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Solar Thermal (Water Heating)

Solar water heating uses energy from the sun to work alongside your conventional water heater.

Solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to take their weight, especially if the panel is placed on top of existing tiles.

Solar water heating can be used in the home or for larger applications, such as swimming pools. You will need 3-4 square metres of southeast to southwest facing roof receiving direct sunlight for the main part of the day for a domestic system.

You'll also need space to locate an additional water cylinder if required.

Solar installations should always be carried out by a trained and experienced installer.

For more on how solar water heating works, different types, costs, maintenance and other considerations see the Energy Saving Trust information page1.

View information on the planning and building regulations regimes covering solar panels in our common projects section:

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Useful links

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    1. https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/renewable-energy/heat/solar-water-heating
    2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/solar-panels/planning-permission
    3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/solar-panels-non-domestic/planning-permission
    4. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renewable-and-low-carbon-energy
    5. http://www.nef.org.uk/

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.