Solar hot water systems use the sun's energy to heat water in much the same way as water left lying out on a lawn gets hot on a sunny day. Solar Water heating uses the radiation from the sun to heat water in a panel often sited on the roof (however they can also mounted on an angled frame on the ground or flat roof) and works alongside your conventional water heater. This can typically cost around £4,000 to £6000, the Renewable Heat Incentive is to be introduced within the next year which would act similar to Feed-In-Tariff and produce financial benefit for every kW produced by the technology.

Solar PV use the same principle as solar thermal but it coverts the sunlight into electricity. The PV cell has one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon, when the light from the sun shines on the PV it creates an electrical field across the layers causing electricity to flow, the more sun shine the great amount of electricity produced. A typical 2.2 kWp domestic solar PV will cost around £12,500 or £5000 -£7600 per kWp installed. A typical 2.2 kWp system could generate saving and income of £920, this including FITs payment.

A south face roof or area is best suits for solar panels; they must not be shaded or obstructed from sun light in any way as the system will be greatly reduced if the panels are in shade for long periods of the day. Ideally they should be at an angle of between 20 and 50 degrees, the typical domestic installation requires 2-5 squared meters of roof area, you may also require space to locate a second water cylinder if required.

There are two main types of solar panels: flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. The evacuated tube tend to be more expensive however they are also slightly more efficient throughout the year, but performance can also depend on a number of variables such as orientation and angle of panel and individual make and model of the panels. You will have to make sure with your installer that your existing heating system and boiler are compatible.

Advantages of solar hot water:
• Helps towards the nations conservation of natural resources
• Improves your home energy security and independence, as with wind
• Increases your house's market value as energy prices rise

Environmental benefits:
• Absolutely no greenhouse gases are given off at all

Financial benefits:
• Saving on hot water bills, savings vary a lot. To get an accurate reading contact an accredited installer