Velux has launched a solar hot water system, developed to deal with the growing demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions in UK homes.

The manufacturer, known for its roof windows, has now branched out into the energy market, offering homeowners a system designed to be easily integrated into a home. It says that energy produced by the system can provide up to 70% of a home's hot water requirements.

Opting for energy saving lamps is now simpler with the launch of a new extensive range of Halogen Energy Savers from Osram.

Osram claims it is the first manufacturer to offer a complete range of halogen lamps, in both mains and low voltage, that consume up to 30% less energy than standard halogen or ordinary incandescent light bulbs, meaning switching to low energy alternatives is no longer a logistical nightmare.

Finnforest has launched a professional timber frame system to provide a time saving solution for garage and carport buildings.

Made from engineered precision cut timber, the system offers the look and nostalgia of a traditional oak style framed building, but benefits from the Beamlock system, an adjustable post support fixing which helps reduce installation time, and therefore cost.

The British Board of Agrément has issued its first-ever Certificate for a renewable energy technology - the Clearline range of roof integrated solar water heating panels from Viridian Solar (Certificate No 07/4474).

Clearline is roof integrated, meaning that it replaces tiles and sits lower in the roof. The resulting aesthetic is a great improvement on the standard installation of solar panels above the tiles. In common with other quality solar panels, Clearline has passed tests to the European standard for solar panels (EN 12975- 2 : 2006).