Have yourself an eco-friendly Christmas

Twinkle, Twinkle, LED star

Decorating your home sustainably this Christmas doesn’t mean sacrificing festive cheer. In the same way that solar panels continue to produce energy throughout the winter months, solar-powered lights are a simple, cost-effective way to light up your home while reducing your energy consumption. Many manufacturers now offer beautiful, durable solar string lights that charge during the day and glow throughout the night, powered entirely by the (wintery!) sun. 

Picture of LED Christmas Lights
LED lights consume up to 80% less electricity.

For indoor decorations, energy-efficient LED bulbs are an excellent choice. They last around 25,000 hours-compared to about 1000 hours if you stick with traditional incandescent lights, but they also consume up to 80% less electricity, leaving a smaller carbon footprint while keeping your home merry and bright.

All I want for Christmas is…a renewable energy gift

This year, why not give a gift that keeps on giving? Renewable energy solutions like solar chargers, wind-up flashlights, or even smart thermostats make excellent eco-friendly presents for friends and family. These gifts don’t just show you care about the recipient – they show you care about the planet, too.

And if you think gifting a smart thermostat to your other half might end in the cold shoulder over Christmas Dinner, then why not treat yourself to some renewable energy technology this Christmas? With the Tesla Powerwall 3 already being installed, get yourself to the forefront of renewable technology, and start 2025 off more sustainably.

Or why not let us treat you? As an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner, if you’re a non-Octopus customer, sign up to Octopus Energy using our affiliate link here and enjoy a £50 bill credit just for signing up!

Merry and Bright (and warm, and cosy)

The colder months often mean higher energy bills as we strive to stay warm and comfortable – in the UK, the average family spends £50 more on electricity throughout December. However, with renewable energy and mindful practices, you can stay cosy and warm without dramatically increasing your carbon footprint:

  • Insulate and seal: Make sure your home is properly insulated to prevent heat loss, reducing the need for excessive heating.
  • Turn off the plugs: Chances are you’ve got all manner of electrical items plugged in and on standby now, and they’ll use more power than you think. You could save £35 a year just by turning things off at the wall
  • Smart heating systems: Use programmable thermostats powered by renewable energy to optimise heating and save energy – if you’re out all night at your work Christmas Do, make sure your heating isn’t left on!
  • Use timers for your Christmas lights: Most of us are out at work all day, and our social diaries fill up in the evenings and at weekends this time of year. Using a timer makes sure you limit the number of hours your Christmas lights are on. So when you inevitably fall asleep on the sofa in front of Home Alone this Christmas, you know the lights will sort themselves out.
Christmas lights covering house without a timer.
If your house currently looks like this, you definitely need a timer!
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Embrace the Power of Renewables This November: A Guide to Sustainable Energy Solutions

Why Focus on Renewable Energy Now?

  1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency: As we approach the colder months, heating costs can skyrocket. By investing in renewable energy solutions like solar panels or energy-efficient heating systems, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and lower your monthly expenses.
  2. Government Incentives: November is an excellent time to explore available incentives for renewable energy installations. There are Government grants and other financial benefits for homeowners who switch to renewable energy sources, making now an ideal time to invest. Don’t forget to apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler.
  3. Environmental Impact: The Christmas season often brings an increase in energy consumption due to lighting and heating, especially if you’re one for big decorations or hosting the family on the big day. By opting for renewable energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler. Check your eligibility here!

Top Renewable Energy Solutions to Consider

  • Solar Panels: Harnessing the power of the sun can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Even during the shorter days of winter, and the seemingly weaker sunlight, solar panels can generate substantial energy, especially when combined with battery storage solutions.
  • Energy-Efficient Heating: Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency heating system or exploring geothermal heating options. Both these systems use renewable energy sources to provide consistent warmth without excessive energy use.
  • Smart Home Technology: Implementing smart thermostats and energy management systems can help you optimise your energy use. By automatically adjusting your heating and cooling based on your schedule, you can save energy and money. Check out the Octopus tado°: a smart heating thermostat that uses your location to let you know when to turn down your heating while you’re away and then turn it back up when you return.
  • Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: If you own an electric vehicle or are considering one, installing a home charging station can be a great addition. This not only supports your green lifestyle but can also save you money compared to traditional fuel sources. At Carter Renewables, we are big fans of the myenergi zappi, the UK’s #1 best-selling solar compatible EV charger. 
Tado Smart Heating Thermostat
tado° is a smart heating thermostat that uses your location to let you know when to turn down your heating while you’re away and then turn it back up when you return.

