2. Solar Thermal

The amount of solar energy reaching Earth in one year is double what will ever be obtained from all fossil fuels combined. The trick is to effectively make use of that energy. Solar thermal panels do this, even on days that do not have particularly bright sunlight, by using flat plate or evacuated tube collectors to heat water. Appropriately sited solar-thermal installations can provide about 60% of a typical UK home’s hot-water over a year, leading to significant carbon savings. Solar thermal is gaining traction in the UK with increasing numbers of homes turning to this technology.