Using the power of the sun to produce hot water is easier than you think, solar water heating panels can generate up to 50% of your hot water, and what's more it is free.

The sun as we understand it is the ultimate sustainable source of energy, and there are plenty of sunshine hours (cloudy days still produce ) in the UK to use solar water heating panels effectively. Solar water panels only require solar radiation from the sun and even can work well on cloudy days, so rain or shine you can enjoy variable amounts of free hot water. So regardless of the weather, properly sited panels are a great source for variable amounts of hot water all year round. Saving around 20-50% of your hot water bill is possible in a standard three or four bedroomed house. Most manufacturers panels come with a warranty of twenty years and will probably last a lot longer.


How the sun heats the water:

The sun even through cloud warms the surface of the panels and warms the heat transfer fluid that is pumped through tubes inside the panels. The tubes are connected to your existing water heating system.


Will I need planning permission?

If the panels do not project significantly beyond the existing roof slope then you won't need permission. You will require permission however if your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building. It is prudent in any case to give your local planning department a quick call and finally having it in writing.


Price guide:

Slate roofs/Tiled roofs (prices may vary slightly between the roof/tile types)

1 panel package	*approximately £1,500.
2 panel package	*approximately £1,800.
3 panel package	*approximately £2,500.

*Plus installation costs which vary from region to region.


The right system for your boiler:

Solar water heating panels can be integrated into most existing hot water systems including combi boilers.

---

Global Warming - it's why we are making changes to our way of life!

David Bellamy has a very interesting article on global warming where he gives another point of view, Read the article