Solar, so good (From Western Telegraph)

Solar, so good

Pembrokeshire is one of Britains sunniest areas and, although it doesnt feel like it, the county receives 60% of the solar radiation found at the equator.

This abundant, clean energy can be captured to produce not only electricity but also hot water - saving money and helping combat climate change and acid rain.

There are now over 50,000 solar hot water systems installed in the UK. Each can provide nearly all a households hot water needs in summer and over half throughout the whole year, making use of indirect sunlight on cloudy days.

Solar systems last at least 20 years. They are usually installed on a pitched, south-facing roof and normally cover between three and five square metres.

Costs range from £500 for simple, DIY systems to £2,500 - £4,000 for commercial installation. Joining a local solar club (which provides professional training, advice and supplier discounts) can result in a saving of between 33% and 50 % while still giving high quality installation. Savings are generally between £120 and £200 per year.

For more information on solar water panels, contact Adrian Stallwood, renewable energy advice officer, at the West Wales Eco Centre, Lower Mary Street, Newport, or call 01239 821903.

Panels, sunnyside up Retired teacher, John Walmsley moved to Pembrokeshire from Cumbria just over two years ago and has had solar water panels installed on the roof of his Eglwyswrw home.

John contacted Peter West at the West Wales Eco Centre in Newport for advice and used the local Solar Club to obtain a discount on the panels and help with the installation.

He said: The Solar club offered me the chance to learn how to install the panels myself. I wanted to get them up quite quickly so I had the job done by someone who was already doing some work on the house.

The entire cost of the system and installation was around £1,300. With an annual saving of £200 on the electricity bill, it should pay for itself within seven years. The panels have a life-expectancy of 25 years and will hopefully pay for themselves three times over.

John said: I was attracted to them because they are the most economical way to contribute to alternative energy. I cant understand why they are not included on most new buildings. Heating water is very expensive in terms of electricity.