Whether PV (photovoltaic) or solar thermal, the case for solar is strong. For PV the incentive is the Feed-in Tariffs, which from April 2010 give an index-linked, guaranteed return on investment of 5–9% for 25 years – much better than any bank is offering! There is an environmental benefit too, as electricity use from fossil fuels is reduced. Other European countries are planning to generate a significant proportion of their electricity from PV – we can too.

As we outline on the PV pages, most people installing PV will connect it to the grid. Thus others can use the electricity you generate if you do not need it. So not only do you cut your own use of expensive, fossil-fuel electricity, but you also help others to do the same too.

However, the environmental case for solar thermal is even stronger, for three reasons:

1. The amount of energy generated is much greater per pound of capital spent than with PV.
2. Also, the energy generated is much greater per unit area of panel. (One large panel of 2.5 sq. m generates 2000 kW of heat under full sun, whereas its PV equivalent generates 350 watts of electricity.)
3. The energy yield ratio is the ratio of energy delivered by a system over its lifetime, compared to the energy required to make it. The figure for PV in northern Europe is about 4 times. The Schüco solar thermal panels we install have a life expectancy of 35 years – better than most other products we buy for the home today; our rough assessment is that they would “payback” the energy used in their manufacture and installation in 1-2 years, giving an energy yield ratio of 17-35.

Solar thermal may be simple and obvious technology, but it works. It gives a financial return typically of 7-10% – and this is before you take into account the annual payments promised from 2011 (details coming soon on this website). Be part of the growing movement to cut your carbon emissions!

So our advice is, do solar thermal first, and then PV. Of course hot water is not an versatile an energy source as electricity, but it is a vital component of most homes and is the place to start. Both have a key role to play in our energy futures.
Whether you believe the oil will start running out in the next few years (the peak oil movement) or in 10-20 years’ time (the oil optimists), we need to find other energy sources. The quicker we get on with it the better!

		1. Cut your fuel bills No one can afford to waste money, especially these days. Installing a Soltrac solar water heating system can significantly reduce the amount your are spending on fuel. Solar water heating typically provides 60–70% of your hot water needs over a year. In summer, this fraction rises close to 100%, meaning that you'll hardly need the boiler or immersion heater at all. This equates to a saving of around £300 every year for the average household. 2. Cut your CO2 emissions Help to save the earth from global climate change. With a Soltrac solar water heating system, you'll play your part in reducing Britain's dependence on fossil fuels and help to cut our emissions. Solar enables you to cut your 'carbon footprint' without any disruption to your lifestyle. Once the system is up and running, you can forget all about it. The reduction is substantial: a Soltrac system can cut household emissions by around 2/3 tonne every year – equivalent of taking an average family car off the road for 102 days – for big households this can be a lot more. 3. It is the most cost effective renewable energy available After you have proper insulation in your home, solar water heating is the single biggest measure you can take to cut your fuel bills and your emissions. Per pound of capital spent, solar water heating delivers the largest savings of any micro-renewable technology.

Most of us would like to do our bit to save the planet...
These days it's hard not to be aware of all the worrying changes affecting our planet. Most of us would like to do something to help.

One good way is to install a solar heating system in your home, so you can heat your hot water from the free energy of the sun. This means you not only help to save the planet, but also save on your fuel bills at the same time.

...but not if it costs the earth

So far, so good. But what if the solar heating installation itself is too expensive? That's when the whole argument breaks down. If people can't see any kind of payback for decades to come, they naturally hesitate or are put off altogether. So far that's been the number one reason why so few of us have solar heating.

It's precisely this challenge that led to the founding of Soltrac, a new and independent installer of solar heating panels for your home or business. Our aim is simple: to make solar heating far more widespread in this country, by reducing the cost of super-efficient systems.

We've worked really hard to keep our margins and overheads low, at the same time as sourcing the highest quality products so that you help to save the planet, save on fuel bills, and save on a solar water heating system.

The founders of Soltrac come from long professional careers in the environmental movement. We are passionate about saving energy, but also practical. By offering solar heating installations at a more affordable price, we hope to see many more people take up this kind of heating.

		Why use Soltrac?
		We are a local South Wilts company that you can trust – with friendly staff who deliver expert service. High quality solar systems that will last – complete with a 5 year guarantee. Transparent prices – you'll know our prices before we do a free site survey. No pushy salesman, guaranteed – only qualified engineers and advisors.