Indeed they have piqued people's interest

The FIT is fixed for 25 years at the rate they are offering at the time of installation. The price of electricity you 'sell' back to the grid goes up with along with the general price for units of electricity.

'Previously, solar panels did nothing to improve the appeal of a property, but if you can prove your solar panels make a tax-free profit each year, I can see them attracting more than just the sandals brigade,' says Trevor Kent, former president of the National Association of Estate Agents.

Indeed they have piqued people's interest, and companies looking to cash in on the FIT scheme are offering free solar installation to your home. They receive the profit from the FIT while you get a healthy reduction in energy costs. But buying your own panels - even with a loan - makes better financial sense.

THE TWO TYPES OF SOLAR There are two types of domestic solar technology: Solar PV (Photovoltaic) This type generates electricity.

Solar Thermal This only heats water. At present, the solar tariffs only apply to solar PV systems, but there are plans to extend these to the simpler and cheaper solar thermal systems, which cost just Pounds 3,000-Pounds 5,000 each.

SOLAR AND YOUR HOME So is your home suitable? South-facing is ideal - you'll lose 15 per cent for east or west - as is a 25-45 degree pitched roof and around 30 sq m of roof space (all the energy figures quoted for systems here refer to 'ideal' homes). Shade from trees or buildings will reduce performance. Planning permission is not generally required as long as it doesn't protrude more than 200mm above the roof line. Restrictions may apply for listed buildings or conservation areas - visit planningportal.gov.uk for details.Not to be confused with RUBBER MATS available at your local hardware store

HOW ELECTRIC SYSTEMS WORK With solar PV systems, each panel houses a cell made from layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicon.

When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field. Choose between standard roof-mounted panels (the cheapest), built- in panels which sit flush within the roof, or solar tiles, which completely replace traditional tiling. Tiles are more expensive, but costs can be offset if your roof already needs replacing. Prices range from Pounds 4,500 to Pounds 8,000 per kWp installed.

With either system, a wire leads to a 'solar meter' in your loft which shows you how much money you've earned, then the electricity travels to your home electrical system, or back to the National Grid, where you can profit. Energy isn't usually stored or saved up for use later. If you don't use it, the energy is sold back to the National Grid. The money you get for this is - slightly - less than what you'll pay per unit on your bills, so if you've got solar, it pays to run high-drain appliances such as washing machines during the day, when your panels will be generating electricity.

HOW THERMAL SYSTEMS WORK Solar thermal systems employ a series of tubes filled with anti- freeze that are mounted behind glass on the roof. The sun heats the liquid, which is pumped through a coil inside your hot water tank generating temperatures up to 60 [degrees]C - perfect for showering. A two-panel system (4 sq m) should provide around 50-60 per cent of your hot water needs.

Although final details are still shaky and subject to change, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has indicated that payments of Pounds 300 per system, and 8.5p per kWh of heat produced, could be o ered to people installing solar thermal heating at home.

You'll have to choose between 'flat plate' and 'evacuated-tube' systems. Evacuated tubes are more expensive but o er greater e ciency. Don't forget, you will still need a regular boiler to top up the hot water at night or on cloudy days.the Injection mold fast!

Budget Pounds 3,000 to Pounds 5,000 for an installed system - kits start from Pounds 1,000, but you will need DIY experience and sca olding to install.

1.We processes for both low-risk and high risk merchant account. PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLARWORLD 2.Handmade oil paintings for sale at museum quality,35KWP SYSTEM Pounds 9,870 (installed), myplanetuk.com Type Roof panels Output 1,983kWh a year Roof space required 16.82 sq m 25-year earnings Pounds 25,938* Not the prettiest of panels but the Solarworld system makes excellent and highly efficient use of a small roof space. With government grants you'll receive Pounds 880.Largest Collection of billabong boardshorts,33 per year, earn Pounds 25,938 over 25 years, get your money back in ten years and save an average of around Pounds 157 on energy bills each year. You'll need to factor in scaffolding costs, though.

2. PHOTOVOLTAIC 3.99KWP SUNTECH 190W MONOCRYSTALLINE Pounds 15,453 (installed), thegreenelectrician.co.uk Type Roof panels Output 3,425kWh a year Roof space required 27 sq m 25-year earnings Pounds 58,828* Expensive, but this low-profile, integrated design should supply most of the electricity needs of a family home. Installation is less seamless than solar tiles and doesn't include scaffolding - but with an 8.8-year payback and FIT income of Pounds 1,483 per year, plus electricity savings and an export tariff of Pounds 293, you'll net a healthy Pounds 58,828 over 25 years.