Online solar hot water parts shop

Plumbers and heating installers who need parts, plus DIY-minded householders and landlords replacing worn components on existing systems.

You buy at trade price and sell at a margin. Extra income can come from bundled kits, delivery charges and repeat orders from regular installers.

• Learning product specifications and how systems fit together
• Clear customer service by phone and email
• Building a simple website and listing products
• Basic bookkeeping and order tracking

• Check that products carry the right UK safety and conformity marking and, for water fittings, whether approval such as WRAS is expected
• Consumer rules on returns, delivery and product descriptions apply to online sales, so check the requirements before you launch
• Public liability and product liability insurance, check what your insurer needs for supplying heating equipment
• Demand for solar thermal can be niche and uneven, so test a small range before you commit money
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council if you plan to store stock at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £3,000, depending on your website, the range you list and whether a wholesaler ships direct. Testing a small range first may help you avoid committing too much money.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £3,000, depending on your range, pricing and how well you reach installers and householders. This is revenue, not profit, so product and delivery costs come out of it.

Check that products carry the right UK safety and conformity marking, and whether approval such as WRAS is expected for water fittings. Also check consumer rules on returns, delivery and descriptions, and what insurance your insurer needs for heating equipment.