There are estimated to be around 75,000 Solar Hot Water systems installed in the UK .  Solar Electric comes in way behind at about 1300 systems, while Wind has only a handful around the UK (excluding 700 commercial systems).

The generation of home energy is going through a major change. New products are emerging, prices are coming down, and grants are on stream. Many local councils are offering grants. For example, Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a new grant offering £1000 to support solar hot water systems. This is backed up by a £400 central government grant under the low carbon building programme. These can be applied for through the Brighton and Hove Energy Action Partnership on 0800 107 4100. Systems vary, but an average price would be around £4000. Solar Hot Water can provide all of a households hot water needs in the warmer months and around half of total annual needs. The technology rarely requires planning approval and is very tried and tested.

For solar electric the low carbon building programme, run by EST, will provide you with 50% of the installed system cost.  It will cost around £6000 for a 1 KW power system and this grant will cover £3000.  To do this just call 0800 915 0990.

Home wind power is the new kid on the block and planning permission is still a real issue for council departments who have no experience with these new systems. Legislation is underway to make things easier, but is likely to take until the end of 2007 to come on stream. C LEVEL is currently evaluating the highly economical Windsave system which was given planning permission and installed at the end of 2006.