Solar panels will provide about half your annual hot water. On sunny, summer days they will do it all. On wet, winter days they contribute a negligible amount of heat.

A truly green system might combine solar in the summer with a wood-burning stove with back boiler in the winter.

Solar can be fitted in conjunction with a gas or oil boiler. To work out the likely saving on your gas or oil bill, you need the following equation: radiators typically use about 70% of your gas, so 30% heats the water. If solar supplies half the hot water, you can calculate your saving as half of 30% of your gas bill.
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Lots of people are being overcharged by firms employing high-pressure salesmen. If you get a mail shot and you send back the pre-paid reply card, you waive your legal right to a 'cooling-off' period. There have been several cases of firms declaring bankruptcy and then setting up under a new name, with no legal responsibility for outstanding guarantees and service agreements.

Always get a variety of quotes before you decide - and don't just go for the firm with the glossiest brochure. Never sign an agreement on the spot - take your time over the decision.

The bottom line: A good, family-sized solar water-heating system should cost around £3500. A really simple one can be as little as £2000. A really smart, high-tech complicated one could cost £4000-5000. A competent DIY-er could buy and install his/her own system for about £1500.
Jim Shearman - Highly Commended - South West Green Energy Awards 2009 Jim Shearman - Member of the Buy With Confidence Scheme operated by Dorset County Council Trading Standards Service