6 Common Eco Questions and Their Answers

We’re all trying our best to do our bit for the planet, even if that sometimes means separating soggy paper from sticky plastics. But some of the bigger eco-friendly investments have started to make a lot more sense. Because they don’t just save the planet, but the pennies too.  

From solar panels that turn sunshine into savings, to electric vehicles (EVs) that can be charged on cheaper tariffs, or heat pumps that are becoming more and more popular. These greener machines have got the country curious. But look no further for simple answers to the most common eco questions. 

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

Typically, no. Solar panels are considered a ‘permitted development,’ which means you don’t need formal approval for them. There are exceptions but we’ll get to them in the next question. To be on the safe side check with your local planning authority, who’ll tell you what’s what. You can also ask our friends at Hive for their expert advice too.

Is my home suitable for solar panels?

You’re probably picturing a neat row of panels on a roof. And it’s true that an unshaded, sloped south-facing roof is a prime spot for solar. But panels can be mounted to walls, balconies, or stand on their own if you have the outside space. So you’ve got options. Things can get complicated if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or a shared structure like a terraced house or flat. These aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, but some homes simply won’t be solar-suitable.

Again, a good place to start is to get advice from the experts. Just make sure whoever you ask is the real deal, so is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or something similar. They understand solar best.

How long does an EV battery last?

There are two ways to answer this question. If we’re talking about range – how far an EV can take you on a full battery – then it can vary from around 100 miles for your more affordable city car, to upwards of 450 miles for the longest-range luxury saloon. Now if we’re talking about lifespan – how long before an EV battery needs changing – then between 10 and 20 years, or more than 100,000 miles. That’s when you can expect a tired battery to really start limiting your range.

So is it 10 years, or 20? Well, lots of things affect a battery’s lifespan. How often you recharge for one, as well as how often you use rapid chargers to get back on the road quickly. Even your driving style and the climate makes a difference, with big swings in temperature taking its toll on batteries over time.

Are EVs more expensive to maintain?

EVs are typically the cheaper way of getting from A to B because electricity is less expensive than fuel. Especially if you’re on an EV tariff that lets you recharge in the early hours at home for less. But EVs also have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel cars. Which means less wear and tear, and easier repairs when small problems do crop up. EVs still need to be serviced regularly, but it’s often a simpler, cheaper job.

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

Heat pumps are modern, eco-friendly alternatives to boilers. They aren’t really that different from your standard combi boiler, in that they keep your home cosy and give you hot water. They just do it in a very different way. Instead of using gas to create heat, they collect the heat that exists all around us. Sometimes that’s from the ground, or a nearby river. When people say ‘heat pumps,’ they’re usually talking about air source heat pumps. These are the most common kind, and they extract heat from the outside air.

Air source heat pumps do more or less the same thing as your kitchen fridge, just on a bigger scale. Using some clever science, they move heat from one place to another. First collecting it, then compressing it to up temperature. This process does use electricity, but these days we’re creating more and more of that from renewable sources like wind and solar. And where modern gas boilers are around 90% efficient, air pumps are in the 300-400% range.

Do heat pumps work in cold weather?

Believe it or not, heat pumps can work just fine in temperatures as chilly as -25°C (though it’s rare for it to ever get that cold in the UK). Again, the secret’s in the science, because even at below-freezing temperatures there’s still plenty of heat energy in the air for heat pumps to collect. Ever heard the term ‘absolute zero?’ That’s a teeth-chattering -273°C and the temperature at which you can safely say there’s no heat energy around whatsoever. By comparison, -25°C is borderline tropical. And while heat pumps do need to work a bit harder in colder weather and lose a bit of their efficiency as a result, you wouldn’t find your home any less snug or your showers any less steamy.