| Installing a Solar Water Heating system for your | | | | without a tank then it is likely that it is not |
| home is a great way to reduce your annual | | | | compatible. |
| energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. And | | | | If you are unsure it is best to talk to a qualified |
| with Governments now providing incentives to | | | | installer who will advise you on compatibility with |
| install renewable technology in your home, now | | | | your current system. |
| could be the time to consider getting one fitted. | | | | 4. Do you need planning permission for a solar hot |
| However, the initial purchase and installation price | | | | water system? |
| can be quite expensive so before you make your | | | | In the UK, changes to permitted development |
| decision to install a solar water heating system | | | | rights for renewable technologies have made it |
| there are some questions you should ask | | | | easier to install solar panels on homes without the |
| yourself. | | | | need for planning permission. |
| 1. Is your property suitable for solar hot water? | | | | However, exceptions do apply for listing buildings, |
| A typical solar water heating system requires a | | | | conservation areas and areas of outstanding |
| panel to be attached to your roof to collect heat | | | | natural beauty. As well as for size of the |
| from the sun. In order for this to be most | | | | technology and positioning. |
| effective you need a 3-4m² area on a South | | | | No matter where you are, if you are thinking in |
| facing roof that receives direct sunlight for the | | | | fitting solar panels it is advisable to check with |
| main part of the day. A South East and South | | | | your local authority to find out if planning |
| West facing roof is also suitable but will not work | | | | permission is required before going ahead with |
| as efficiently. | | | | installation. |
| In addition to roof space you will also need space | | | | 5. How do I find an approved solar water heating |
| for an additional heating cylinder that helps to heat | | | | installer? |
| the water as part of the system. | | | | Installing a solar hot water system should be |
| 2. Flat Plat or Evacuated Tube Systems? | | | | carried out by a competent and accredited |
| Solar evacuated tubes are more efficient in | | | | installer. You can usually find one through |
| converting sunlight into heat than flat plate panels. | | | | contacting a recognised accreditation scheme who |
| However, problems may occur during installation if | | | | will provide an up to date list of accredited |
| they have not been sized correctly. | | | | installers. |
| Flat plate solar panels tend to be a cheaper | | | | In the UK the main body for accrediting installers |
| alternative to evacuated tubes and are more | | | | of renewable energy technology is the |
| suitable for domestic hot water use. | | | | Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). |
| Or you can have the best of both worlds and use | | | | If you decide to contact installers directly make |
| solar evacuated tubes and flat plate panels | | | | sure you ask them about any industry |
| together. The flat plates warm the water first, | | | | accreditations they hold. Don't be afraid to make |
| then the evacuated tubes further boost the | | | | further investigations with these accredited bodies |
| temperature before sending it to the storage | | | | to find out more about them and whether they |
| tank. | | | | do in fact recognise and accredit your installer. |
| 3. Is your current boiler compatible with solar | | | | By choosing an accredited installer you have more |
| water heating? | | | | protection as a consumer should anything go |
| The good news is that most conventional boiler | | | | wrong with the fit and performance of your |
| systems and hot water cylinder systems are | | | | heating system. You may also find that you are |
| compatible with solar heating. This is down to solar | | | | not eligible for renewable energy grants if you do |
| hot water systems requiring a hot water tank. | | | | not use a certified installer. |
| If you have a combination boiler that operates | | | | |