Independent Solar Thermal Installers

We are confident that we offer a service that is second to none.  So how are we different?

While Llani Solar may not the cheapest systems on the market we are confident that they are the best. On the face of it, other companies may seem to be offering you a cheaper system, but we urge you to compare like with like. As with many things in life, you get what you pay for, and with Llani Solar you get the best system and the best service.

We are different in two main ways - we take great care of our customers, and we fit the best solar panels, here is how:

1.         We install only the best solar panels on the market

We install only a small range of high quality solar panels, which we consider to be the best on the market in the UK. All our panels are made in Europe ensuring that they are manufactured to high quality assurance standards. The systems we install are made by leading companies with years of proven experience in the solar market, including Gasokol, Velux, Ritter, Viessmann, Grant, Santon and Vaillant. 

2.         We use only high quality fittings to prevent leaks

Solar panels can reach temperatures in excess of 200⁰ C – hot enough to melt the ordinary soft solder used by many UK installers. Instead of copper pipe we use pre-insulated stainless steel with special fittings, which is designed for high pressure and temperatures. If we need to use copper anywhere in the system we use special copper tube called “Table Y” and special crimp fittings, designed for high temperatures and pressures. Under best practice guidelines, solar plumbing should be able to withstand high temperatures, say if you are away during a heat-wave, but not all companies apply these standards. 

3.         We design the size of system to suit your needs

Proper design of a solar system is crucial. If it is too large then energy will be wasted, as well as costing you more. If it is too small then the system will under-perform, contributing little to your hot water. We are one of the few companies in the UK specialising in solar installations and have extensive experience in the design and installation of solar systems. We use the latest computer modelling software to predict accurately what the system will provide, the projected energy savings and the CO₂ offset, ensuring that a system is designed to meet the individual requirements of the situation.

4.         We never use automatic air valves (AAVs)

If the cylinder reaches its maximum temperature (around 75⁰) and no hot water is being used, the solar system will stop circulating heat (a situation known as stagnation) and steam will be produced. Many installers use AAVs to allow any air in the system to escape. Unfortunately these also allow steam to escape leading to loss of pressure in the system and resulting in expensive service charges. We use special solar pump stations that are designed to enable the system to be purged of air, meaning that our systems do not require AAVs. The system is pressurised during commissioning and there will be no loss of pressure over time.

5.         We keep our installation team happy and well trained

We do not use sub-contractors; instead all our installers are directly employed by our company. This means there is no incentive to rush the installation and ensures they install the system to our strict standards. We also undertake regular training which is regularly updated in line with solar industry best practice. 

6.         We care about our customers and take good care of them

We conduct a satisfaction survey of all our customers two months after the installation to ensure that everything is working well and that they are happy with our service. If the system isn’t working to the customer’s complete satisfaction, we offer a free check, repair and replacement service for any faulty equipment, for a period of two years following date of commission. This includes installation materials and our workmanship. We want you to be delighted with your solar water heating system and our no-quibble service is designed to ensure this. 

7.         61% of our customers are “absolutely delighted” with our service, all the rest were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied”

Just as importantly, not a single person was “disappointed” or even found our work simply just “acceptable”. In fact many customers have said they would be delighted to offer us references, or even to show people their systems. This is a record we are keen to maintain. To achieve this we constantly review our installation procedures and the standards to which we work. The feedback we receive is used to ensure that our service is second to none.

8.         We will not put you under any pressure to purchase a system and will never use any high-pressure sales tactics

If solar water heating is not right for you, then we will say so. We will only install a system if it is appropriate for your circumstances. We will not tell you what you want to hear just to get a sale. We are conscious that solar is a big investment for you. We want to ensure that having made that commitment that you get the best value for money and a system that will function for years to come. We will give you advice to ensure that you get the right system for your situation. 

9.         We give great after-sales service and will help you get the maximum benefit from your solar thermal system

We will provide you with simple instructions for the system so that you understand how the system works and how to get the greatest benefit.   We will notify you every 5 years to let you know that it is time to check the system. We will visit and check the system is functioning properly, that the antifreeze is at the correct concentration and will continue to protect your system. The cost for this service visit is currently £120.00, plus any materials and extra labour that might be required. Llani Solar is one of the few independent companies in the UK that specialise in solar thermal, so you know that we are one of the few companies that can offer you the technical support and knowledge required. 

10.       We have years of experience ensuring you get a trouble free and efficient and safe solar thermal system

Chris Lord-Smith, founding director of Llani Solar Ltd, has 35 years experience in the building profession. A time-served tradesman, he understands construction and has extensive knowledge of solar thermal systems, having installed his first system in the early 1990’s. A long-standing member of the Association for Environment Conscious Building, he is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the built environment and sees solar as being able to help reduce the energy use of buildings and to reduce CO₂ emissions.

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