A Helping Hand Towards a Solar Future

The UK Government has big plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050, and to achieve this, solar panels cannot be limited to the rooftops of high-end earners. The ECO4 scheme aims to assist low-income and vulnerable households in improving energy efficiency. Eligible homeowners can receive support for installing solar panels, which can significantly reduce electricity bills in the long-term, as well as make significant social improvements to those living with health conditions made worse by the cold. Eligibility is based on specific criteria, including income level and existing energy efficiency measures in the home, and you can complete a free eligibility check here.

gov eco 4

But I own my own wind farm! Well, you need the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Making money off your solar panels just sitting on your roof sounds too good to be true, right? Well, if you have installed solar PV panels in your home or business (or own your own wind farm), you may be able to earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Under the SEG, home or business owners with solar panels can receive payments for surplus electricity exported back to the grid. In actual fact, energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers are mandated to offer this scheme, providing a financial incentive for generating renewable energy. Rates and terms vary by supplier, so it’s advisable to compare offers. Read more about the SEG here.

Tell me more about 0% VAT on Solar Panel Installations…

To encourage renewable energy adoption, in 2022, the UK government implemented a 0% VAT rate on the installation of solar panels for residential properties. This reduction lowers the upfront cost of solar installation, making solar power even more accessible to the average homeowner. The zero VAT approach is currently in effect and is scheduled to last until 2027, after which it will revert to 5%, which is still pretty low compared to other VAT rates! There are a few stipulations in place however: customers must pay for the installation and supplies simultaneously (i.e. you’d need to hire a company that is both selling you the panels and fitting them for you), the solar panels must be new and not second-hand, and they must be fitted by a MCS-registered installer (like us!). On another positive note, you can include other relevant goods or services along with the solar panel’s installation, once it occurs at the same time. 

My fossil fuel boiler’s on the blink! Well, upgrade it then…

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) supports the decarbonisation of heat in buildings, moving away from traditional fossil fuel heating systems to those with a heat pump or biomass boiler. It provides upfront capital grants to support the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers in homes and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales. 

Acting on behalf of property owners, installers can apply for: 

  • £7,500 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump 
  • £7,500 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump, including water source heat pumps 
  • £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler 

Think you might be eligible? Find out how to apply for the grant.

Air Heat Pump, saving money and energy costs

Brr…I think I need the Warm Homes Plan

One of the most recent Government initiatives, the Warm Homes Plan is expected to introduce initiatives to support solar energy adoption. The Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and deliver warmer, cleaner to heat homes, with up to 300,000 homes to benefit from upgrades in 2025 alone! Again, there’s support for low-income households, renters and the plan even branches out to include grants for heat pumps too. And, music to our ears, but the one-metre rule that required planning permission to get a heat pump in England is now a thing of the past, removing the barrier of planning permission for many customers.

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Siri, explain Regional Electricity Pricing to me.

Unbelievably, some areas of the UK currently generate so much excess wind energy, we offset unused quantities to countries such as France, only to buy it back at a higher price from countries such as Norway, as and when we need it. Make it make sense!

Regional Electricity Pricing UK Map
Source: EDF Energy

In a regional pricing model, electricity prices would vary based on local factors such as production costs, demand levels (anything from charging your phone to powering a football stadium), and the availability of renewable energy sources. Regions abundant in renewable energy, like wind or solar, might benefit from lower prices due to reduced production costs, while areas with higher demand and less local generation could experience comparatively higher prices. 

Greg Jackson: Regional Pricing’s Top Fan.

Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, is a prominent advocate for implementing regional pricing in the UK. He argues that this system could lead to more efficient energy use and lower costs for consumers, and made headlines just before Christmas when he said that Scotland could have the cheapest energy prices in Europe (!) if the UK made the switch to this zonal model. Rather than sending all that surplus energy to the continent, if Scotland stored and used their surplus power locally, it could be given to consumers at a much lower price, cutting bills for not only their consumers, but for those in other areas of the UK too.

Picture of Greg Jackson. Regional Pricing’s Top Fan.
Greg Jackson, Octopus CEO. Source: The Business Anecdote

In an interview with BusinessGreen, Jackson emphatically stated, “If we have locational pricing and market reform, the resulting investment signals mean we can be building the grid where we need it most to hit the 2030 target.”

