DIY

Do it yourself solar energy kits are available, with some manufacturers willing to customise them to meet specific needs.

That said, because such a project involves working at height using building, plumbing and electrical engineering skills, it’s probably best left to a specialist contractor.

And, if you are awarded a grant your kit will have to be installed by a suitably accredited professional. To put this into perspective, it’s worth comparing the savings that could be made from using a DIY kit with the money you may receive from a grant.

Other reasons for using an experienced expert

There are several areas where you may need expert advice:

• roof: it must be capable of taking the extra weight of solar panels, especially if fitted over your existing covering
• hot water supply: if you have a combination boiler the fact that it doesn’t use a storage tank and works off high pressure means it’s unlikely to be compatible with a solar heating system
• conversion of solar-generated electrical current: extra equipment will need to be installed
• planning permission and building regulations.