Hot water solar panels are being promoted as a way to cut soaring utility bills and help reduce carbon emissions, but are they really worth the initial outlay? I have had a solar panel for nearly ten years and firmly believe they are.

Many people think that you need a warm climate and continual sunshine for them to work properly. I live in the UK, not the hottest place in the world and renowned for its rain. During the winter months I rely on electricity to heat my water, but from the mid-March to the mid-October I turn off the electric heater except when we have several days of rain and my tank becomes cool. On a sunny winter days the panel takes off the chill of the water. It's April now and my water is so hot I have to warn the children not to scald themselves.

My panel is nearly ten years old, newer models are more efficient at working even if it is cloudy.

Each month I put by the money I believe I have saved and when winter comes I buy logs for my wood burner. By doing this I cut my carbon footprint even further.

Hot water solar panels are not a common sight on houses in the UK and I am often asked whether it is worthwhile installing one. I firmly believe it is and think that they should be compulsory on all new buildings.