We have no idea how this one keeps being repeated. Obviously solar panels do have a carbon footprint, everything does, but the footprint of a panel is no more excessive than your windows or that new kitchen. This is actually the exact opposite - a solar energy system will increase the value of your home or, at least, make it more saleable. The addition of a solar energy system will add up to 15 points to your EPC rating.

All ways of creating energy have an efficiency. This is the amount of source material (coal/oil/sun) you need to put in compared to the amount of energy you get out. Coal is 33%, oil is 60%, wind is 50% and solar is 22%. Luckily the sun produces 1.4 kW per square meter, so 22% is plenty but the efficiency of solar panels is increasing every year.

It's not just saving money day-to-day though, we have found that over the lifetime of a system, the average customer gets an ROI (Return on Investment) of almost 370%. Compare that to an average savings account and you can certainly see the appeal.

Solar energy can save you up to 70% on your bills, you can earn money from exporting energy, and it will increase your EPC rating and therefore the value of your home. On top of all that, solar is a renewable energy and will reduce your carbon footprint.

Air source heat pumps are specifically designed to work with central heating systems. The older your system the more likely it will be that you will need to replace a few radiators here and there. If you have underfloor heating you will, in most cases, be air source heat pump ready.

Air source heat pumps are far more efficient than a gas boiler, saving you around a third on your average gas bill.

A heat pump is a system that draws heat from an external source ---like the air, ground, or water---and uses it to warm your home's hot water and central heating. You can think of it as the opposite of a fridge.

Have you heard a noisy heat pump? Or have you been told they are noisy? Or perhaps read it? They're not noisy anymore. Being honest ten years ago, they were. The technology wasn't as good. It's far better now and most have a sound level no higher than normal conversation. A properly installed heat pump should have a noise calculation done to ensure that the chosen location meets the regulations regarding the noise level at adjacent properties. If you hear a noisy heat pump, it has been installed incorrectly.

A heat pump runs at lower temperatures than a traditional fossil fuel system, which results in greater efficiencies. In most cases your existing pipework will be adequate, but you may need to upgrade some radiators. In many older properties, the existing radiators are single panels, and you would typically need to upgrade these to modern double panel radiators.

Heat pumps are a very efficient way to heat your home, and they do offer large savings. especially for properties with mains gas, oil or LPG. As we have seen over the last few years, fossil fuel prices fluctuate significantly. Replacing Oil or LPG boilers with an air source heat pump can save around 30% on your fuel bills. With gas boiler systems, the savings aren't as dramatic. Typically, it is more like a 5-10% saving instead. According to the Energy Savings Trust, air source heat pumps with an efficiency rating of 300% can save the average household £4,891 over 20 years compared to a gas boiler.

This is another common myth we hear. Air source heat pumps have the capability to remain efficient even in extreme cold; they continue to function right down to -20°C. FUN FACT: In the last 30 years, it has only fallen to below minus 20 once in 2010 and that was in Aberdeenshire Scotland and in the middle of the night.

In short, a lot less than you probably think. It's another common myth. Of course, the model and size of the heat pump depends on the heat requirement for the property so varies slightly. Most heat pumps are roughly 1m wide x 1m tall and sit against an external wall.

Again, this is another common question we are asked. It also relates to potentially the biggest change you might need if for example you currently have a combi gas boiler in your home. With a heat pump, you need a specifically designed heat pump cylinder which needs to be located inside your house. Most commonly we install these where the gas boiler cylinder or combi boiler used to be but there does need to be enough space to get good access to it for servicing etc.

If you have a combi boiler. Then you may need to find the space for the cylinder. Often it can go where the combi boiler used to be but there are other options. We will assess and advise you at survey of where it could go in your home. Heat Pump hot water cylinders are pressurized systems so they can go in lofts or attics because they are not gravity fed.

After carrying out a survey and completing heat loss system calculation and estimating running costs. A typical installation takes around 3-4 days. It does depend on whether radiator upgrades will be needed. We always try to plan it and execute it as effectively as possible.

Yes they can. They will work with devices like Hive or Nest. But in general most heat pumps now come with their own smart controls. You can even get an app with it too. We can make it as complex or as simple as you want. If you want to know the flow rates and the COP day by day, we can provide that.

Years ago the answer to this would have been 'That depends how big your solar system is' but these days we'd say, get all you can! You can fill your battery using free power from the sun, or with cheap power from your supplier during off-peak hours.

We would always suggest you follow the manufacturer's guidelines on maintenance for individual installs. That said, solar batteries have no moving parts, come with a 5 -- 10 year warranty and need very little looking after. Your inverter app will help maintain your battery and keep it in good condition. More and more batteries are coming with their own apps too.

Solar batteries need to be close to your inverter so anywhere you can fit them both is the answer. The norm used to be a storage cupboard or your loft. Regulation is discouraging loft installations in the future though. Most modern solar batteries are IP66 rated, meaning they are weatherproof and can be stored outside.

