DIY solar heating systems

We do not recommend supply of complete solar water heating systems for DIY installation.

The reasons for this change is as follows:

As from 1st April 2002, the new UK Building regulations came into force (ADL1), which now classifies domestic hot water services as a controlled service, and as such only certain categorised competent persons are allowed to work on may hot water storage cylinders which now in also must meet a minimum requirements i.e. BS 1566.
The Royal Society for Protection of Accidents (ROSPSA) recommend that DIYers should be sufficiently fit and have the correct tools before considering work for themselves. At least one person a week dies in the UK from falling from heights and there may be liability for supplying equipment without full installation instructions.
From 1st June 2002 The Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999 became fully in force requiring solar systems to be safe as well as designed and manufactured according to sound engineering practice. We believe only a skilled and experienced installer can meet these requirements.
From 1 April 2000 the reduced VAT rate of 5 % applies to fully installed solar systems but 17.5% applies to DIY fitted components. This sufficiently narrows the price differential as to make a solar system fitted by an experienced, competent installer the better choice for the end user.