He further elaborated on social media, noting, “Locational pricing will make energy cheaper in every region. In other countries, it attracts investment in energy-intensive industries.” In a prolonged period of low economic growth in the UK, this would be extremely welcome news to boost our struggling economy over the coming years. 

What are the benefits of Regional Pricing?

Advocates of this model, like Greg Jackson, believe that regional pricing can:

  • Lower Energy Bills: Consumers in regions with abundant renewable energy could see reduced bills, making use of all the green energy that would have otherwise gone to waste – this could amount to up to £900 million saved over the next decade!
  • Encourage Investment: Accurate pricing signals would attract investments in renewable energy projects and infrastructure where they are most needed, boosting local and national economies and ensure we don’t slip into a recession.
  • Promote Efficiency: Aligning prices with local supply and demand could lead to more efficient energy consumption and generation patterns. In fact, considering just wind power, we could save enough green energy to power almost half a million households each year.

Industry Debate and Concerns

Despite the potential benefits, the proposal for regional pricing has naturally sparked debate within the energy industry. Some industry groups express concerns that such changes could increase costs for heavy industries and deter investment into those regional areas that so desperately need the economic boost. Jackson addresses these concerns by suggesting that there are ways to meet the needs of these industries without imposing additional costs on households and businesses.

To bring or not to bring in regional electric pricing?

That is the million dollar (pound) question. Without a doubt, regional electricity pricing presents a compelling opportunity to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in the UK’s energy market. It would be a landmark moment in the history of electricity, breaking from decades-old practice and bringing the UK energy usage into the 21st century. While the debate continues, leaders like Greg Jackson advocate for reforms that align prices with local realities, potentially benefiting consumers and the renewable energy sector alike.

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Tesla Powerwall battery on wall

Do batteries save money without solar?

Which battery is right for me?

There are an array of choices available which include Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge, Huawei Luna, MyEnergi Libbi and GivEnergy. As experts in battery installations, Carter Renewables will identify the best options for the specific need considering items such as capacity, cost, efficiency and life expectancy.

These sleek and efficient Tesla Powerwalls offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive addition to your property.

So how can I save money without solar panels?

In areas where utilities charge different rates for electricity at different times of the day (TOU tariffs), battery storage systems can store energy during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and then use it during peak hours when electricity rates are higher. This load shifting can significantly reduce electricity bills. Read more about TOU tariffs from the Energy Saving Trust.

For commercial and industrial customers, a significant portion of the electricity bill can come from demand charges, which are fees based on the highest rate of electricity usage during a billing period. Battery storage systems can help reduce these demand charges by discharging stored energy during periods of high demand, thus lowering the peak usage.

While not directly a money-saving feature, having a battery storage system can provide backup power during outages, which can be invaluable for avoiding productivity losses or spoilage in businesses, and discomfort or disruptions in residential settings. Have peace of mind that in these situations, your battery storage system has got your back! This happened recently at Carter Renewables HQ, where our trusty Tesla Powerwall stepped up to the fore after a power cut (below).

Various regions offer incentives and rebates for installing battery storage systems, which can offset the initial cost and make the investment more attractive. In December 2023, the UK government introduced VAT relief on the installation of battery storage systems.

What else do I have to consider before installation?

While battery storage systems without solar panels can save money in the long run, the savings depend on the specific circumstances, including local electricity rates, any differences between peak and off-peak rates, the initial cost of the technology and installation, as well as ongoing maintenance, and individual usage patterns. 

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Solar Garden Lights in garden

Solar Garden Lights | Are They Worth It?

