Renewable energy blog

The main benefits of solar panels for commercial buildings come down to greater control. By generating clean electricity on-site, businesses can lower their dependence on the National Grid, make better use of unused roof space and create a more resilient, sustainable future.

The main advantages of heat pumps over boilers are greater energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, steadier home heating, long-term reliability, access to government grants and the potential for lower running costs. When correctly designed for the property, a heat pump can provide an efficient alternative to gas, oil or LPG heating.

Comparing an air source heat pump vs oil boiler? This guide explains the key differences in running costs, installation, efficiency, radiator requirements, grants and day-to-day use, helping oil-heated homeowners decide whether switching to a heat pump is right for their property.

An air to water heat pump offers a smarter way to heat your home by drawing warmth from the outside air and using it for radiators, underfloor heating, taps and showers. Rather than burning fuel, it moves existing heat, making it an efficient, lower-carbon alternative to a traditional boiler. The right system can provide reliable heating throughout the year, with performance depending on your home’s insulation, radiators and overall system design.

Solar panels can be installed in a conservation area, and many domestic roof-mounted systems in England qualify as permitted development. However, the solar panels conservation area rules depend on the roof type, panel position, visual impact, listed status and any local restrictions, such as an Article 4 direction. Flat-roof installations may require prior approval, while panels on listed buildings usually need listed building consent. Before proceeding, check your property’s conservation status and confirm the requirements with your local planning authority.

Do heat pumps work in cold weather? Yes. Modern air source heat pumps can heat homes effectively in freezing temperatures by extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. However, winter performance depends on correct system sizing, insulation, radiator capacity, flow temperature and controls. In contrast, a properly designed heat pump can provide reliable, efficient heating throughout typical UK winter conditions.

Heat pump underfloor heating can provide efficient, even warmth by circulating low-temperature water through pipes beneath the floor. Its large heating surface allows a heat pump to warm rooms effectively without relying on very hot water. However, results depend on how well the system is designed for the property. This guide explores whether heat pump underfloor heating could be a practical choice for your UK home.

Air source heat pump grants in Scotland can provide eligible homeowners with up to £7,500 towards a new whole-home heating system, increasing to £9,000 for qualifying rural and island properties. The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme may also provide an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500 for remaining eligible costs. You must own and live in the property, receive a written funding offer before installation begins, and use an MCS-certified installer. This guide explains the funding available, eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Domestic MVHR helps reduce condensation, excess humidity and mould risk by continuously removing moist air and replacing it with fresh, filtered air while recovering heat. It can be especially useful in airtight homes, where drying clothes indoors, cooking and showering can increase moisture levels. However, MVHR is designed to address ventilation-related condensation, not rising damp, leaks or water ingress.

How are solar panels installed? The process usually starts with a roof survey and system design, followed by scaffolding and the installation of mounting brackets, rails and panels. The panels are then connected to an inverter and integrated safely with the home’s electrical system. Once everything is fitted, the system is tested, commissioned and set up for monitoring. A straightforward residential installation is often completed within one to two days, although this can vary depending on the roof, system size and whether battery storage or additional electrical work is required.

How do you store electricity from solar panels? The most common method is a solar battery, which stores surplus electricity generated during the day for use in the evening, overnight or when solar output is lower. Excess solar energy can also be used to charge an electric vehicle, heat water or be exported to the grid.

The air source heat pump cost in Scotland is typically around £13,000 for a complete air-to-water installation, although the final price depends on the property size, heat-pump capacity and whether radiators, pipework or the hot-water cylinder need upgrading. Eligible Scottish homeowners can currently receive: Up to £7,500 in grant funding Up to £9,000 with the rural or island uplift An optional interest-free loan for eligible costs not covered by the grant Based on a typical £13,000 installation, the cost after the standard grant could be approximately £5,500. Funding is subject to eligibility, availability and receiving a written offer before installation begins. A property survey and tailored quotation are required to confirm the actual cost.

Solar energy storage batteries help UK homeowners make better use of the electricity their solar panels generate by saving surplus power for later. This guide explains how battery storage works, how it connects to a solar system and what to consider when comparing capacity, costs, tariffs and backup power.

A ZEB boiler is an electric heating system that stores heat when electricity is cheaper, then releases it into your radiators when your home needs warmth. Unlike a standard electric boiler, the tepeo ZEB uses a built-in heat battery and smart charging to make better use of off-peak electricity. In this guide, we explain how a ZEB boiler works, how it compares with other electric heating systems, and whether it could be suitable for your home.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) provides continuous fresh air while recovering heat from the stale air leaving your home. It is particularly effective in well-insulated, airtight properties, where it can help improve indoor air quality and reduce ventilation heat loss. For the best results, an MVHR system should be professionally designed, installed, commissioned and maintained.

