The earth receives more energy from the sun in just one hour than is used by humans in a whole year. Why not use it?
A solar hot water system consists of one or more solar panels which are easily fitted on your roof and then connected to your hot water system. The collector panels absorb heat from sunlight which is transferred to the water that comes out of your hot tap.
The solar panels are usually sited on a south-facing roof that is not under shade to gain maximum exposure to the sunlight. To have a solar water system fitted, a conventional boiler and a hot water tank or immersion tank are needed. Most combination boilers are designed to take cold water in-feed and not preheated water and thus are not compatible with a solar water heating system.
By installing a solar hot water system you can:
- reduce your fuel bills
- provide 50-70% of your hot water – even in Britain!
- cut your home’s carbon dioxide emissions
- reduce your reliance on fossil fuels
- increase the value of your home
Solar panels do not usually need planning permission unless you live in a conservation area, but it is important to check as each application is different and individually assessed.
The Government scheme
‘Low Carbon Buildings Programme’ is designed to help with cost of installing solar hot water heating.
Contacts
Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre for London
Telephone: 0800 512012
E-mail: advice@est-london.org.uk
Website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/london