Solar hot water systems gather energy from the suns rays. The energy collected by the solar panel heats water which is used directly or stored in hot water tanks until required.

Hot water accounts for around 20% of an average household's energy consumption. The amount of hot water produced for washing or heating is dependent upon the size and choice of solar hot water array that is installed.

Solar panels can be incorporated into most buildings with a southern roof aspect and are usually designed to integrate with a buildings plumbing system producing hot water when the sun shines, which is then stored.

Solar hot water systems are relatively inexpensive to install and require very little maintenance. There are many installations in the UK that have been in use for over 20 years and are still going strong.

Technology has advanced since these early systems were introduced and today’s solar hot water panels are more efficient and in most cases have better aesthetic qualities.

A standard 2m2 solar panel can reduce carbon emissions equivalent to that produced by a typical car in one year.

Sustainable Earth can organise every aspect of a solar hot water installation from assessing viability to planning consent where required, installation and commissioning.