For many people choosing a renewable product for their home, like our solar thermal range Clearly Solar, is a new experience or foray into greener energy.

As such, it can be a pretty daunting experience what with so many different products to choose from and a host of websites providing the ‘ultimate guide’.

First things first – we’d recommend that you acquaint yourself with the renewable energy guide on the Energy Saving Trust’s website.

If you decide that solar is for you; be sure whether you want to invest in solar thermal or solar PV.
Solar thermal will harness solar energy for thermal energy i.e. heat as opposed to solar PV which helps generate energy into electricity for household appliances and lighting.

Glow-worm Commercial Director; Darren Finley advises the following tips to ensure you get the best from your installer:

-    Ensure your installer has had the necessary training; BPEC or LOGIC are standard industry qualifications.
-    Ask your installer to size and price the system.  If you’re unsure who to consult, ask a reputable solar thermal product manufacturer, like Glow-worm, for details of recommended solar thermal installers  in your area by calling 01773 596092.
-    Do as much research as you can on solar products – see our advice on Clearly Solar
-    Glow-worm’s straightforward solar thermal solution here.
-    A correctly sized and installed solar thermal system can contribute up to 60% of your domestic hot water needs.  Your installer should be able to help estimate savings and payback time fairly accurately once he or she has completed an inspection.

Solar thermal is a sound investment – as well as helping to reduce the cost of energy bills, renewable products or green features it can also help your property to be more appealing to potential buyers in the future.  In the summer months when temperatures improve many homeowners find that they don’t need their boilers on at all; all their hot water requirements can easily be met by Clearly Solar.

Click here to read more about the Renewable Heat Incentive, a Government scheme set to launch in April 2011, to provide individuals and businesses with support to switch to renewable sources (like Clearly Solar) for heating.