Solar water heating systems capture the suns energy using solar panels called collectors and use the heat to warm water stored in a hot water cylinder. A boiler or immersion heater will be needed as a back up to heat the water further to reach the temperature set by the cylinders thermostat (usually 60 degrees centigrade) when the solar water heating system does not reach that temperature.

Heat generated using solar methods is totally green and does not release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. A typical home solar water heating system can provide between 30% and 35% of your hot water needs.