Renewable energy, explained plainly
Solar, batteries, EV chargers and heat pumps. What they do, who they suit, and the questions people ask us most.
Solar PV
Solar panels on your roof turn daylight into electricity. You use it in the house, and any you do not use can be sold back to the grid.
A good installation starts with the roof and the electrics, not the panels. We check the roof, the shading and your consumer unit before we design anything.
Battery storage
A home battery stores electricity so you can use it later. It can hold spare solar power from the day, or cheaper electricity from overnight if your tariff offers it.
A battery is not always worth it. We will tell you honestly whether it makes sense for how you use power.
EV charging
A home charge point is quicker and cheaper than most public charging, and you leave in the morning with a full battery.
Your electrical supply has to cope with the load. We check this at the survey and tell you if anything needs upgrading first.
Heat pumps
An air source heat pump moves heat from the outside air into your home. It uses less energy than a boiler to make the same heat.
They work best in well-insulated homes with the right radiators or underfloor heating. We do a heat loss survey first, so you know what to expect.
Honest answers to common questions
How much will solar panels save me?
It depends on the size of the system, which way your roof faces, how much power you use in the day and what you pay for electricity. We give you an estimate based on your own property at the survey. We will not promise numbers we cannot back up.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Often not for a house roof, but it depends. Listed buildings, conservation areas and flats have extra rules. We check before we quote.
Do solar panels work in winter or on cloudy days?
Yes, but they make less power. Output is highest in the summer months and lower in winter. Your system is designed with the whole year in mind.
Is a battery worth it?
Sometimes. A battery lets you use more of your own solar power in the evening, and can charge from cheaper off-peak electricity. It also adds cost. We will tell you straight whether it suits your usage.
Can I charge my car from my solar panels?
Yes, if you have both. Some charge points can use spare solar power. Not every charger does this automatically, so we explain the options before you buy.
Do heat pumps work in older houses?
Often yes, but insulation and radiator sizes matter. We carry out a heat loss survey first. If a heat pump is not right for your home, we will say so.
What does MCS Certified mean?
MCS is the UK standard for small-scale renewable installations. Using an MCS Certified installer is normally needed to be paid for exported electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee, and to qualify for some grants.
What grants are available?
Schemes change, and rules depend on where you live and the type of property. For example, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has supported heat pumps in England and Wales. We tell you what applies when we survey, so you are not relying on out-of-date information.
How long does an installation take?
It depends on the system and the property. We give you a clear programme with your quote.
Want to know what suits your home?
Book a survey. We will tell you what makes sense, and what does not.