For homeowners with an interest in green issues and energy efficiency, this guide considers the impact of global warming and the international energy crisis before explaining how to evaluate the energy performance of a house and make better use of natural lighting. All aspects are covered of the installation of photovoltaic cells to a residential property using solar power to produce domestic electricity and to heat water. The costs are calculated and the benefits of installing a solar energy system are assessed. This is essential reading for homeowners who wish to take advantage of free environmentally-friendly solar energy, reduce their energy bills in the long run, and help the environment.