do you have solar panels and if so how effective are they?

[sylar]

and how much did they cost?

We had solar panels in SA and they were very effective. But I think I've heard they're not as good here because there's not enough direct sunlight.

Sorry, perhaps not the most helpful response but it's a long winded bump for you!

Read a couple of websites from manufacturers and they say that a few panels should cost between £3k and 4k and should manage the hot water. Not sure whether that is to be believed being from manufacturers websites.

We have them and we do not need to use the bioler between March and November! They are great. They dont run the central heating though.
Also you get about £400 back from an energy grant so they arent as much as you would think to start with. We run using just two but you do need to think it carefully through - we had to get a new boiler and central heating system so it all worked out brilliantly as we therefore got everything designed in the boiler cupbpard to house the extra space needed. So so pleased with them.

Ooo rattiekins that's good to hear. We've offered on a large property which needs roof work and a new heating system anyway. Would like to have solar power if we can. Are yours roof mounted or do you have an A frame in the garden?

Can anyone apply for the energy grant?

You can apply for the energy grant as long as the person you use is approved with the scheme. We too needed a new roof and new boiler so it seemed sensible to go for one. You get 5% VAT on them too. Did not need an A fram in the garden. It does depend on the portion of roof that is facing the right way and how many panel they can fit on there. we only went for two panels whereas I might look at 3 now - only so that the duller days are more effective (but that is the winter time anyway when we just have to accept that we arent going to have as much hot water for "free".