Solar garden lights have become increasingly popular in recent years.
  1. Environmentally Friendly: Solar lights utilise solar energy, a renewable and abundant resource, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By generating power from the sun, solar lights help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
  2. Cost-Effective: Solar lights operate independently of the power grid, eliminating electricity bills associated with outdoor lighting. Once installed, solar lights require minimal maintenance, saving time and money in the long run.
  3. Easy Installation: Solar lights are wireless, making installation simple and safe without the need for electrical expertise. They can be installed in various locations, without concern for proximity to power outlets.
  4. Safety: Solar lights typically operate at low voltage, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. Most solar lights come with sensors that automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, enhancing convenience and security.
  5. Aesthetic Appeal: Available in numerous styles, colours, and shapes, solar lights can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
  6. Recyclable parts: Garden solar lights are made up of solar panels, batteries, LED lights, and plastic casings, all of which can be separated and recycled appropriately. Recycling these components allows for the recovery of valuable materials and reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste, and some suppliers even offer their own recycling programs. If you’re local to Reading, check out re3, where you can check the recyclability of almost every household item, including garden solar lights!
Use the re3 website (above) to check what you can recycle from around your house.
  1. Dependence on Sunlight: Solar lights depend on sunlight to charge, which can be inconsistent due to weather conditions, geographic location, and seasonal changes.In addition to this, shorter daylight hours and overcast skies during winter can significantly reduce the performance of solar lights.
  2. Initial Cost: Although costs have decreased, the initial purchase price of quality solar garden lights can be higher compared to traditional lighting options.
  3. Light Intensity: Solar lights generally produce less intense light compared to wired electric lights, which may not be suitable for areas requiring strong illumination.
  4. Battery Lifespan: The rechargeable batteries in solar lights typically last 1-2 years before needing replacement, which incurs additional costs and maintenance.
  5. Durability Issues: Prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions can damage solar lights, affecting their longevity and performance. There is also a wide range of product quality on the market, and lower-quality solar lights may fail prematurely or underperform.
  6. Recycling Difficulties: Although individual components of solar lighting can be recycled, this can be a time-costly exercise by the customer, as very few recycling centres recycle the lights as a whole unit. Putting unwanted or broken solar lights into general waste collections, or disposing via incineration is extremely harmful to the environment, due to the hazardous materials solar lights contain, such as batteries and bulbs.

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Smart Tariffs for Dummies

Smart Tariffs for Dummies

Smart tariffs, also known as time-of-use (TOU) tariffs or dynamic pricing, are electricity pricing structures that vary based on the time of day, day of the week, or other predetermined factors. These tariffs aim to reflect the actual cost of generating electricity at different times and encourage consumers to shift their electricity usage to off-peak periods when energy costs are lower.

Smart tariffs typically involve higher prices during peak demand periods, such as in the evening when people return home from work and energy consumption spikes, and lower prices during times of lower demand, such as late at night or early morning.

By offering incentives for consumers to use electricity during off-peak hours, smart tariffs can help utilities manage demand more efficiently, reduce strain on the grid, and promote the integration of renewable energy sources. Additionally, they can empower consumers to make more informed decisions about their energy usage and potentially lower their electricity bills by adjusting their consumption patterns accordingly.

Market leader and the UK’s most awarded energy supplier Octopus Energy have a wide range of tariffs, all suited to customers’ differing needs and lifestyles, but choosing the tariff for you can be a minefield! Here we break down the tariffs and explain in layman’s terms which is the tariff for you and your household.

smart tariff

Agile Octopus

With Agile Octopus, customers get access to half-hourly energy prices, tied to wholesale prices and updated daily. So when wholesale electricity prices drop, so do your bills – and if you can shift your daily electricity use outside of peak times, typically between 4-7pm, you can save even more. Agile prices can spike up to 100 p/kWh any time – although a in Winter 2023-24 the max 30 min slot was 68p/kWh with the cheapest being -4p/kWh! Yes they actually paid you to use electricity. This tariff is therefore best suited to customers who can shift large amounts of their energy use to avoid these expensive peaks, often by using smart home technologies like solar and batteries.

Intelligent Octopus Go

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), then Intelligent Octopus Go is the tariff for you! Automatically charge your car when it’s cheapest and get super-low smart charging rates plus six hours of cheap energy for your whole home every night. Making the most out of this tariff is as simple as connecting your EV or charger in the Octopus app, before just plugging in your car and telling Octopus how much charge you need. Octopus will then automatically schedule your charge for when energy is cheapest and greenest, and you’ll only pay 7.5p/kWh regardless of the time of day.

