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A solar water heating system uses solar thermal panels on your roof to heat water to use around your home.

Fitting this type of water heating system isn’t cheap so, before you invest, you need to find out whether solar thermal panels are right for your home and your needs.

Our expert advice will tell you how the system works, what you need to consider, and help make sure you get a good price from a reputable installer.

If you’re looking to generate electricity, head to our guide on solar PV panels instead.

Solar thermal panels use heat from the sun to warm fluid passing through them, as the diagram below shows.

This is then used to heat your water, which is stored in a hot water cylinder. An immersion heater/unvented hot water cylinder might be needed as a back-up heater or to get the water to the temperature you want.

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There are two main types of solar water heating panels – flat plate and evacuated tubes (referring to the way the water interacts with the panel). Evacuated tubes look like a bank of glass tubes fitted to your roof. Flat plate systems can either be fitted onto the roof or integrated into it.

Evacuated tube systems are more efficient than flat-plate versions, so are often smaller but still generate the same amount of hot water.

There are also drainback systems, which drain water from inside the solar panel when the pump is switched off. This prevents water from freezing or boiling inside the solar panel.

Solar thermal panels typically cost between £4,000 and £5,000 to install, including VAT (at 5%).

For comparison, a conventional gas boiler costs between £1,500 and £4,764 to install, although the cost will vary depending on how much work is required, parts needed, availability, where you live and who you employ to do the job.

Find out more about how much a new boiler costs.

Once installed, additional costs are minimal. Most systems use a small amount of electricity to run the pump but, in most cases, the pumping costs cancel out only about 8% of savings, and newer technology can typically reduce this to 3% or even zero.

You’ll need to bear in mind the cost of maintenance, although it's generally very low for solar water heating systems. For example, a replacement pump costs around £90 to replace, while new anti-freeze costs around £100.

Most systems come with a five or 10-year warranty.

Savings with a solar water heating system are moderate. How much you can save depends on the type of water heating system you are replacing. Bear in mind that the system should be able to provide most of your hot water in summer, but much less in winter.

As a general guide, you could save around £55 to £95 per year on your water bills with solar thermal panels. You’ll save most if you are currently using LPG (liquid petroleum gas) to heat your water – around £95 per year. If you are replacing gas central heating, savings are likely to be closer to £55 per year.

Data from the Energy Saving Trust.

We recommend that you first make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible, then think about which types of renewable energy technology, including solar panels, might suit you.  

And remember: the more energy efficient your house is, the less heat you'll lose and, therefore, the less heat you'll need to generate in the first place. This means that you should need a smaller heating system, which will be cheaper to buy and to run.

For maximum efficiency, you need to put your solar thermal panels on a south-facing roof at a 30-degree angle to the horizontal (up to 65 degrees will still work in the UK) and keep the panels away from shadows (trees, buildings, chimneys, etc).

Solar panels can be heavy, so your roof must be strong enough to take their weight – especially if the panel is to be installed on top of existing tiles.

Not all boilers are compatible with solar water heating – for example, if you have a combi boiler and you don’t have a hot water tank. So check what extra equipment you’ll need – and how much it will cost – if you are considering solar water heating.

Some panels require regular checks of the unit and connections, or a wipe of the panel glass with mild detergent. Your installer should leave written details of any maintenance checks you should carry out from time to time. Bear in mind how difficult this can be when panels are up on your roof.

When choosing a solar water-heating system, you'll need to consider four major factors:

You'll need roughly one square metre of panel area per person in the household. Each metre of panel area will need between 30 and 60 litres of water-tank volume.

If you use a less-efficient panel (such as flat-plate solar thermal panels), you'll need to cover a larger area than if you use a more efficient one, such as evacuated tubes.  

You'll also need to select system components – such as a hot water cylinder, controls and pipe work – and choose the location for your solar panels, considering shade, pipe runs, roof pitch and future access.

You'll need to hire a professional to install your solar water-heating system. There are plenty of solar panel installers out there, so we recommend that you always collect a range of quotes to compare.  

Watch out for dodgy sales tactics, salespeople putting you under pressure to buy on the spot, and exaggerated financial savings. We recommend you do your own research before inviting a company into your home.

You should only use installers and products that are certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), then compare the estimates of costs and savings you're given by salespeople against other sources of advice.

You can search for a certified installer on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme website . Your solar water heating system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer to be eligible for payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). You must also own the system.

Which? Trusted Traders will help you find a trustworthy local solar panel installer.

A solar water-heating system involves pipe work, a thermostat and a hot water cylinder.  

Some also have a drainback system to drain water from inside the solar panel when the pump is switched off.

You can add solar thermal panels to most existing hot-water systems. However, you'll usually need to add an additional cylinder for pre-heated water or change your existing cylinder for one with a twin coil.

It's difficult to use a solar water-heating system with a combi boiler. This is because combi boilers heat water directly from the mains water supply and don't have a tank; solar water-heating systems supply warm, low-pressure water. Some new combi boilers do accept pre-heated water, so check with the manufacturer.  

To find out which boilers are the most reliable, take a look at our boiler reviews.

Before you install solar water heating, try to reduce the amount of hot water you use, to see if you can reduce costs without it.

Or make the most from your solar hot-water system by following these tips:

You should also make sure that you carry out any maintenance checks from time to time to make sure the system is working efficiently. Your installer should leave written details of these.

The most important thing to check for is leaks. If your system leaks antifreeze, you will probably be able to smell it – contact your installer.

During the lifespan of your panels, the anti-freeze may need replacing or topping up. This costs around £100.

Your installer may specify that your system needs checking by an accredited professional every few years. They will also check the pump. These last for around 10 years and cost around £90 to replace.

You don't need planning permission for most domestic solar water-heating systems in the UK, as long as they aren’t too big.

But exceptions apply for listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.  

If this applies to you, contact your council to see whether you need to apply for planning permission for your solar panels.