Hi all. Am thinking of perhaps installing solar panels. Recent heatwave and worry over global warming are factors. Was wondering if this would help to reduce my families carbon footprint. I use electricity every night to heat the immersion for morning showers. Electricity bills are too high. Very worried about the way the planet is heating up and the consequences for agriculture, transport, everyday life, fires etc. Irish politicians seem to be largely ignoring the issue. Anyway just wondering if this would be a good first step and looking for other ideas eg water butts/ harvesting to help conserve water etc that I could implement in my home to be a little greener. Hybrid car under consideration when next trading in. I have read that the evacuated tube type of panel is the best. One price I have seen is 5500 with a possible grant of 1200. Would love to hear from other people's experiences of solar panels. Are they maintenance free ? I have a south east facing roof at the back of the house.