Octopus Flux

For you solar PV and battery owners out there, the Octopus Flux tariff has been designed exclusively for your needs. Compatible with all solar PV and battery systems, Octopus Flux is an import and export tariff optimised to give you the best rates for consuming and selling your energy and support the grid during peak periods. It gives customers super-cheap rates between 02:00 – 05:00 every day, when you can top up your battery with any extra energy you may need, as well as a peak rate between 16:00 – 19:00, the optimum time to discharge your battery and export surplus energy back to the grid.

Octopus Flux tariff

Cosy Octopus

Finally, if you’re the proud owner of a heat pump, check out the Cosy Octopus tariff to keep your home warm for less with super cheap rates, twice a day, every day. It’s a three-rate tariff with double dip Cosy Hours every day: six hours of super-cheap electric to warm your home. You need a heat pump to be eligible for Cosy Octopus, but it doesn’t need to have been installed by Octopus Energy. If you’re in the process of getting one installed, you can still switch to Cosy.

Cosy Octopus tariff

Picking the right tariff depends on the low-carbon technologies you own (i.e. EVs, heat pumps, solar or battery storage) and your personal energy consumption. Octopus Energy have a wide range of tariffs, so if you’re looking for something different than the ones mentioned above, check out their full range or take their quick quiz. Even if you’re at the very start of your renewable journey, and don’t have any smart technologies (yet!), you can save cash and carbon by shifting your consumption to cheaper times. Octopus Tracker is a great introduction to smarter energy, with different energy prices daily. 

Use this link to sign up to Octopus and get £50 credit on your account!

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Solar Power Diverters

Solar Power Diverters 101

You’ve installed solar PV panels and you’re generating renewable energy from the sun, so what’s next?  What about a solar diverter, a handy device that works alongside your solar panels to enhance energy utilisation within your household.

A solar diverter’s function is to channel surplus electricity produced by the solar panels towards a designated appliance, typically for water heating, rather than exporting it to the grid, enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar panels for the homeowner.

When the solar panels produce an excess of electricity beyond the current household consumption, the solar diverter automatically detects this surplus and redirects the extra energy to a specified appliance, such as water heaters, or electric heating systems. Most electric vehicle (EV) chargers can also do this too. This increases the self-consumption of solar energy, reducing reliance on grid power and thus, lowering electricity bills. Although using a diverter to heat water is the most common use, it’s worth noting that solar diverters can’t be used to heat hot water if a combi boiler is installed in your home.

Ultimately, the price of a solar diverter is influenced by various factors such as the brand, model, features, and installation specifications. The good news is, they qualify for 0% VAT, which helps improve the payback by saving typical gas use to heat the water. However, the optimal utilisation of solar energy varies depending on individual circumstances. For most users, maximising savings and achieving quicker payback involves using surplus electricity within the home. Yet, if you benefit from a favourable solar buy-back tariff, selling your excess energy back to the grid may prove more worthwhile.

Today we shine a spotlight on the myenergi eddi. As myenergi explain themselves, “a solar photovoltaic (PV) system without an eddi is like a car without a steering wheel or driver. Without an eddi, you have no control over where you want your self-generated energy to go, or how you want to use it.

By installing a myenergi eddi, you are able to make the most of the green energy generated from your solar PV or even your wind generation system. By directing the excess renewable energy to other appliances, you can, for example, heat 100% of your hot water on self-generated green energy.

eddi uses state-of-the-art technology to monitor PV performance and your energy consumption. This means that surplus power can always be used in the best way – heating your water with solar ready for when you need it most. The eddi can fully heat your water using much lower amounts of solar generation, such as during winter mornings, late summer evenings or when it’s overcast, ultimately improving the life and efficiency of the heat pump, and prevents reliance on top ups from the grid.

At Carter Renewables, we highly recommend consulting with us to obtain an accurate cost estimate for a solar diverter tailored to your home, lifestyle and specific requirements. Contact us today to get your solar diverter journey started, and to get that metaphoric steering wheel added to your car!

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Electrical Safety at Home – Don’t Be Shocked

Our Planet Earth has existed for approximately 4.5 billion years, and we have only enjoyed domestic electricity for about 150 of them. Electricity is now something we absolutely take for granted: to light and heat our homes, cook our food, charge the devices to entertain us and much more. On the rare occasion of a power outage, we spring to our pre-charged smartphones to enquire about the cause, and more often than not are able to utilise stored electricity in some form until usual service resumes.

