Solar energy is energy captured directly from the sun. The concept of heating using the power of the sun can be traced to the early Greeks who used to build their houses facing the sun.

Although solar systems can have a higher initial cost, lifetime costs are demonstrably lower than a traditional system as a significant proportion of the heating is provided by the sun – even in our higher latitudes. Solar energy is of course also sustainable energy - with the clear environmental benefits that provides.

While in theory, a system which captures energy from the sun and stores heat for domestic use is simple, one must recognise that all of the components used within the system are engineered to perform at much higher temperatures than those found in a traditional heating system.