Articles and news
Renewable Energy Blog
Plain-English articles on solar panels, heat pumps, boilers and energy in your home.
1 in 7
UK energy bill payers find their bills difficult to understand, and almost two-thirds say the language on energy bills needs to be more accessible.
Why we write
Energy in Your Home, Explained
So we built this library. It is a growing collection of articles where our experts explain how energy in your home works, in plain English. Why one room is always cold and another is always hot. What that charge on your bill is for. Would the thing your neighbour had fitted work on your house.
Millions of households across the UK are still choosing between heating their home and everything else. We want to be part of the change that ends that, and sharing what we know is where we start.
A folding panel on the patio looks like the cheap way into solar. For some jobs it is exactly the right kit, and we will come to those. For cutting a household electricity bill year after year, it is a different piece of equipment doing a different job. This is what official numbers show. First, […]
Winter does not start in December. It starts on the first cold morning when someone turns the heating on and finds out whether it works. That first cold morning is the moment worth preparing for, and there is a reason to do it in the next few weeks rather than the next few months. Ofgem […]
Solar panels work year-round in the UK, even on cloudy days. But their efficiency — how much sunlight they turn into usable electricity — changes throughout the day and across the seasons. Knowing when solar panels are most efficient helps you understand your energy generation pattern, maximise self-consumption, and plan whether adding a battery or […]
As solar technology continues to evolve, one question homeowners and businesses alike still ask is: Where are solar panels most efficient? The answer depends on several key factors — not just your location, but the orientation, angle, climate, and even shading around your home or property. Let’s break it down so you can maximise your […]
Installing solar panels isn’t just about fixing them to the roof—it’s about understanding how each part connects. Whether you’re hiring a professional or just want to understand how it all works, it helps to know where to connect solar panels in a full solar setup. In this article, we break down how solar panels connect […]
When you look at a rooftop solar panel, you’ll usually notice one thing straight away—the distinctive blue tint. But why are solar panels blue in colour? The answer lies in the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the type of solar technology. The Science Behind the Blue Most blue solar panels are polycrystalline. These are […]
Switching to solar energy isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s one of the most impactful changes you can make for the planet. With the world facing increasing climate threats, investing in renewable energy like solar has never been more important. 1. Solar Power Reduces Carbon Emissions Traditional electricity generation relies heavily on burning fossil fuels […]
In the UK, the default recommendation is to install solar panels facing south. But why? It’s all about capturing the most sunlight possible. Here’s what you need to know. Why South-Facing Solar Panels Are Ideal South-facing roofs get the most direct sunlight throughout the day in the northern hemisphere. The sun rises in the east […]
With rising energy bills and more homeowners switching to renewable energy, the question keeps coming up: are solar panels and a battery worth it? Short answer: in most cases, yes. But it depends on your energy usage, roof space, and how much of your power you want to control. Let’s break it down. The […]
What Boiler Do I Need? Choosing the right boiler isn’t just about brand or budget. It’s about getting a system that matches your property, lifestyle, and hot water needs. If you pick the wrong one, you risk running out of hot water—or wasting money on a system that’s too big for your home. Let’s break […]
Ever wondered how solar panels generate electricity and turn sunlight into power for your home? Here’s how it works, step by step. 1. Sunlight Hits the Solar Panels The process starts when sunlight strikes the surface of your solar panels. These panels are made up of many solar cells, usually silicon-based, designed to capture […]
If you’re comparing solar panels for your home, three names should be on your shortlist: Aiko, JA Solar, and DMEGC. All three are trusted brands with proven performance in UK conditions. But they each offer different strengths. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one for your home. 1. Aiko – Best-in-Class […]
