Optimum Heating

Is a solar water heating system suitable for my home? To tell if solar water heating is right for you, there are a few key questions to consider:

1. 1.

   Do you have a sunny place to put solar panels?

   You'll need around 5 square metres of roof space which faces east to west through south and receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day. Alternatively, if you do not have a south facing roof and if you have space, you could install two panels, one facing east and one facing west - but this will make installation more costly. The panels don't always have to be mounted on a roof, they can be fixed to a frame on flat roofs.

2. 2.

   Do you have space for a larger, or an extra, hot water cylinder?

   If a dedicated solar cylinder is not already installed then you will need to replace the existing cylinder, or add a dedicated cylinder with a solar heating coil.

3. 3.

   Is your current boiler compatible with solar water heating?

   Most conventional boiler and hot water cylinder systems are compatible with solar water heating. If your boiler is a combination boiler (combi) and you don't currently have a hot water tank then a solar hot water system may not be compatible.

4. 4.

   Do you need planning permission?

   In England most solar water heating systems don't need planning permission, but it is always best to consult your local planning office if you live in a Listed Building, or a building in Conservation Area or World Heritage Site. If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you will need to consult yourlocal authority.

   A competent accredited installer will be able to assess your home and help you choose the best set-up to meet your needs.