Yet, due to its convenience and normality within our modern lives, we tend to forget that electricity has the power to kill humans when manhandled, and around 2.5 million Brits receive an electric shock annually. That’s a shocking (!) 4% of the population falling foul each year to everything from electrical fires to fatal incidents, often sadly because of faults around their house.

Today we will explore the most common current (ok I’ll stop now) reasons for an electrical mishap, and how you can safeguard yourself against them.

It’s the main culprit for sure – old or faulty wiring will lead to electrical fires or immediate shocks. Even if you’re not a sparky, you can still learn to distinguish between old and new wiring from the colouring. Old plug wiring consists of a red live wire, black neutral wire and a green/yellow or a pure green protective earth (PE) wire:

Old Plug Wiring Colours
Know your old from your new!

Plugs with modern wiring contain a brown wire that is live, a blue neutral wire and a green/yellow PE wire. Broadly speaking, the wiring connections in new plugs are the same as in old ones but with different colours for the neutral and live wires.

As well as this, if you have any of the following in your house, get in touch with us today for us to check them out safely:

  • Cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 60s
  • Cables coated in lead or fabric were installed pre-60s
  • A wooden-backed fuse box or cast iron switches would be pre-60s
  • Wall-mounted light switches in the bathroom are pre-60s

If the back of your TV, or by your bedside table looks like the image below on a permanent basis, please reconsider installing some additional sockets to cope with your electrical appliance demand. Misuse of extension plugs and leads is one of the biggest electrical offenders in the UK, not helped by the fact that appliances are often plugged into them constantly throughout the day and night, silently overheating, resulting in melted sockets or worse case scenario, house fires.

Overloaded Extension Sockets
Dangerously overloaded extension sockets

If you do have a lot of devices, think about only plugging them in when you need to use them, as the purpose of extension leads was originally for that exact use only – such as when you needed additional electricity to mow the lawn or vacuum your car. Additionally, make sure the extension lead you’re using is up to the job – the capacity should well exceed the electrical demand you’re placing on the cord.

We literally can’t live without them, needing a charger for everything from our phone, laptop and kids’ tablets to our vacuum cleaners and toothbrushes! And while the original charger that came with your device may be compliant with UK properties and our electrical systems, there’s a high chance that any replacement or ‘spare’ chargers, bought in a rush from Amazon Prime, are low-quality products made in China for as little as 3p a pop.

So how can you check your charger is compliant with UK properties and your plug sockets, in order to keep safe?

  • Check the Plug Pin: Examine the pins and ensure there is a minimum distance of 9.5mm between the edge of the pins and the charger’s edge. Failure to meet this standard could pose a risk of electric shock. Difficulty in plugging the charger into the socket may indicate incorrect pin length or size.
  • Verify the Markings: When purchasing a charger, ensure the brand’s markings are clearly visible. The output voltage should match that of your device, and a CE mark should be present to confirm compliance with EU regulations.
  • Refer to the Manual: Upon purchasing a device or charger, refer to the provided instructions for proper usage guidelines. These instructions will include details on correctly using the charger and offer essential electrical guidance.
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Step Inside the Carter ‘Green’ House

Being in the trade, I have the benefit of being able to install at below-market rates, which was a huge benefit and incentive to get started on this project. My main intentions, however, were to demonstrate how using renewables together can a) reduce your carbon footprint,  b) save you money, and c) earn you money.

The house is a 1970 bungalow, with approximately 145m2 of floor area, insulated cavity walls (although I do wonder sometimes!), old wood-framed double glazed windows, and a rather old gas boiler. The radiators throughout the house were a mix of single and double panels, which I planned to upgrade. Fortunately, the house, being an L-shape, had two zones for the heating plumbed in and 15mm legs to the radiators would help the flow rates for future heat pump installation

So far, I have added 7.91kWp of solar PV across the east, south and west elevations of the house to maximise solar efficiency, converting sunlight into renewable energy to power various electrical devices. Around the same time, I installed a 13.5kWh battery capable of charging and discharging energy from the grid, and storing excess solar energy to utilise during periods of high demand on the grid, or overnight. A 12kW heat pump combined with a smart Domestic Hot Water (DHW) cylinder is a more environmentally-friendly heating option compared to traditional boilers, and powered by the solar PV panels, reduces not only my carbon footprint, but my energy bills too. And of course, an EV charger was one of the first things to be installed to help power the Carter Electrical fleet!

