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WHAT IS A PASSIVE BUILDING?
A Passive Building is so well insulated that a regular heating or cooling system is not required. The building must be "Air Tight". Ventilation is controled and heat loss is dramatically reduced with heat recovery from the exhausted air.
WHAT IS A U-VALUE?
U-Value is the measure of the rate at which heat is lost through a material. As it is a measure of heat loss, the lower the U-Value the better. So for example, one square meter of a standard double glazed window will transmit about 2.5 watts of energy for each degree difference either side of the window (denoted by the unit W/m2K) whereas a low-emissivity window will do better at about 1.8 W/m2K.
Maximum Average Elemental U-Values (W/m2K)
Exposed roofs 0.25
Exposed walls 0.45
Exposed floors 0.45
Ground floors 0.45
Semi-exposed roofs 0.35
Semi-exposed walls 0.60
Semi-exposed floors 0.60
Exposed windows, personnel doors and roof lights* 3.30
Vehicle access doors 0.70
Is my house suitable for Solar Panels? Most properties are suitable, all you need is the space to put up the solar panels (generally on the roof) and for the storage cylinder (utility room or hot press). You will also need access to the sun orientated between south-east and south-west with no over-shadowing by trees or buildings
Do I need Planning Permission for Solar Panels? The installation of solar panels in your home is exempt from planning permission up to 12m2 or 50% of the total roof area.
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FAQ
