A solar hot water system uses the Sun's energy to heat water for your household requirements, saving fuel, money and carbon dioxide emissions.

A solar hot water system comprises two parts – solar thermal panels and a solar hot water cylinder. The solar thermal panels attach to your roof and collect the Sun’s energy which is then delivered to the solar cylinder to heat and store water. Both elements are important and need to be correctly sized and specified for the system to deliver its full benefits.

A Greener Place can specify and install the right solution for your particular situation, and as a MCS accredited installer provide you with full access to government grants and incentives.

The benefits of a solar hot water system are:

• Environmental: Solar thermal panels will significantly reduce your gas consumption, typically providing 50-70% of your hot water requirements using the Sun’s energy.
• Reduced fuel bills: Reducing your reliance on gas will reduce your fuel bills now and in the future as gas prices rise. Savings are effectively a tax free return on investment.
• Increased house value: Installation of a solar thermal panel will improve the house’s energy efficiency rating. This is the rating calculated in an energy performance certificate (EPC) which is now a mandatory part of the process of selling or letting a property. Anecdotal evidence from Estate Agents suggests that houses that have environmentally friendly and energy saving features are beginning to command a premium.
• Renewable heat incentives and installation grants: Government grants are available now to assist with the cost of installation and renewable heat incentives (RHIs) are planned to be available from April 2011 to provide an income for 20-25 years based on the capacity. Systems installed now will benefit from the installation grants (which are being phased out) and the RHIs when they are implemented. Furthermore the parts and labour are only subject to 5% VAT.

All of which make now an ideal time to look at the benefits of solar hot water systems.

We can establish whether your property is likely to be able to benefit from a solar hot water system over the phone, and if it is, we offer to undertake a site survey and provide a detailed quotation without charge or obligation.