Soak in the sun

Soak in the sun

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Soak in the sun

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Soak in the sun

Solar thermal water heating

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.

Why

Here are a few reasons to take action.

Click for more info or scroll to read them all.

Climate change

We've all become so accustomed to having piping hot water at the twist of a tap that it's easy to forget what an energy-intensive luxury it is. 641 kgCO2 a year1 can be saved by installing a solar thermal water heater on your roof.

Natural Resources

Unlike conventional forms of heat generation, solar thermal heating does not produce any pollution and doesn't depend on the extraction of foreign oil, gas or coal. That means less pollution and more energy security, which has got to be a good thing.

25%

of your home’s energy consumption goes into heating water.

Money

Obviously you'll be cutting your fuel bills and protecting yourself from fuel price rises. The systems do require some capital investment, but you should claw 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!

The Renewable Heat Incentive also provides a good financial leg-up to help make this an even more attractive investment.

Global Goals

In September 2017, an historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.

Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.

By making the 'Soak in the sun' pledge, you are contributing in your own small way to the following SDG targets:

7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning

How

  1. 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.
  2. Find yourself a good MCS (mark of quality that demonstrates industry standards) accredited installer.
  3. 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.

Success Stories

53

Pledges
in total

39,374kg

CO2
pledged

References

  1. Act on CO2