Solar panels on property

Triple Solution

We are seeing an increasing number of clients ordering Electric Vehicles, both for their home and business use. Therefore we are regularly getting asked for the installation of EV chargers for home and business use. Many clients are also going that one step further and are asking for the complete green energy package of Solar Panels, storage batteries and EV chargers.

This triple solution enables you to create power from the sun, store it if you don’t need it at the time, and then charge your electric vehicle with your own energy. Indeed you might also be able to sell some of your power back to the grid.

Here at Carter Electrical Installations we can offer this triple solution with products to suit all budgets. For the high end solution we recommend LG Solar Panels, with a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery and an Andersen charger for your EV. We would also add Solar Edge inverters-inverters change the DC voltage from the solar panels to AC voltage that can be used in the property. We can offer bespoke packages offering the best value for money for the client. We fit the products professionally and are on hand to give a good level of advice and after service.

Remember there are also government grants available for most green energy projects. We can help you in applying for these.

This image and the header photo show our latest installation for Organico Foods in Reading. This system by Huawei FusionSolar has Solar panels with a battery to store excess energy.

Another recent installation was a 12 panel 4.6kW system installed with SolarEdge inverter & optimisers. We had previously fitted a Zappi for customer’s EV. They have also opted for a Tesla Powerwall AC battery. We’ve installed the Tesla Gateway in preparation for the imminent delivery of the battery unit.

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Carter Electrical energy loggers

Energy Loggers-Hire A Professional

This might seem a boring subject to blog about but here at Carter Electrcial Energy Loggers are a vital tool for us. They help us measure clients energy usage so that we can fit the correct solar system. The loggers could also potentially spot electrical usage that the client is unaware of. With subsequent action taken by us they could reduce their energy bills.

The header photo above shows us setting up the Fluke Corporation data logger for a 2 week session so we can advise our client on an ideal sized solar system to meet their usage. That’s why we use the #hireaprofessional

Checking For Overloads

Here is Martin setting up some monitoring equipment at one of our client’s units. They’re having issues with overloads so looking to balance out their power usage across circuits- using the Fluke United Kingdom 1732 power analyser.

The logger discovers sources of electrical energy waste to identify possible energy savings, and conduct load studies. For you electrical nerds the logger:

  •  Automatically captures log voltage, current, power, power factor, energy and associated values
  • It has the highest safety rating in the industry: 600 V CAT IV/1000 V CAT III rated for use at the service entrance and downstream.

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upgrade your office with new electrics

Working From Home? Upgrade Your Home Office

Are you enjoying working from home? Not missing the hour long commute? Want to prove to your boss that you are more productive at home? Want to stay working from home?

However, does your home office hardware and infrastructure support your maximum productivity? Have you moved in to a garden office like thousands of others, but still not got everything working properly? Do you need a power supply to your garden office?

Outlets

First, let’s look at the easy changes that we can do right away, such as making sure your office has enough outlets, so you don’t need to use extension cords. Extension cords are a sign that you need a wiring upgrade. They’re a trip hazard, they’re ugly, and they’re unnecessary when you have the infrastructure you need.

You can tackle a shortage of outlets by calling an electrician. At the same time you increase the number of outlets, you can also add some USB charging points. Instead of clogging up the AC plugs when you’re charging USB devices, simply add USB outlets and charge your devices. In many situations, just changing out old AC points with USB points actually doubles the number of useable outlets. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

Dedicated Computer Circuit

Another easy improvement is adding a dedicated computer circuit for the office/computer equipment. Because computers use more sophisticated components and are more sensitive to any changes in the electrical signal, a dedicated circuit is a needed safety feature. This circuit isolates your computer equipment from other devices on other circuits, such as heaters and refrigerators that intermittently draw more power. Whatever happens elsewhere in the home’s electrical system is separate from your computers.

Another upgrade is a surge suppressor. Installing a whole-house surge suppressor, that is located near the electrical panel, will protect the entire home from damaging electrical surges.

Hard-Wired Internet Connection for Better Speed

Lastly, replacing Wi-Fi with a hard-wired internet connection can provide a more stable connection that’s better for high-bandwidth tasks like videoconferencing. If you ever find that your Wi-Fi is a bit sketchy or unreliable, a hard-wired connection will solve that problem. It’s also a benefit when you have multiple users competing for bandwidth. Also a great solution for a garden office.

Although you might start with just a few upgrades, you may find your home office could also benefit from better lighting, security cameras, and other electrical upgrades that all need more power. Contact us here at Carter Electrical Installations to learn more about these and other improvements that will boost your productivity and enhance your home office security.

PS.

Consumer Units-aka Fuseboards

Check Out The Four Indicators That Signal You May Need An Upgrade.

1- Age- If your fuseboard has not been changed in twenty years then it is likely not compliant with current standards and may not provide you with basic protection. Technology and safety associated with consumer units has also moved on massively in the last thirty years from both the perspective of shock and fire protection and also the ease of use for the homeowner.

2- Does your consumer unit have an RCD (Residual Current Device)? Most modern consumer units should have and this single device massively increases the safety of your home electrics.

