During the summer months a typical solar hot water system can supply 80 and 100 per cent of hot water demand. This will be considerably less in winter.

The overall solar contribution to hot water demand is approximately 50 and 60 per cent annually.

The sun's energy is absorbed by a roof-mounted solar collector. The two main types are:

• Flat plate collectors
• Evacuated tube collectors

Typical installation considerations are:

• Adequate roof area, roof pitch and orientation
• Larger than average cylinder space required *
• Planning permission, especially in conservation areas

* This depends on system type chosen; in the case of using solar panels on the roof with a combination boiler the dedicated hot water cylinder storage is much smaller about the same size as the combination boiler itself.

There is a lot of choice out there for this type of technology and available systems.

Heatplan is a Worcester GreenSkies solar accredited installer, but will also install other manufacturer's solar equipment.