The key part of the system is a collector, this can either be a flat plate collector where water (usually with antifreeze) is pumped through a metal ‘envelope’ with a special absorbant black coating, or an evacuated tube collector where vacuum tubes are filled with a heat transfer fluid.

The hot fluid from the panel then indirectly heats water in a cylinder. This means that no water in the system comes into direct contact with water in the hot water cylinder.

Although both types will collect energy during summer months, evacuated tubes are more effective at also collecting a significant amount of energy on cold winter days.

Evacuated tubes are also more efficient (about 40% efficient, compare to 30% efficiency with flat plates), occupy a smaller space (average domestic installation is about 3m² compared to 4-5m² for flat plate), but are generally more expensive.

Solar energy in the UK is far greater than most people imagine. The map of the UK shows the total solar radiation falling on a 1m-squared surface measured in kilowatt hours.

Ideally, solar water heating collectors need to be inclined at an angle of 30- 40 degrees, depending on the latitude, and orientated facing due south. In practical terms, this is not always possible on existing buildings, and some degree of flexibility in inclination and orientation is acceptable although this will be at the expense of performance. To function satisfactorily, collectors can be inclined at between 10 and 60 degrees, and orientated facing from east to west (i.e. within 90 degrees of due south).

Carbon payback is the amount of time it takes to repay the carbon that was used to make a product and is based on the carbon footprint of its manufacture.

Solar thermal offers a quick carbon payback. Typical 2 panel system has a carbon footprint of about 600kg, meaning a carbon footprint of 6 months to a year (displacing 800kg of carbon).

The payback is also affected by the fossil fuels it is displacing, for example if displacing oil, the payback will be 9 months but if replacing electricity the payback will be only 5 months (displacing 1300kg of carbon).

A qualified, professional installer should assess and design a configuration to meet your needs, including ensuring that the solar system is integrated with your conventional heating system. Costs vary, depending on roof type, size of collector, existing heating system etc. but a typical cost would be £2000 - £3000 for a flat plate collector system and £3500 – 5000 for a evacuated tube system. The payback will of course vary depending on the efficiency and savings made. Solar heating systems generally require very little maintenance, and usually come with long warranties.

A SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture.

STRENGTHS Mature industry with plenty of local installers One of the cheapest forms of renewable energy Virtually no maintenance	WEAKNESSES Needs space for a water tank
OPPORTUNITIES Excellent savings in off gas situations Ideally suitable to businesses with high hot water demand in the summer Likely to be considered permitted development	THREATS Can be visually intrusive in certain circumstances May require planning on listed buildings or within conservation areas

Extracted from Planning and policy Statement (PPS) 22 http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pps22.

The High Weald Unit's role is to interpret government policy in the light of the AONB Management Plan (http://www.highweald.org/text.asp?PageId=254) and to provide advice to local authorities and others regarding planning applications. The Unit also responds to consultations regarding new planning policy at national, regional and local level, again based on the Components of Natural Beauty identified by the Management Plan. The Local Council is of course the responsible body as regards the exercise of planning powers.

Planning guidance (see below) actively encourages renewable development but makes allowances for designated areas such as the High Weald AONB:

In sites with nationally recognised designations planning permission for renewable projects should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that the objectives of designation in the area will not be compromised by the development, and any significant adverse effects on the qualities for which the area has been designated are clearly outweighed by the environmental, social and economic benefits.

Extracted from Planning and policy Statement (PPS) 22 http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pps22

In many cases fixing solar panels to the roof of a single dwelling house is likely to be considered 'permitted development' under planning law with no need to apply for planning permission.

There are, however, important exceptions and provisos which must be observed.

The following limits apply to roof and wall mounted solar panels:

• Panels should not be installed above the ridgeline and should project no more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface.
• If your property is a listed building installation is likely to require an application for listed building consent, even where planning permission is not needed.
• If your property is in a conservation area, or in a World Heritage Site planning consent is required when panels are to be fitted on the principal or side elevation and they are visible from the highway. If panels are to be fitted to a building in your garden or grounds they should not be visible from the highway.
• Permitted development rights to alter the existing roofline of a dwelling do not necessarily apply in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Parks or the Norfolk Broads. When considering applications in these areas the potential impact on the character or appearance of the area should be considered.

All solar installations are also subject to the following conditions:

• Panels on a building should be sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise the effect on the appearance of the building.
• They should be sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area.
• When no longer needed for microgeneration they should be removed as soon as possible.

The development of systems for collecting and using solar energy raises a number of considerations which local planning authorities may need to take into account. These include:

• Whether particular systems require planning permission.
• The importance of siting systems in situations where they can collect the most energy from the sun.
• The need for sufficient area of solar modules to produce the required energy output from the system
• The colour and appearance of the modules.

A planning application or application for listed building consent for a solar hot water system could usefully include the following information:

• The design of the collector;
• Photographs of the existing built environment;
• Detail of the roof mounting arrangement, if applicable;
• Indicative drawings of the collector in place;
• If the application involves a listed building, a photomontage of the proposed collector could be useful.

If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply.

The ability of the existing roof to carry the load (weight) of the panel will need to be checked and proven. Some strengthening work may be needed.

Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation.It is advisable to contact an installer who can provide the necessary advice.

District or Borough Council Planning Departments for the High Weald area:

Horsham: 01403 215187
Crawley: 01293 438787
Mid Sussex: 01444 458166 (main switchboard)
Tandridge: 01883 732859
Wealden: 01892 653311 (main switchboard)
Rother: 01424 787600
Hastings: 01424 783300
Sevenoaks: 01732 227000 (main switchboard)
Tonbridge & Malling: 01732 844522 (main switchboard)
Tunbridge Wells: 01892 526121 (main switchboard)
Ashford: 01233 637311 (main switchboard)

Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy – http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pps22
Planning for Renewable Energy: A Companion Guide to PPS22 - http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/planningrenewable

Solar Trade Association - www.solartradeassociation.org.uk
Centre for alternative technology – www.cat.org.uk
Renewable energy association – www.r-e-a.net
Carbon Trust – www.carbontrust.co.uk
Energy Savings trust – www.est.org.uk

Low Carbon Buildings programme – www.lowcarbonbuildings.co.uk
England Rural Development Programme – www.seeda.co.uk
WARR partnership (LEADER) – www.warrpartnership.org.uk
High Weald AONB (Sustainable Development Fund) – www.highweald.org
Carbon Trust (Interest Free Loans) – www.carbontrust.org.uk
Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme – www.eca.gov.uk