Thank you for your interest in Soltherm Europe. Although the Soltherm Web-site is designed for the solar industry in general, here is some information on solar heating for homeowners and private consumers.

What is a solar water heater?
The energy of the sun can serve many purposes. One of them is to generate heat, for instance in the form of hot water using solar collectors. Solar heat is a clean, quiet and reliable energy source that has in the last decade become an established, high-quality product. At this moment, more than 3 million households in Europe are using solar heated water for their showers and baths. Even Northern countries can benefit from the sun's heat, in fact the largest solar water heater market in Europe is Germany! Solar heat can on average supply 50 to 80% of the energy for making hot water; the existing conventional water heater or an electrical heating element will guarantee a comfortable temperature every day of the year.
The moment of replacing the old existing water heater is an ideal moment to think about a solar water heater, because the installer must come to your house anyway and the installation costs of the solar water heater can be shared with the costs of the new (high-efficiency) water heater. Your energy bill will be reduced twice, by the solar water heater and by your new high efficiency conventional water heater. You'll save money and the environment!
You may wish to check out the 'A Solar What?' page on this site, or the MySolar website:

What can I expect from a solar water heating system?
1. Contribution to a clean environment - the opportunity for you to take an active part in alleviation environmental problems
2. When your existing water heating device needs replacement, an ideal option to add renewable energy occurs
3. Long lasting savings on your energy bill
4. Low sales and installation costs
5. Low maintenance

What is Soltherm Europe?
Soltherm Europe is a network of market parties, that is working hard to stimulate the market of high quality solar products in Europe. Experienced parties are bringing together their knowledge and stimulating others to promote solar heating. The focus is on quality: high quality systems are available around Europe, and Soltherm is promoting European quality standards and certificates to make it easier to find and recognise good products.