5 tips for: choosing solar panels

1. Solar panels are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to install compared to many other types of renewable-energy technology. Panels are usually fitted to a pitched roof, but they can be mounted on a wall, or a frame on the ground or a flat roof. Although they work on cloudy days, the panels need a sunny position to be most effective, so a south-facing position, which gets sun most of the day, is ideal.

2. There are two types of solar panel - ones that generate electricity, called solar photovoltaics or PV, and ones that heat water, called solar thermal. With both, you'll cut your energy bills and CO2 emissions, but the benefits don't end there.

3. Solar PV panels (the most popular type) can also earn you money through the Government's Feed-In Tariffs scheme. Providing your PV system qualifies, the scheme pays you for the electricity you generate and use and also for any surplus electricity you supply to the National Grid. According to the Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk), an average 4kWp domestic PV system costs between 5,000 and 8,000 and in the south of England, should generate approximately enough electricity for a typical household.

4. The Energy Saving Trust says that a typical solar water-heating system costs around 3,000-5,000, but the savings you make will be moderate. As well as the solar panels, you'll need a boiler or immersion heater to give you additional hot water and sometimes to make the water heated by the panels hotter, especially in winter. You may also have to change your boiler and hot-water cylinder to ones compatible with the panels.

5. If your home's leasehold, you may need permission from the freeholder to install solar panels - the roof usually belongs to the freeholder. Restrictions may also apply if you live on 'designated land', such as conservation areas, and if the building's listed - ask your local council what you can and can't do. Where planning restrictions apply and solar panels aren't allowed, solar roof tiles or slates may be acceptable to the council's planning department.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

The Easter break is the perfect time to start whipping your garden into shape. Sheds, fences, gazebos and wooden furniture have probably taken a pounding over winter and if they're looking forlorn, there's no better way to protect and brighten them up than with Cuprinol Garden Shades (22 for one 2.5ltr tin, or 30 for two, B&Q).

This nice-to-use matt paint can be applied to all garden wood and provides four years of protection, but the best thing about it is the huge range of colours, from sophisticated neutrals to bright pinks, blues, greens and more, perfect for a pop of colour. I love Urban Slate, a gorgeous dark grey that looks fantastic on fences against flowers and greenery and works in all styles of garden.

Another big advantage of Cuprinol Garden Shades is that, unlike a lot of similar products, they can be sprayed on, which is a big time-saver. Use the Cuprinol Fence Sprayer (26.59, http://www.cuprinol.co.uk) and you'll get the job done in no time. Even without the sprayer, many of the colours cover in one coat, so there'll be time to enjoy your smart new garden this Easter.

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5 tips for: choosing solar panels