Solar pannels anyone?

[madmarchhare]

Has anyone got them? Is it relatively hassle free to get up and running?

Really want some

Our council do a DIY course (it costs about £500) and you get all the info and equipment to make them

Are you thinking of a hot water system or photovoltaic cells?

We were thinking more along the lines of the cells but dont know a huge amount about either.

PV cells prouce electricity - you choose how you use it. It's very expensive for the return - but in a long term aplication (eg library & other public buildings, road signs) it is economical.

Hot water system is basically a radiator on your roof, it heat up a fairly large amount of water and uses a heat exchange to heat your emersion tank. For a normal house a DIY could cost £1000 to £2000, to have it fitted up to £5000

The Alternative Technology place in Wales has loads of info (but I've forgotten it's name)

Well, we are going to need to replace our current water/central heating system in the next couple of years, so maybe I need to look more down that line.

Have you thought about a wood burner with a bcak boiler combinded with a solar hot water system

That's what we are starting this winter

Are you looking for eco or cost reasons?

More eco I suppose, but then again if there are saving to be had....

Wood burner plus hot water system is as eco as you can get without sacrificing comfort, cos you can run an emersion if it doesn't work

I know, thats the thing, Im all for it but Id be the first to complain if I didnt have any hot water.

I heard an advert on the radio yesterday for a company called Solar System, anyway they said that the government are doing grants. I wonder what the ins and outs of all that are?

Solar panels? In Manchester?? Err, nope.

Even in Scotland you can get enough warmth that your electric bill goes down - esp on a south facing roof