Replacing an old central heating boiler? Now may be the time to add a solar hot water system

If you're replacing an old central heating boiler or heating system in your home, then it may be the perfect opportunity to include a quote for installing a solar panel hot water system at the same time.

It's possible to make huge savings on your energy bill when you upgrade to a new boiler - some figures suggest as much as 30%. Now couple that with a solar hot water system which, if the right tank / boiler combination is installed, can heat the water using the power of the sun - even in winter, warming the water enough to take the 'chill' off the tank therefore saving you money on your energy bill.

And there are loads of different grants and schemes available to homeowners to help with the cost of installation of heating systems, new boilers and solar panels so the overall cost of the installation might not be as high as you'd first imagined.

It's certainly worth finding out before you go ahead and get central heating / replacement boiler quotes prepared.

The Home Improvement Quotes family of websites include online quotes for central heating and solar panels.

Click here to get your online central heating / replacement boiler quote now.

Click here to get your online solar panel installation quote now.

You'll get an instant online price guide and the opportunity to review feedback on your local companies left by other homeowners. It's a completely FREE online service but it could save you pounds.

photo credit: max trudo

Photovoltaic cells - solar panels that generate electricity

In the words of a certain TV Advert Celebrity - Photovoltaic cells in solar panels? Simples!

Solar panels come in two 'flavours', each with a very different job to do.

If you're looking to generate electricity for your home, then you'll need the photovoltaic cells solar panels installed on your home. If you're looking to generate hot water for your home using the power of the sun, then you'll want solar hot water panels.

Photovoltaic solar panels should also enable you to take advantage of the recent Government announced Feed-in Tariffs whereby you're paid a fixed tariff for the electricity you generate yourself plus extra for any surplus that you put back into the national grid.

If you're wondering about a similar scheme for solar hot water panels, then you'll want to read more about the Governments Renewable Heat Incentive due to start April 2011.

To find out more, read our useful beginners guide to Photovoltaic and Hot Water solar panels - click here

photo credit: martin pettitt