Tips for Transitioning to Renewable Energy

  1. Assess Your Energy Needs: Start by evaluating your current energy consumption. This will help you understand how much renewable energy you need to generate or how much energy-efficient technology to implement.
  2. Consult Professionals (us!): Working with a qualified electrician can make the transition smoother. They can provide insights into the best systems for your home and ensure that installations meet safety standards. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
  3. Plan for the Future: As you make the switch to renewable energy, consider how these changes can benefit you in the long run. Investing now means you’ll enjoy lower bills and increased property value as the demand for green technology rises.
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Made in China

The trip started with a Smart PV showcase at Huawei HQ before a train tour around Xiliubeipo village of six different areas, all breathtakingly stunning and architectural masterpieces in their own rights. We experienced a disassembly demonstration of new products, including a mega 150kW inverter and a 215kWh battery. 

The architecture on display around Xiliubeipo village
The architecture on display around Xiliubeipo village was mindblowing.

Later that night, we enjoyed a late afternoon exclusive factory tour – anti-static hats and coats were needed – before an exquisite meal at a Turkish restaurant located in the Huawei Research and Development facility. Day one had got off to an impressive start, both work-wise and hospitality-wise!

Day 2

You haven’t been in a library until you’ve been in the library at the Ox Horn Campus in Dongguan – what an incredible building that literally takes your breath away, and trust me, it wasn’t silent! On this day, we benefited from lots of presentations, product information and installers from around the world at the cutting edge of solar technology. The Huawei products were seriously impressive, and from a UK perspective, we haven’t yet experienced their reach and quality here due to the Huawei scandal of 2020 where the UK Government placed a ban on Huawei supplying kit for Britain’s 5G mobile networks.

The library at the Ox Horn Campus in Dongguan
No photo I took does the library at the Ox Horn Campus in Dongguan justice!

Obviously it’s not all work, and most definitely play, so in the evening we attended the Gala Dinner. Wow. Tomahawk steaks cooked before our eyes, light and drone shows, unlimited food and drink – is it any wonder the night ended in a local town and police escort after our installer party got a bit too loud with the locals in the early hours?!

Gala Dinner
We received the finest hospitality at the Gala Dinner, courtesy of our amazing hosts.

Day 3

Unsurprisingly, the third day I did not rise from the ashes, rather staggered out of my hotel room, jaded and tired. After a strong coffee, we enjoyed more product information at the lecture hall before travelling back to Shenzen. We stopped via Huawei’s EV/PV/battery inner city facility (which of course was built in an incredible ninety days – another example of the superb Chinese productivity). 

Davidson Exhibition Hall, the Huawei flagship store

We then enjoyed tours around the Davidson Exhibition Hall, the Huawei flagship store (think Apple Store on steroids), and the Watt Store, which is a massive demo centre in the basement of one of the Huawei buildings. After authentic Peking duck for dinner, we closed the day off with drinks underneath the Ping An Finance Centre, the 5th tallest building in China at an impressive 599.1m tall.

Ping An Finance Centre
Can confirm drinks did not remain underneath the Ping An Finance Centre…

Day 4

How I got up for Day 4 is still quite the mystery, as I took ‘not all work, some play’ very seriously last night, and drinks definitely did not stay just underneath Ping An, and rather escalated. Today, I got to experience the top of the building that I spent last night drinking underneath, but the view from the 550m summit matched the inside of my head: cloudy.

View from Ping An looking down

Later that day, we travelled into Shenzen, where the roads are so unbelievably quiet due to the sheer number of electric vehicles, up to 90% of the total vehicles on the road are EVs. We had enough time to visit a local electronics market which had some ridiculously cheap smart watches, headphones and drones for sale – another suitcase was also purchased for the return trip!

Day 5

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Childproof your home’s electrical outlets

What are the risks?

Electrical outlets and cords are part of everyday life, and are often within easy reach of curious children. The risks associated with these include:

  • Electric Shock: Children may insert objects or fingers into electrical plug sockets, leading to severe injury or even fatality.
  • Strangulation Hazards: Loose cords can pose a strangulation risk to young children.
  • Fire Hazards: Damaged or frayed cords can ignite, posing a fire risk.

What can I do to minimise the risks?

DON’T cover the plug sockets!!

Why not, you say? Well, British 13-amp plug sockets are designed for safety, with plastic barriers that block access to the electrical current when the socket is empty. Inserting a plug moves the barrier, allowing electricity to flow.

However, objects like plastic plug protectors can also move the barrier, leaving the circuit exposed and increasing the risk of electric shocks. These protectors can be inserted incorrectly or broken, further compromising safety. In essence, using a plug protector negates the safety features of UK sockets, raising the risk of shocks, electrical fires, and socket damage.

Covering plug sockets with plastic covers.
Covering your plug sockets with these plastic covers can actually do more harm than good.

Educate your children

Ultimately, education and understanding is the best preventative tool we can give our children regarding electrical safety. Simple, age-appropriate explanations about why they should not play with plug sockets, along with consistent supervision, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure our children grow up aware of the hazards everyday electrical items can pose.

