Home energy generation

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.

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 page¹.

View information on the planning and building regulations regimes covering solar panels in our common projects section:

• Domestic solar panels²
• Non domestic solar panels³

Other Links

• Planning Practice Guidance: Renewable and low carbon energy⁴
• The National Energy Foundation⁵

1. https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/heat/solar-water-heating
2. https://planningportal.pp.tqinfra.co.uk/permission/common-projects/solar-panels/planning-permission
3. https://planningportal.pp.tqinfra.co.uk/permission/common-projects/solar-panels-non-domestic/planning-permission
4. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy
5. http://www.nef.org.uk/