Solar panels are not something you do for economical reasons at the moment, purely environmental and moral reasons due to the high cost. You will not save more than they cost for year and years. The government has just issued new grants, but the hoops you need to jump through are numerous, including having cavity wall insulation, loft insulation of at least 27cm etc. See the clear skies website for advice and a list of approved contractors.
Hi neg213,
We had solar panels installed recently and it came to �4100.
We have not had to put on the boiler to heat the water since installation. The panels work on UV light not heat. So daylight is all that is needed. Our water temp today has been 40 and I always feel like I'm showering in the sun!!!
You will however need to use a boiler for the hard winter months, but we had a �1.20 gas bill for summer.
We used solar-systems.co.uk in Tunbridge Wells and they were exceptional in their standards.
I really hope you get this message as I see you asked a few months ago lol..... :-)