3- Live parts exposed- Are the working parts, fuses, or circuit breakers enclosed or are parts of the board exposed? It’s surprising how many fuseboards we come across with fuseholders or blanking plates missing leave live parts exposed to touch.

4- Fire risk- Is your fuseboard constructed of wood or plastic? If it is then it may not meet fire regulations. Should the worst happen, would the location of your fuseboard impede your escape in the event that it caught fire? Many consumer units are located either in an under-stairs cupboard or by the front door and many of these cupboards are also used to store potentially flammable objects.

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New build air source heat pump

Air Source Heat Pumps

The Alternative To Gas Boilers?

Air source pumps serve as an alternative way to heat your home, and could be the ideal solution if you want to generate your own heat and potentially save money on your energy bills. 

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) absorb heat from the outside air to heat your home and hot water. They can still extract heat when air temperatures are as low as -15°C.

Air source heat pumps need electricity to run, but because they are extracting renewable heat from the environment, the heat output is greater than the electricity input. This makes them an energy efficient method of heating your home.

How much do they cost? The typical air source heat pump cost ranges from £4,000-8,000, depending on the pump brand and its heat output.

Are they noisy? Because heat pumps come in all shapes and sizes, the sound and volume of noise they make varies between models and manufacturers. Fortunately, due to government regulations most modern air source heat pumps can work a lot quieter than older models.

Do you need planning permission for an AHSP? You do not need planning permission but do need to seek permission from the local supply authority as they need to check that the supply to your property can handle the extra draw on the electricity supply. Careful consideration must given given to the siting of the unit as there can be some noise pollution.

What brand of pumps do Carter Electrical install? We have installed Mitsubishi Ecodan and Midea pumps to date. The Midea unit is particularly quiet.

Do Carter Electrical have any accreditations? We have staff that have completed Energy Efficiency, ASHP and water regulation courses.

Types of pumps? There are two main types of air source heat pumps (ASHPs): air-to-water and air-to-heat. An ASHP works a bit like a refrigerator in reverse. The process consists of an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser. The ASHP absorbs heat from the outside air into a liquid at a low temperature, then the heat pump compressor increases the temperature of that heat. In the condenser, the hot liquid’s heat is transferred to your heating and hot-water circuits. So you can use it to warm up your home.

Many air source heat pumps are eligible for payment through the Renewable Heat Incentive, a government scheme that provides payments to homeowners who generate their own heat. 

Air-to-water heat pumps These take heat from the outside air and feed it into your wet central heating system. As the heat produced is cooler than that from a conventional boiler, you may need to install larger radiators or underfloor heating in your home to make the most of it. They qualify for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), too. Under the UK government’s scheme, you could get money towards renewable heating costs in your home. Air-to-water heat pumps may be best suited to new-build properties. It could cost less if the heat pump is included as part of the building specification, rather than having to retrofit underfloor heating later on.

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New build electrics Frimley

98 out of 101-Energy Performance Certificate

We are thrilled. We have received the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) report for the new build house we worked on in Frimley.

It achieved 98/101 on the EPC, it is net zero on CO2 emissions. The only way to improve the rating would have been with Solar Thermal water heating.

The new build house is a timber frame construction and we installed Solar PV, Air Source heat pump, MVHR and an EV (Electrical Vehicle) charger. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a continuous source of ventilation that extracts stale, moisture-laden air from a building and resupplies fresh, filtered air back in, resulting in a comfortable and condensation free environment all year round. Besides the energy savings, MVHR systems have a number of other benefits and reasons for its implementation. Occupants with good MVHR systems often value the excellent indoor air quality as the most outstanding advantage.

This is the comment from the tester;
“It’s an excellent result as very few dwellings achieve an A rating, let alone a score of 98. Definitely one of the best results I have seen”

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Solar panel installer reading

Green Energy Solution for the Greenkeepers

Caversham Heath Golf Club has merged with Reading Golf Club and is to be called The Caversham. As part of this move there has been an extensive remodelling of the golf course. Included in the renovation of the golf course has been the building of a purpose-built unit for the Greenkeepers at The Caversham. Carter Electrical Installations have been involved from the start on this project and have installed Solar PV, Ducted Air, LED Lights and Fire Alarms. A total green solution!

With the 11kWp solar panel installation the building will mostly, if not always, be self-sufficient. Carter has also installed DC coupled battery storage so any surplus electricity, which there will most likely be plenty, can be stored up for the greenkeepers. This can then be used over night or during ‘peak’ energy times when electricity rates will be higher.

Heating and cooling for the internal offices and canteen area is handled by Daikin air to air heat pump units, giving a perfectly comfortable internal environment all year round. Apart from it being a more efficient system, it is complemented by the solar and battery storage.

All internal and external lighting is by Bell, Integral and Collingwood, and is not only LED, but also controlled by occupancy sensors so they aren’t left on unnecessarily. All in all an excellent outcome highlighting the benefits of an integrated green solution that Carter can provide to commercial buildings.

