate hot water, an active solar capture are of 50 litres/m² will be required.
Can I use my hot water boiler instead?
The capacity of a standard hot water boiler is usually inadequate. A solar loop is required in order to be able to heat hot water or an accumulator tank, and this is not usually a feature included in a standard hot water boiler.