Rearrange the furniture

A simple trick, but a sensible, free and effective one! Placing large, bulky furniture in front of outlets that are not in use prevents children from reaching them. Cord shorteners can also be used to keep excess cords out of reach, to avoid children tugging on them (and inevitably pulling over a bedside lamp!)

Lamp on unit with hidden plug socket.
The cord to this lamp is cleverly hidden behind this unit (and no, it’s not a touch lamp!)

Install Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) are designed with a spring-loaded cover that seals off the plug slots. These outlets only open when equal pressure is applied simultaneously to both slots, as when plugging in a cord, making it difficult for children to insert foreign objects. Installing TRRs is a highly effective way to childproof your home and is recommended by electrical safety organisations.

Conduct regular safety checks

Carry out regular safety checks around your home to ensure all electrical outlets are adequately childproofed and that no wear and tear on the sockets, or cords, could pose a risk. Check that all outlet covers and plates are in place and undamaged, and replace any that are loose or broken. Keep cords neat and tucked away out of sight, where possible, and ensure that plug sockets aren’t overloaded. For further information on general electrical safety at home, check out our March blog.

And if you want to call in the professionals for a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) of your fixed wiring, give us a shout – our comprehensive survey will find out if any outlets are overloaded, if there are any potential risks or fire hazards and if there is any defective electrical work.

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LED Lighting – 10 Steps to a Brighter Future

  1. Energy efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of LED lighting is its energy efficiency, a phrase we hear a lot these days. Although you may think that one bulb can’t make that much difference to your energy bill, LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and about 50% less than fluorescent bulbs. Consider how many bulbs you have in your home or business – this substantial reduction in energy consumption translates to lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint, making LEDs an eco-friendly choice.

Warehouse using LED lighting.
From small-scale domestic installations, to vast commercial projects – switching to LED will save you money
  1. LEDs last longer

According to the government, one of the benefits of LED lighting is that they last up to 5 times longer than halogen bulbs. Other sources say that halogen bulbs typically last for 1,500 hours, whereas LED lights last for anything from 35,000 to 100,000 hours! Although there may be some debate as to exactly how long they last, this longevity means fewer replacements, less maintenance, and long-term savings on replacement costs.

  1. Durability

Did you know that it used to be the case to check a box of traditional light bulbs before buying, much like a box of eggs, to check they were all intact before buying? Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LEDs are resistant to shock, vibrations, and external impacts, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. They’re so sturdy because an LED is made of compound semiconductor materials, which emit light when the electrical current passes through them, allowing them to withstand rough handling and extreme temperatures.

  1. No more burnt fingers!

Have you ever tried to change a standard bulb right after it’s blown? Halogen and incandescent bulbs generate light through heat, making them extremely hot to the touch after use. One of the practical benefits of LED bulbs is that they don’t emit heat, so you can change them without wincing!

LED Light bulb vs traditional light bulb
Check out that brightness difference!
  1. LEDs are environmentally friendly

Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, so they have to be carefully disposed of when they’ve stopped working, or they will inevitably cause damage to the environment. On the other hand, LED lights benefit from being made from compound materials that are recyclable and not harmful to the environment upon disposal. 

  1. Matchy-matchy

Traditional, incandescent bulbs, could be coated with a colour such as blue or red, but that coating would dim the amount of light that could pass through the glass of the bulb. However, LED lights can emit a wide range of different colours, matching whatever decor you have in your home or business in a visually appealing way. Additionally, LED strip lighting is becoming commonly used in homes and business reception areas to highlight feature walls, signage and focal pieces of furniture.

Lighting effects that come with using LED Light bulbs. This is a bedroom with purple lighting.
Choose LED lighting to match your internal or external decor
  1. The most versatile bulbs

The versatility of LED lighting is unmatched; LEDs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them suitable for diverse applications. From residential and commercial lighting to automotive, industrial, and outdoor lighting, LEDs can be tailored to meet specific needs and design preferences.

  1. LEDs operate at a lower voltage

If you install a low voltage lighting system, which operates at around 12V, you and your employees or family are far less likely to suffer a harmful electric shock if your lighting system is damaged or exposed to the elements. Voltage systems used to power traditional lighting generate around 120V, which can be fatal if accidentally touched.

  1. Smart lighting capabilities

If you want to wow your guests at a party, choose LEDs! At the forefront of smart lighting technology, LEDs can be easily integrated with smart home systems, allowing you to control your lighting remotely via smartphones or voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Features such as dimming, scheduling, and colour changing enhance convenience and energy efficiency, as well as that wow factor.

  1. LEDs are even good for your health!

Incredibly, LED lighting can even have positive effects on your health and well-being: they provide better lighting quality that reduces eye strain and headaches associated with poor lighting. Additionally, LEDs can be adjusted to minimise blue light exposure, which can interfere with sleep patterns, promoting better sleep hygiene.

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