Solar PV Panels
Solar PV panels across three of the elevations of the bungalow

As a snapshot, in 2022 we used 17,673 kWh of gas at an average cost of 6p/kWh, mainly for heating and domestic hot water, but also a small bit for cooking, bringing our net cost of gas for the year to £1,034. In addition to this, we imported 5182 kWh of electricity costing £571 – a small part was for electric vehicle (EV) charging, but the bulk was for domestic use. This meant we had a total demand of 22,855 kWh from the grid,.

Our gas usage in 2023 was 0 kWh! This was largely down to installing the heat pump and induction hob, and removing the gas to the property. If we had remained on gas with the existing boiler, the costs would have nearly doubled. Our electricity usage was 10,900 kWh, of which 7313 kWh came from the grid at an average cost of 13p/kWh. Therefore, grid electricity cost £928.64 however, I exported 1723 kWh worth £361.87 at an average of 21p/kWh. In addition to this, there were some Octopus Energy Octoplus saving credits and seven referrals which totalled £405.36. So once export was taken away from usage, my net cost of electricity was £161.41 for the year. This meant an incredible saving of over £1440 compared to 2022; our combined savings on gas and electricity was closer to over £2500.

7kWp of solar PV with a Tesla Powerwall battery was approximately £20,000. You can get cheaper, but this system is high-specification, using SolarEdge optimisers to minimise tree shading and multiple elevations as in the case of our bungalow. It is a large battery, but this allows us to maximise charging with cheap off-peak electricity in the winter, as well as capturing all the generation in the summer. The Octopus Agile Tariff and the battery has made the unit cost of electricity extremely low.

Tesla Powerwall
Jon’s Tesla Powerwall, which is high-specification, cost £20,000

The 12kW Samsung HTQ heat pump, Mixergy Cylinder and Homely controls came to about £12,500, although there is a £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant available which brings the cost down closer to a boiler change. On top of that, our new radiators cost between £200-£300 per unit to swap. 

Samsung HTQ Heat Pump
The Samsung HTQ heat pump, which can be installed with the help of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant

It is a large initial outlay, but we are effectively buying 25 years of electricity upfront with the solar panels, and the battery then facilitates the ability to maximise the generation use and access to off peak cheaper electricity. With the cheaper electricity and the 350-500% efficiency of the heat pump, the cost to heat the house and domestic hot water drops dramatically and will only get cheaper. Remember – the price of gas will only ever go up due to it being a finite resource! 

Heat Pump Efficiency
Jon’s heat pump running yesterday at over 500% efficiency

It’s a change of mindset: we buy a car, a fridge or a sofa out of necessity and it’s not always the cheapest. We need electricity to run the house and we need to heat the house in winter and hot water all the time, so why not invest in something that allows you to do it cheaper and also helps reduce the use of fossil fuels at the same time?

I want to look to improve the efficiency of the heat pump, which is a lot of fun through experimentation and playing with settings to best suit our climate. I installed data collectors on all new equipment, so I’m constantly monitoring it to see if there are improvements that can be made. Next on the list, is to improve the insulation of the house and minimise draughts – I have a lot of old, leaky double-glazed windows that could be improved! Tech-wise, I’d love a wind turbine, but it’s not feasible (or so I’m told by my wife).

Do heat pumps work? Yes. Do solar panels work? Yes. Do battery storage systems work? YES. Together they are a large initial investment, however, if you have the capital expenditure, then it is clear and obvious you can reduce the operational expenditure of your house quite significantly. I reduced my utility costs by 90% in my first year of making these changes, and I am looking forward to continuing to analyse my energy usage in 2024 to further enjoy the long-term financial benefits, as well as knowing I’m reducing mine and my family’s carbon footprint! Contact us today to conduct a thorough analysis of your energy needs, local climate conditions, and available incentives, to help tailor a solution to your specific requirements.