This depends on the system you have, but most inverters allow you to add more than one battery. Not all inverters are compatible with all batteries, so make sure you choose the right kind of inverter if you wish to add batteries in the future.

As solar batteries aren't connected directly to the panels, the simple answer is yes! The inverter is the main controller in a solar system, and that is what the battery needs to be compatible with. Any solar panel will work with your inverter.

This really depends on what you buy, but most solar batteries come with a 5 - 15 year warranty, so you can expect that long out of them. When buying a battery always check the 'cycles'. A cycle is when a battery fully charges and discharges. The average solar battery has 6000 cycles, which is about 2 cycles every day for ten years.

You sure can! The grid produces more energy than we can use at certain times of the day. So, that energy needs to be stored somewhere. Energy companies are happy to sell that energy to customers at a reduced rate and buy it back when the demand is higher. SEGs, or Smart Export Guarantees, are used to facilitate this -- whether you have solar or not.

No, an EV charger will not take any solar generated power away from your home. The inverter in a solar system is used to direct charge from one device to another -- this means if your system is set to a normal cycle the EV charge won't kick in until your home batteries are fully charged.

When you install an EV charger at home you will save money on your travel. Topping up at service stations can often cost up to 70p per kWH. With a solar based SEG you’ll be motoring for pennies a mile.

It is recommended that charge points are installed within 5 metres of the property's main electrical consumer unit. This is due to high current passed through the cables. Don't worry if this isn't possible in your home, as a qualified electrician will ensure that the installation is safe.

You can actually charge an EV using a standard domestic 3 pin plug socket, but that would take an age and wouldn't be very practical. It's always best to fit at least a 7kW charge unit in your home, this will charge most electric vehicles in 6 -- 7 hours.

That really depends on the car and the charger but a standard 7kW charger will fill up a 40 kWh battery in 4-6 hours.

This is where your choice of SEG comes in. Smart charging is charging your EV using off-peak tariffs and using all of that lovely, renewable energy available on the grid. Energy suppliers love this as it allows them to store energy produced by renewables and distribute it when it's needed. While not all EV chargers allow you to import and export, it is becoming much more popular and will soon be the norm.

The Future Homes Standard is a government-led project to create homes that are net zero, cheap to heat, surrounded by nature, and climate resilient. Learn more here.

Yes. Grid providers will need to know how many properties in your development will be exporting electricity to the grid. Grid providers are happy to take any excess, renewable energy that solar panels produce but, for safety reasons, they need to ensure the load isn't too high and that there is no electricity on the grid when it has been shut down. In terms of sourcing the DNOs, they are included in the UK Energi offer to developers.

While you would need to check any specifics with the local authority, in-roof solar panels are usually exempt from any planning building regulations or planning. You would only need to apply for planning if the development was in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a conservation area or any other restricted area.

In a word, yes it will. Well, it will if you use an in-roof system. In-roof systems reduce the need for tiles and other roofing materials. The systems that are available are great value for money, safe and easy to install. UK Energi will source and provide the very latest, and best, systems available in the UK.

The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is a sustainability rating system used in over 80 countries to evaluate buildings' environmental performance. You will be awarded points that demonstrate how well you have fulfilled the BREEAM criteria. Fitting solar energy systems, or any carbon-neutral technology, will help with your BREEAM score.

Yes, and they will help with any environmental or green initiatives you may need to be involved in. If you have a development that doesn't lend itself to solar panels or other renewable products, like in flats or a small, shared home, air source heat pumps are the perfect solution to supply green energy AND ticking any environmental boxes you need to.

Air source heat pumps are more expensive to buy than gas boilers but they are much more efficient -- often running at a 400 -- 500% efficiency. That's a great sell to any potential buyers of your properties.

Heat pumps are brilliantly designed systems that use fans to transfer heat from an external source ---like the air, ground, or water-- to a hot water system in the home. Working in the opposite way to a fridge, they increase the temperature of the outside air/ground/water to run central heating and hot water systems.

A properly installed heat pump should have a noise calculation done to ensure that the chosen location meets the regulations regarding the noise level at adjacent properties. Modern heat pumps run at the same level as normal conversation so, if you hear a noisy heat pump, it has been installed incorrectly.

Heat pumps are a direct replacement for a boiler, so they work perfectly well with any water-based heating systems -- whether radiators or underfloor heating.

Air source heat pumps have the capability to remain efficient even in extreme cold; they continue to function right down to -20°C. FUN FACT: In the last 30 years, it has only fallen to below minus 20 once in 2010 and that was in Aberdeenshire Scotland and in the middle of the night.

Yes. As we move towards Net Zero and other green targets, planning committees will be looking at the sustainability of your development before granting permission to go ahead. ASHPs and Solar will ensure your development has a greater chance of being approved.

Who wants to buy a new build with old technology in it? No one, that's who. Both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade are looking for long-term homes that will keep them safe for decades to come. That means the homes on your development will be much more attractive if they have sustainable, green technology and lower running costs.

