by Jaime | May 31, 2024 | Projects, Solar
This roof was small and the tolerances were tight but we managed to squeeze 14 panels in the available space using hooks and rails and a specialised non-penetrating flat roof mounting kit.
The brand new EPDM rubber roof was protected from damage by the recycled rubber feet, and the computer-calculated ballast will make sure these panels stay put forever.
Want a sneak peek behind the scenes? Click on the images below to see how the flat roof kit is put together…
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Feet placed
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Frame fitted
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Ballast added
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Complete!
by Jaime | May 15, 2024 | Government, Solar
What is the ECO4 Grant?
The ECO4 grant is a great opportunity provided by the UK government to help you make your home more energy-efficient without breaking the bank. If your home could do with some insulation, heating upgrades, or renewable energy solutions, you might be in luck. Typically, if you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you could be eligible. It’s worth checking out the specific criteria, as this scheme is all about making cosy homes affordable for everyone.
Who Qualifies for ECO4?
You qualify under the ECO4 scheme if you have a total household income of less than £31,000, if you or anyone in your home is classed as vulnerable to the cold or if anyone in your house is on any kind of Government benefit.
Is ECO4 available across the UK?
Yes, the ECO4 grant is available across the UK. In Northern Ireland, energy efficiency schemes might run a bit differently, so it’s worth checking local government websites for the nitty-gritty. No matter where you are, there’s likely support available to make your home greener. UK Gov Grants can help put you in touch with the right providers
Check now to see if you qualify >>
by Jaime | Feb 28, 2024 | Projects
This innovative new build project near Kettering in Northamptonshire was designed from the ground up to have as little impact on the environment as possible, combining all the latest energy-saving technologies into an attractive and eco-friendly set of red brick dwellings.
The sleek Viridian solar panels neatly integrated into the Spanish slate are just part of the extensive energy-saving measures installed – which include heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and the very latest insulation standards, all working together to ensure these properties will be super efficient and have the absolute smallest carbon footprint possible.
The developer expressed their genuine desire to make a measurable impact on the environment, and really went all out to realise their intention with this beautiful development, and the result is a set of eco-homes that will look and feel great for years to come.
by Jaime | Jan 5, 2024 | Government, Storage
Advocates for solar electricity are celebrating a triumph in their efforts to eliminate VAT charges on household batteries retrofitted to homes already equipped with PV panels.
This success in the tax battle aligns with the confirmation from the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) that 2023 has broken records for solar PV installations.
Until early December, the MCS reported a total of 183,022 certified PV installations this year, surpassing 2022’s count by a third. Presently, an estimated 2 million UK residences, along with numerous commercial structures, generate clean, subsidy-free power from their rooftops.
Following persistent representations from SolarEnergy UK, the government scrapped the 20% VAT on power storage devices retrofitted to homes, effective from February 1st 2024.
Installers suggest that as many as a million homes with rooftop panels might have refrained from installing batteries due to the VAT discrepancy.
The VAT exemption from will cover domestic Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), water-source heat pumps, and diverters—devices that channel surplus power from solar or other renewables to specific appliances, primarily water heaters.
Despite the VAT challenge, the installation of batteries, both at initial stages and retrofits, surged in 2023. Recent MCS figures indicate that out of the 4,700 certified BESS devices nationwide, 4,400 were installed, with nearly 800 installations in November alone.
The number of MCS-accredited contractors for installing storage devices has soared from 50 in January to over 850 presently.
Furthermore, home-scale batteries have seen price declines similar to those witnessed in domestic solar generation, prompting more homeowners with panels to seek battery installations to maximize savings from their energy systems.
Additionally, the reduced VAT has influenced homeowners to be less inclined towards installing batteries for time-shifting and flex exercises, designed to alleviate grid stress by adjusting electricity consumption or shifting it to off-peak hours.
SolarEnergyUK, a key advocate, had long campaigned for the VAT exemption and welcomed this week’s success. Chief Executive Chris Hewett highlighted the potential benefits: “Installing a battery energy storage system can double the savings offered by a home solar installation, particularly with current energy prices.”
by Jaime | Nov 14, 2023 | Projects
This install near Kettering has been turning heads since it was completed in September, as the final result means the roof is almost entirely occupied by solar panels. Having decided to go all electric with their energy the customer realised they could use the space on their roof to generate as much of their own power as possible and reduce their bills significantly. The result was just over 8kW of solar PV goodness covering around 90% of the area on the front roof, and it’s attracted quite a few compliments from passers-by as the flush-fit panels blend in perfectly with the welsh slate, giving the house a very modern and clean look that’s still in keeping with the original feel of the building.
In addition they opted for a 5.22kWh battery to store some of the power generated from the panels, as well as to store cheap rate power during the winter and use the battery to keep the house running at minimal cost. In the summer this system should produce considerably more energy than they need, and so they’ll be able to claim the Smart Export Guarantee (feed-in tariff) and get paid so should end up in credit with their supplier, further off-setting their bills in winter and saving them even more, so it’s a win-win…win.