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LED Light Bulbs

Energy Efficiency Tips for Businesses: Reducing Carbon Footprint with Renewables

In an era where environmental consciousness is no longer an option but a necessity, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices. Energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in this journey, and one of the most impactful ways to achieve it is by incorporating renewable energy sources. In our first blog of 2024, we’ll explore a few practical and achievable energy efficiency tips for businesses committed to minimising their environmental impact and making a positive contribution to the planet.

This should be on your to-do list for early in the year! Before embarking on any energy efficiency initiative, businesses should start with a thorough energy audit. This process involves assessing current energy consumption patterns and identifying areas where improvements could be made. The insights gained from an energy audit provide a roadmap for implementing targeted efficiency measures, as well as some short and long-term SMART goals for you to tick off throughout the year.

Investing in renewable energy sources is a cornerstone of any sustainable business strategy. Solar power is increasingly accessible and offers a clean, renewable alternative to traditional energy sources. Installing solar panels on rooftops allows for on-site energy generation, reducing reliance on the grid. Excess solar energy can be stored in Tesla Powerwalls, and could reduce your electricity bill by up to 80%.

If you’re not using LED bulbs in your business yet, why not?! A simple yet effective way to enhance energy efficiency is by transitioning to energy-efficient lighting solutions. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, resulting in both cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. There’s no job too small for us at Carter Electrical: we can upgrade your lighting whether you have a small home office or a huge warehouse.

You don’t even have to spend any money to make your business more energy efficient – the commitment to energy efficiency extends beyond technology to the people within the organisation. Educate employees about the importance of energy conservation and encourage simple practices such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use. Engaged and informed employees can become ambassadors for sustainable practices both inside and outside the workplace.

And finally, as renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, investing in energy storage solutions such as batteries becomes crucial. These solutions enable businesses to store excess energy during peak production times and utilise it during periods of low renewable energy generation, encouraging less reliance on the grid at peak times.

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Electrical safety checks and EICRs – Safeguarding your home and business

Electrical safety checks and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are crucial for safeguarding homes and businesses, ensuring that electrical systems are safe, compliant with regulations, and free from potential hazards. Here’s an overview of these concepts.

As a responsible homeowner, conducting regular visual inspections of your electrical systems to identify any visible issues such as damaged wiring, exposed conductors, or outdated components is a simple first step to safeguard your home, and can be done without the help of an electrician!

When using electrical appliances, ensure they are in good condition, with no frayed cords or damaged plugs, and always follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and replacement. Don’t forget the sockets – regularly check them and switches for signs of damage or overheating, and remember: avoid overloading sockets and use extension cords appropriately. Finally, inspect light fixtures and bulbs regularly for proper installation and any signs of wear, and replace, and dispose of, any faulty bulbs promptly.

This bit you need a sparky for!  An EICR is a detailed inspection and assessment of the fixed wiring (anything you can’t unplug) within a property. It is conducted by a qualified electrician to ensure compliance with regulations and identify potential safety issues. EICRs are typically recommended every 5 to 10 years for domestic properties and more frequently for commercial properties. They may also be required when major electrical work is carried out or when selling/buying a property.

EICRs should only be conducted by qualified and registered electricians who have the necessary competence and expertise. The inspection involves testing and assessing the condition of electrical installations, including wiring, sockets, switches, and distribution boards. After the inspection, a detailed report is provided, highlighting any issues found and recommendations for any necessary remedial work. The report will categorise issues by their severity, indicating whether immediate action is required or if it can be carried out at a later date.  Your electrician can quote for any remedial work required, to meet certification.

EICRs provide a comprehensive review of the safety of electrical installations, reducing the risk of electrical accidents, fires, and other hazards. Furthermore, they ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Although some insurance policies require a valid EICR to maintain coverage, EICRs are often required when purchasing a property, to ensure the electrical systems are in good condition. Regular checks and EICRs offer peace of mind for homeowners and businesses alike, knowing that their electrical systems are safe and in good working order.

In summary, regular electrical safety checks and EICRs are essential for maintaining a safe and functional electrical system in both homes and businesses. It’s crucial to stay proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with regulations. Always hire qualified professionals for inspections and electrical work, to guarantee the reliability and safety of your electrical installations.  Contact us today to book in an EICR, for your peace of mind.

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