Homeowners can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels in several practical ways. Solar panels generate renewable electricity, heat pumps can replace gas or oil heating, electric vehicles reduce petrol or diesel use, and battery storage saves surplus solar energy or cheaper grid electricity for later use. The most suitable option will depend on your property, energy consumption, budget and priorities. These technologies can also be planned together as part of an integrated home energy system.

Solar fence panels turn suitable boundaries into renewable electricity-generating assets. Learn how they work, what affects their cost and whether they are right for your property.

Solar panel installation for landlords can make a rental property more cost-effective to run, particularly when energy bills are included in the rent. This guide explores when solar is likely to be a worthwhile investment and what landlords should consider before going ahead.

Discover how SolarEdge technology can help improve the performance, flexibility and safety of a residential solar installation. We explain the benefits of the SolarEdge Home Hub inverter, including high weighted efficiency, panel-level optimisation, system monitoring and flexible design, as well as how SGS Energy can help homeowners across Kent choose the right solar solution for their property.

Solar power for factories can turn large industrial roof spaces into a source of lower-cost electricity. Many factories use substantial amounts of power during daylight hours, allowing a well-sized solar PV system to supply machinery, lighting, ventilation and other equipment directly while reducing reliance on grid electricity. This guide explains how factory solar systems are designed around actual energy use, what affects installation cost and payback, and how roof condition, grid capacity and battery storage can shape the final system.

Sustainable energy for landlords means making practical improvements that help rental properties use less energy, reduce running costs and remain attractive to tenants. The right approach depends on the building, the tenancy and how the property is used. This guide explains how landlords can plan upgrades that deliver lasting value.

Combining solar panels with battery storage and a heat pump can make your home more energy efficient and reduce how much electricity you need from the grid. When the system is properly designed, the solar panels generate power, the battery saves any surplus, and the heat pump uses that electricity to heat your home. This guide explains how the three technologies work together and what UK homeowners should consider before installing them.

Solar panels for schools offer a practical way to reduce reliance on grid electricity while supporting wider sustainability goals. Schools often use much of their energy during daylight hours, which means they can be well placed to benefit from electricity generated on site. A suitable system can lower long-term energy costs, reduce operational carbon emissions and give pupils a visible example of renewable energy in action. This guide explains how school solar panels work in practice, what affects the potential savings and what schools should consider before moving forward with an installation.

Energy independence means reducing your reliance on the National Grid by generating and managing more of your own electricity. For homeowners in Kent, solar panels can improve energy independence by producing renewable electricity during daylight hours, lowering the amount of power purchased from an energy supplier and reducing exposure to rising electricity prices. Adding battery storage allows excess solar energy to be saved for use in the evening or during periods of lower generation. Although complete year-round energy independence may not be realistic for every property, a properly designed solar and battery system can significantly increase household energy self-sufficiency.

A solar inverter is the part of a solar panel system that makes the electricity it generates usable. It converts the direct current produced by the panels into alternating current for your home or business, while also helping the system run safely and efficiently. This guide explains how solar inverters work, why they matter and what to consider when choosing one for your property.

What is a zero emissions boiler? A zero emissions boiler is an electric heating system that produces no on-site carbon emissions because it doesn’t burn gas or oil. It uses electricity to heat your home, with systems such as the tepeo ZEB able to charge during off-peak periods, store heat and release it when needed.

A home EV charging station gives Airbnb guests a convenient, reliable way to charge their electric vehicle during their stay. For hosts with off-street parking, installing a dedicated charger can make the property more attractive to EV drivers, help it appear in relevant accommodation searches, and reduce guests’ reliance on public charging points.

ZEB boilers are electric heat battery systems that store energy as heat and release it through a home’s existing radiators or underfloor heating when needed. For UK homeowners looking to move away from gas, oil or LPG, a tepeo ZEB could provide a practical low-carbon heating option, particularly where an outdoor heat pump unit is unsuitable. This guide explains how ZEB boilers work, how they compare with electric boilers and air source heat pumps, what grants may be available, and how to decide whether one is right for your home.

Wondering how do solar panels work with your electric bill? Solar panels generate electricity for your home, reducing the amount of power you need to buy from your energy supplier. You'll usually still receive an electricity bill for grid electricity, standing charges and other tariff costs, but your overall payments could be lower. Any surplus electricity may also be exported through a Smart Export Guarantee tariff, while battery storage can help you use more of your solar energy at night.