Solar thermal systems, ground and air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic systems may sound intimidating and futuristic　but the future is here and　now, and these forms of renewable energy are not only proven and viable　ecological　investments, they are also a sound financial investment with the pay-back being cleaner, healthier living environments and lower fuel bills.

Douglas served his plumbing apprenticeship with Hart Builders and then gained experience　with numerous companies before taking the opportunity, when it presented,　to acquire Green Plumbers. Run as a family business - his wife Aileen is in charge of administration and accounts - Douglas and three full-time plumbers are free to travel and service all parts of Scotland on behalf of homeowners, self-builders, renovators and architects. Estimates are free and, combined with their knowledge and expertise in this specialist area, the aim in every case is to achieve the most efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective plumbing solution to suit the project.

While sustainable issues are a prime motivator, more important still, particularly with the spiralling costs of oil and gas, is the desire to save money by lowering fuel bills. "With a government grant and reduced five per cent rate of VAT, there has never been a better time to buy a solar panel system for your home," says Douglas, who is clearly passionate as well as highly knowledgeable about his chosen specialist subject.

Solar heating is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK and Green Plumbers　can bring the latest technology to your home in the form of Solar Thermal and PV systems. Solar thermal systems use solar collecting panels to absorb heat from the sun. The hot water is then pumped to a storage cylinder to heat its contents. Ideally you need a south facing roof – south-west or south-east works too, but not as efficiently.

Solar thermal panels will provide 50-70% of your hot water demand throughout the year giving great savings to your fuel bills . This system can benefit homes,business and commercial use.

"Solar PV (photo voltaic) is also a great way to reduce your bills and carbon footprint by producing typically 40 % of your household electricity annually adds Douglas with the option to sell any unused electricity back to the national grid. As in solar thermal a south to south west facing roof free of shading is required for best performance .

Ground source heat pumps are another ingenious form of renewable energy. Essentially a refrigerator in reverse, heat pumps work by extracting heat stored　year-round in the ground, water and air. The earth stores heat from the sun and maintain it at a fairly constant temperature year round, which is why underground earth-sheltered homes seldom have any form of heating. All it takes to tap into this source is either a system of pipes, like an under floor heating mat, buried in the garden or, where space is limited, a bore hole can be used. Ground source heat is typically used for domestic heating and hot water systems. Air source heat pumps, which　absorb heat from the outside air, are similarly used to heat radiator, under floor or convector heating systems and hot water.

Renewable energy is necessary, exciting - and it's available. Contact the experts at Green Plumbers and find out what it could do for you.