free solar panels

[what..the?]

There is no gas locally just oil, I am renovating a house as well as insulating throughout as currently solid (no cavity) stone walls which were struggling with condensation etc.

Even thought the whole heating, hot water system from exterior boiler through the tanks and radiators need to be replaced I am being told to stay with oil which is unnerving me, because I don't see oil as being very future proof. I have asked that at least the system be future proofed with the ability to add green energy later.

As I have no funds to get an array on any south roof space (limited) but mainly South East facing, I was wondering if the free panels were worth it I understand the money is about the FIT payment and that you are effectively renting out your roof, But I don't trust the FIT payments continuing or at least at the proposed level. I have also heard how panels just don't produce enough to make them worth while, yet if they were free and installed on a new roof, is it just the case of free electricity for nothing, I would consider than running electrical items and heating during the daylight hours, and perhaps using any spare cash on a battery or two assuming it costing more to buy then sell to the grid?

Can anyone offer any views/assistance, I am getting a wood burning stove for the lounge with a back burner so this will help in winter.

[what..the?]

I keep getting confused between solar thermal hot water and the PV panels?

So can you also use the PV panels to heat water too via a coil within the cylinder?

[what..the?]

wood burner with back 'boiler' sorry

[bushbaby_de]

They are two different types of panels, one to heat water and one to provide electricity. They look slightly different too. I'm not sure you'd generate enough to use it as your sole power supply and you're possibly looking at 10 years plus until you've saved enough on your bills to cover your costs. But if you want more sustainable power its certainly the way to go.