SOLAR HOT WATER PANELS

These types of solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as they not only save money on energy costs but are much kinder to the environment as they reduce CO2 emissions. The use of solar hot water panels could supply the average family with one third of it's annual hot water requirements. An immersion heater is still required for periods when the solar power is not available and also during the winter months when it is needed to "top up" the heating of the water. This type of technology works well alongside other types providing renewable energy such as wind turbines and solar energy panels which generate electricity.

If you are thinking of installing this technology then you need to consider the following :-

- you need a sunny place to site the solar panels, ideally a south facing roof space which gets a large amount of direct sunlight.

- within the property you will need extra space for either a larger or extra hot water cylinder which is fitted with a solar heating coil.

- a typical solar water heating system would cost between £2.5k to £5k, the maintenance costs are quite low.

- the savings from using solar hot water panels vary depending on the type of energy the system is replacing but would be somewhere in the region of £50 to £100 each year. The other consideration is the beneficial effect this would have on the environment with reduced CO2 and other pollutants released.

- whilst planning permission is not required it is always advisable to consult your local planning office prior to installing the equipment.