Solar water heating uses energy from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater.
Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles (see building work section for further details).
Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools. You will need 3-4 square metres of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day for a domestic system.
You'll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.
Solar installations should always be carried out by a trained and experienced installer.
For more on how solar water heating works, different types, costs, maintenance and other considerations see the Energy Saving Trust information page.
The trust also offers a factsheet (PDF 171Kb) and case studies.
The low carbon buildings programme provides grants towards installing this technology.
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