With a free source of energy - the sun - and ever spiralling fuel prices, solar heating of water has never made better sense. Energy is collected by solar panels fixed onto the roof (or other convenient location) by heating water. This water then circulates via a closed loop through the system water storage tank, heating the stored water as it does so. Controls ensure that the system operate to peak efficiency and in domestic situations it is generally found that around 50% of hot water requirements are supplied by a suitably designed solar system.

Once installed and set up systems are virtually maintenance free and should operate for 20 years. The cost of a system depends on the size and particular design but for a typical 3 bedroom family home should be between £2500 and £3500. Payback time on the capital outlay will depend on a number of factors the biggest of which is the future increase in carbon fuel prices. Grants are available for approved installations.

In addition it is good to know that installation of such a system will help to reduce global warming.

Westgale Ltd have plumbers trained to install solar systems and are a provisionally accredited installer under the Low Carbon Buildings programme which allows our customers to access Government grants.

Westgale Ltd is registered on the Clear Skies Installer Registration Scheme and is thereby authorised to carry out grant-assisted installations. Registration Reg: 2142470.