solar thermal
Solar-thermal panels do not generate electricity but harvest the sun’s energy to heat water for your home. The energy saving community suggests that, with water heating accounting for around a quarter of typical domestic energy usage, installing a solar hot water system can cut your bills and your carbon footprint.
Solar thermal systems use the heat energy from the sun to increase the temperature of the liquid within the system. This liquid is made up of water and antifreeze. This liquid is then pumped through a coil heat exchanger in a water tank, transferring the collected heat to the water in your hot water tank.
For more information visit
The Energy Saving Trust - Solar water heating page