Your Complete Guide to Renewable Energy
Everything you need to know about making the switch to green energy
Getting Started
Step 1: Assess Your Home
Before exploring renewable energy options:
- • Review 12 months of energy bills to understand usage
- • Note your home's age, insulation levels, and heating system
- • Consider your roof's orientation, angle, and potential shading
- • Think about your long-term plans for the property
Step 2: Set Your Priorities
Decide what matters most:
- • Cost savings vs environmental impact
- • Quick payback vs long-term investment
- • Energy independence vs grid connection
- • Maintenance requirements vs convenience
Understanding Your Options
Solar Panels (Photovoltaic)
Best For: South-facing roofs with minimal shading
Investment: £4,000-12,000 for typical systems
Payback: 8-12 years typically
Savings: £300-800 annually
Lifespan: 25+ years with minimal maintenance
Heat Pumps (Air Source)
Best For: Well-insulated homes, replacing oil/LPG heating
Investment: £8,000-15,000 (£5,000 government grant available)
Payback: 10-20 years depending on current heating
Savings: Varies greatly by current system
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Best For: Rural properties with garden space
Investment: £15,000-25,000
Payback: 15-25 years
Savings: Higher than air source pumps
Lifespan: 20-25 years
Choosing the Right Installer
Essential Qualifications
- • MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification
- • Relevant trade qualifications (electrical, plumbing, heating)
- • Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million)
- • Professional indemnity insurance
Red Flags to Avoid
- • Door-to-door sales with high-pressure tactics
- • Requests for large upfront payments
- • Prices significantly above or below market rates
- • No fixed address or proper business registration
- • Unwillingness to provide references
Questions to Ask Installers
- 1. Can you provide recent customer references?
- 2. What warranties do you offer on equipment and installation?
- 3. How do you handle maintenance and repairs?
- 4. What's included in your quote (scaffolding, electrical work, etc.)?
- 5. How long will the installation take?
- 6. What planning permissions or notifications are needed?
Financial Considerations
Government Support
- • Boiler Upgrade Scheme: £5,000 for heat pumps
- • Smart Export Guarantee: Payment for excess solar electricity
- • Council Tax Reductions: Some authorities offer discounts
- • VAT Reductions: 0% VAT on solar panels, 5% on heat pumps
Financing Options
- • Cash purchase (best returns)
- • Green mortgages and remortgaging
- • Personal loans (compare rates carefully)
- • Installer finance (read terms carefully)
Hidden Costs to Consider
- • Scaffolding and access equipment
- • Electrical upgrades and new consumer units
- • Building control fees and notifications
- • Insurance premium changes
- • Maintenance and servicing
Making the Decision
Getting Quotes
- • Obtain 3-4 detailed quotes for comparison
- • Ensure all quotes include same scope of work
- • Ask for breakdown of equipment vs labour costs
- • Check what's included (warranties, maintenance, etc.)
Comparing Options
Consider beyond just price:
- • Equipment quality and efficiency ratings
- • Warranty terms and installer reputation
- • Projected performance and savings
- • Aesthetic impact and planning requirements
Final Checks
- • Verify installer credentials independently
- • Check building insurance covers new equipment
- • Understand warranty terms and registration process
- • Plan for any disruption during installation
After Installation
Commissioning
- • Ensure proper system commissioning and testing
- • Register warranties and guarantees
- • Understand how to operate and monitor your system
- • Keep all documentation and certificates
Ongoing Maintenance
- • Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules
- • Monitor system performance regularly
- • Address issues promptly to maintain warranties
- • Plan for eventual replacement of components