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Soak in the sun
What
This is a big one. Take the plunge and install solar thermal water heating, the most reliable, easy to install, and low-maintenance form of domestic renewable energy for us in the UK.
By harnessing the sun's rays that are already shining down on your rooftop you could cut down the energy used to heat your water by a third, even with our gloomy British weather.
Benefits
For people
Whilst installing a solar thermal water heater on your roof requires a bit of money up front, you can make back the money from your heating bills over the following years - payback time can range from 5 to 50 years depending on the system and location though! If you heat your water by electricity currently, you'll stand to save more. The Renewable Heat Incentive also provides a good financial leg-up to help make this an even more attractive investment.
For planet
Of course the main reason for this particular action is to move away from fossil fuels and take control of your energy needs.
25% of your home’s energy consumption goes into heating water. Heat that water from the simple power of the power and you're not producing any pollution and your hot water doesn't depend on the extraction of foreign oil, gas or coal, unlike conventional forms of heat generation.
That means less pollution and more energy security, which has got to be a good thing.
How
- Check that your house is suitable for solar thermal water heating (i.e. do you have a sun-bathed spot to place the panels). YouGen is a great source of independent advice. Check it out.
- Find yourself a good MCS (mark of quality that demonstrates industry standards) accredited installer.
- Sit back and let them do all the hard work.
Green Homes Grant - find out if you are eligible for this government grant. If you're based in England or Wales go to Simple Energy Advice and if you are in Scotland check out Home Energy Scotland.
References
