A family were looking to reduce their ecological impact and their fuel bills simultaneously.  Families with children generally have higher than average hot water usage, so the addition of solar hot water heating fulfills both these aims.

The system comprises two high efficiency Vaillant flat plate solar collectors flashed into the roof, a pump station and expansion vessel, located in the loft space and a new larger hot water cylinder located in the airing cupboard.  The 220 litre gravity fed hot water cylinder now provides around 60% of their annual hot water free from the sun, with their condensing gas boiler topping up the hot water when needed.  A larger than average hot water cylinder allows some carryover of hot water for rainy days.

The solar controller is mounted in the airing cupboard for easy viewing to see how the solar is performing.  There is no need for the user to adjust controls however, the system delivers hot water automatically when the sun shines and the boiler likewise backs it up when it doesn't.

Two pumped mixer showers make the best possible use of the solar hot water and a new dishwasher, designed to take hot water instead of cold has been installed, reducing running costs in the kitchen.

The family were very pleased and impressed with the solar water heating (centre panels in the photograph) and this played a key part in their decision to install photovoltaic panels to generate electricity as well.  This is becoming increasingly common as people realise the benefits of both technologies.