Solar Hot Water Solar Heating Systems use heat from the sun and will work along side your conventional boiler to provide upto 50-60% of your annual hot water. Solar technology has vastly improved over the past few years and there is now a large choice of equipment available to suit your needs at a price that maybe more affordable than you think plus, the new systems require little maintenance.
Solar thermal systems use the sun's warmth to heat some of your hot water. Fluid inside solar collectors (panels) on your roof absorbs irradiance from the sun. It's then pumped along pipes to your hot water cylinder, heating up the water to a preset temperature. Your boiler or immersion heater then tops up the heat as needed, bringing the water to the temperature on the thermostat. Run yourself a nice relaxing bath to celebrate - you'll be saving money every time you turn on the hot tap.
A solar thermal system will work best in summer, when it can heat up to 90% of the hot water you use. But it will still save you money all year round and can even be designed to contribute towards your heating costs. Thanks to the government there are some tempting financial incentives too.