Figure 1.28 The roof of this solar house in Oxford has a grid-linked 4 kW array
of photovoltaic panels. These generate enough electricity to supply its annual
requirements, plus a surplus which is used to provide part of the power to run
a small electric car. The roof also incorporates a 5 m2 array of solar water
heating panels which provide three-quarters of the house’s hot water requirements.
The house is well-insulated and includes a conservatory that contributes ‘passive’
solar energy to space heating in Spring and Autumn, supplemented by a natural
gas boiler and a small wood-burning stove used on very cold days