This project was delivered with the support of a grant from Low Carbon Workspaces. Grants are available to SMEs based in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. To find out if your business is eligible contact the Low Carbon Workspaces team on 01494 927131 and at info@lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk or to find out more go to www.lowcarbonworkspaces.co.uk.

Once you have identified your project, we would be happy to help with the installation

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EICR testing for landlords

Electrical Safety Standards For Landlords

The private rental sector has grown rapidly over the last 15 years and there are now around 5 million rented properties in England. After many years of campaigning by electrical safety groups, such as Electrical Safety First, new rules for Landlords have been applied since last summer. At Carter Electrical we have seen some awful examples of poor wiring and electrical safety over the last 20 years so are pleased that these new regulations have been brought in.

From 1st June 2020, private landlords in England have been required to have the electrical installation in their rental properties checked by a qualified electrician to ensure that they are safe.

  • Electrical installations must have been inspected and tested prior to the start of a new tenancy from 1st July 2020
  • Checks must be carried out on any existing tenancies by 1st April 2021

These checks must then be carried out on a five yearly basis.

The Regulations do not cover electrical appliances, only the fixed electrical installations.

We recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice.

Tenants are responsible for making sure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.

Landlords must obtain a report (usually an Electrical Installation Condition Report or EICR) from the person conducting the inspection and test which explains its outcomes and any investigative or remedial work required. At Carter Electrical Installations we have all the necessary accreditations to carry out an EICR on rented properties.

Landlords must then supply a copy of this report to the tenant within 28 days of the inspection and test, to a new tenant before they occupy the premises, and to any prospective tenant within 28 days of receiving a request for the report.

If a local authority requests it, landlords must supply them with a copy of this report within 7 days of receiving the request.

If the report requires remedial work or further investigation, landlords must provide written confirmation that the work has been carried out to their tenant and to the local authority within 28 days of completing the work.

Landlords must retain a copy of the report to give to the inspector and tester who will undertake the next inspection and test.

Below is our up to date Electrical Safety Inspection Certificate.

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Carter Electrical van

Green Is Go For 2021

New Electric Van-Tesla Powerwall-Solar Panels

Here at Carter Electrical we try hard to practice what we preach. So in 2020 we acquired an electric van for the business, installed solar panels and a Tesla battery at our offices. We have also installed similar at our own homes and signed up with Octopus Energy to be more green.

In 2021 we intend to continue this trend in our lives and our business. We would also like to help more of you become greener. So if you need a rapid charging point for your electric car, somebody to fit solar panels, or add a storage battery to your home or place of work we can help. We have the experience of fitting, and using these devices, in our own homes and office.

There are also various government grants available when installing electric vehicle chargers and solar panels. Money saving tariffs are worth looking in to when you have solar panels and a storage battery installed. We can advise on all aspects of an integrated energy system. Also a storage battery can act as a lifesaver if you have a power cut; which has become quite frequent in Berkshire and Oxfordshire in recent years.

Octopus Energy and Tesla Powerwall recently announced a joint energy plan with some of the lowest tariffs available in the market. The Tesla Energy Plan is an energy tariff specifically designed for homes with solar and Powerwall installed, offering 100% clean electricity and savings of up to 75% compared to Big 6 tariffs, based on electricity consumption of 8,000 kWh/year.

So you can save money as well as saving the planet. Do get in touch with us to find out more. Carter Electrical Installations

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Christmas decor

As It’s Christmas-Our 12 Highlights of 2020.

  1. The Carter family were busy in November building a playhouse for The Heights Primary School Jon, Matt, Mick built the house with the assistance of Mikey. Jon’s son Xavi did the time lapse and video editing, and a great job he did too.

2) Pods at Stirrups Hotel

3) Floodlights at Abby Rugby Club

4) Kitchen Refurbishment

5) Solar Panels and Tesla Battery

6) Great energy report certificate

7) New Electric van

8) Defibrillator installation

9) Getting some great Google Reviews

10) Following all of the Covid-19 Guidelines

11) Installed Great Looking LED Lights

12) Sent Out Our First Ever Email Newsletter

https://conta.cc/2G1nMuv

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Electrical Heating Reading

Electric Heating-Staying Cosy and Saving Money

Landlords and home owners who have old inefficient electric storage heaters installed can swap these out for new Dimplex Quantum heaters. The Dimplex heaters are 27% cheaper to run and more efficient. They provide instant warmth through dual-element technology with an advanced electronic controller. With the controller you can plan over 7 days and control the temperature. The heaters also have energy saving technologies, such as open window detection and eco start.

Landlords now have to get their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to grade D and this can often involve costly fabric improvements. A relatively cheaper option is to swap out the old storage heaters for a more modern stylish electric radiator.

We recently installed a Milano Windsor Electric Radiator. This radiator has exquisite vintage styling, featuring an authentic cast iron design. The beautifully crafted column radiator works independently of your central heating system and you can have the choice of a Wi-Fi Thermostat.

There are plenty of makes to chose from. Why not get in touch and update your old storage heaters for something more modern and efficient?

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