After carrying out the surveys and completing heat loss system calculation, a typical air source heat pump installation would take the same amount of time as a standard electric system with a water tank.

They certainly do, it's just like adding another appliance to your offer. EV chargers can hook straight into the mains and link into solar energy systems. UK Energi can handle all the sourcing and fitting of your new build EV offer.

It is recommended that Charge points are installed within 5 metres of the property's main electrical consumer unit. This is due to high current passed through the cables. Don't worry if this isn't possible in your home, as a qualified electrician will ensure that the installation is safe.

This is where your choice of SEG comes in. Smart charging is charging your EV using off-peak tariffs and using all of that lovely, renewable energy available on the grid. Energy suppliers love this as it allows them to store energy produced by renewables and distribute it when it's needed. While not all EV chargers allow you to import and export, it is becoming much more popular and will soon be the norm.

Underfloor heating is much more efficient than traditional radiators, and therefore cheaper to run. This means the properties you offer will be cheaper to run, and that makes them more attractive to potential buyers.

The British weather is absolutely perfect for solar panels. Panels generate electricity from daylight, rather than direct sunlight, so they work even on the cloudiest days. Plus, if panels get too warm, they are less efficient.

Obviously solar panels do have a carbon footprint, everything does. But, they will also lower your business' carbon footprint. This opens up a whole raft of tax breaks, grants and government initiatives.

Absolutely not, any potential investors can see the benefits of solar when it comes to saving money. The money saving doesn't just come from reducing your energy bills, there are also benefits from tax breaks, grants and increasing the EPC rating of your premises.

All ways of creating energy have an efficiency. This is the amount of source material (coal/oil/sun) you need to put in compared to the amount of energy you get out. Coal is 33%, oil is 60%, wind is 50% and solar is 22%. Luckily the sun produces 1.4 kW per square meter, so 22% is plenty but the efficiency of solar panels is increasing every year.

The return on investment (ROI) for a commercial solar energy system in the UK is pretty impressive - ranging from 8% to 12% per year! And the payback periods are around 2 and 5 years.

To save you money and lower the carbon footprint of your business! If you have the space for a solar energy system, the real question is 'Why don't you have one?'.

Commercial battery storage systems work exactly like domestic systems, they are just generally bigger. They capture and store energy. The more storage you have the more you can save -- it's as simple as that.

The electricity can come from any source--- the grid or your self-generated electricity from panels or a wind turbine. Both the electricity from the grid and any electricity you generate will need converting so the batteries can store it. This will require an inverter.

Battery technology has come on so much these days that batteries can hold a substantial amount of energy for extended periods. They will eventually discharge on their own, but it will take a long time.

When it's peak demand time for your business, and it's not the right weather for your renewable sources, the chemical energy in the batteries will turn back into electrical energy and power your profits.

Commercial battery storage systems offer numerous benefits to businesses, making them an increasingly popular choice in today's energy landscape. Here are some of the main advantages:

By charging from the free energy provided by solar panels or by charging during off-peak times when energy prices are lower. Then you use that energy when the suppliers want to charge you the most for electricity from the grid. This is known as load shifting or peak shaving and can absolutely slash a business's energy bill.

Demand charges are based on a business's peak energy usage. Battery storage systems mean that a business can mix in their stored power with the power from the grid -- lessening the demand and therefore the demand charges.

If your battery storage system is fitted with the correct safety devices, it will provide backup power during grid outages -- which means your business will have constant productivity. You must mention the fact you want the system to be usable when you are off grid, as it will need isolating from the main electricity network during a power cut.

Yes, any green energy systems, generation or storage, will qualify you for most renewable initiatives or tax breaks. It WILL reduce your carbon footprint, so that improves your public image too.

If you need to power your premises or business between the hours of sun-down and sun-up, battery storage would be great at saving you money -- whether you have a solar system or not.

While we would always recommend generating your own electricity using solar panels, you can utilise battery storage without them. Most utility companies now offer special tariffs.

The answer to this is as much or as little as you need. Battery storage used to be dictated by how much your solar panels could produce -- no point having more storage than you can produce. But now energy suppliers are happy to sell you cheap electricity so you can store it -- they'll even buy it back if you have an excess!

Solar batteries have no moving parts, come with a 5 -- 10 year warranty and need very little looking after. Your inverter app will help maintain your battery and keep it in good condition. More and more batteries are coming with their own apps too.

This depends on the system you have, but most inverters allow you to add more than one battery. Not all inverters are compatible with all batteries, so make sure you choose the right kind of inverter if you wish to add batteries in the future.

This really depends on what you buy, but most solar batteries come with a 5 -- 10-year warranty, so you can expect that long out of them. When buying a battery always check the 'cycles'. A cycle is when a battery fully charges and discharges. The average solar battery has 6000 cycles, which is about 2 cycles every day for ten years.