We recently put out a post on our Instagram story asking for our audience’s renewables FAQs, aswell as looking on Google Search for even more questions. We had plenty of interesting and complex questions, so we sat down with Dan to get some in-depth knowledgable answers!
Who is the cheapest energy provider in the UK?
In the UK, there are many energy providers for homes and businesses to choose from. The likes of E.ON, British Gas and Octopus Energy will all have energy tariffs for customers to choose from. These could include a standard flat rate or tariffs that are cheaper in the early morning hours, allowing customers to buy that cheaper electricity and store it in battery storage, for example. Octopus Energy offers heat pump tariffs with 3 price changes throughout the day, allowing charging batteries to run a heat pump. The best thing you can do is to look at each provider and compare and contrast which will work best for your situation.
Can I claim solar panels as a business expense in the UK?
In short, yes, you can! Solar Panels can go against a business’s corporation tax, meaning that if you had a £100,000 profit, for example, you can use £50,000 from a solar install against your £100,000 corporation tax. It’s always best to check the government website for the latest information on capital allowances for energy-efficient items to ensure you’re using the correct channels. Learn more about what your business can get here: https://www.gov.uk/green-taxes-and-reliefs/capital-allowances-on-energyefficient-items
Is there any help for small businesses with energy bills?
A great way to find the best way to integrate renewables into your small business is to speak with local MPs and councils, who will have the most up-to-date information on available grants. Things such as Solar PV will come under Green Incentives Grants, which support local communities and make them more sustainable. Grants can cover a range of businesses, and an area with a variety of grants available is agriculture, which enables businesses to run and become more energy-efficient.
Can I get solar panels for my business?
This may seem like an obvious question; however, it’s more common than you think! On the technical side of the install, as long as you have a roof, DMH can install solar PV. We take care of the planning and problem-solving that comes with integrating the panels into your business, assessing the best places to place them, and holding your hand through the next steps to getting you plugged into solar energy. A reason this question may be asked by businesses is due to planning permissions and structural surveys, but once again, we can guide you through this process. DMH will also be responsible for all electrical and related components for the District Network Operator.
What is the 20% rule for solar panels?
This is a technical question we don’t get very often, but it pertains to the array size and the converter size. This is where we add an extra 20% to the array’s watts compared to the inverter’s watts. By slightly oversizing the array, you can capture more generation on duller, overcast days, ensuring that it doesn’t oversize the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) on the inverter.
What is the best renewable energy solution for small businesses in the UK?
For DMH, that’s an easy question: it’s solar PV! With solar PV, you can capture energy from the sun while you’re working, especially during peak times of the day, such as 9am-5pm. This all helps with the energy you use during the day for things like computers, lights, and other appliances. In short, your solar PV is working whilst you are!
Can I finance renewable energy upgrades to my business premises?
As we have mentioned above, the best way to learn more about what renewables you are eligible for is to seek advice and information from your council. However, once you have that financing, you can then come to DMH for the install. The grant company may require some documentation and invoices from us, which we can provide.
Do heat pumps increase home value in the UK?
This question can have many answers depending on who you ask. For someone who doesn’t have a heat pump, their answer may centre on the initial cost of installation, so the personal value of having one may not mean much to them. However, for people with a running heat pump, which helps save money on their energy bills, they would say that yes, the home comforts and the decrease in annual heating expenses are very valuable. On the financial side of home value, a Scottish Power report found that ASHP could boost property value by up to 3%.
Are heat pumps cheaper to run?
The answer to this question lies in the concepts of a SCOP and a COP. In a previous blog, we discussed that the Coefficient of Performance measures how efficient a heat pump is for your home. Heat pumps can be up to 300% efficient, meaning you can save 3 times the energy needed to run the system. Learn more about SCOP vs COP in our blog here.
Is it better to charge an EV at home or at a public charging station?
There is no one correct answer for this. Similarly, adding value to a home with a heat pump is down to preference, as is where you charge your electric vehicle. Having an EV Charger installed on your property will make charging your car cheaper, as the energy will come from solar PV and batteries you have generated yourself. Charging at home will cost as low as 6p per unit of electricity, whereas fueling on the road could cost 45p to 75p. Based on Dan’s Tesla Model Y, which is home-charged, he can fill a full tank for around £3.50, covering 350 miles.
Is solar PV worth it in the UK?
Yes! A lot of scepticism for UK solar comes from the idea that the UK is known for its rather bleak weather. There will be good days and bad days when measuring how much energy is generated with solar panels, but the best way to calculate “if it’s worth it” is over a 12-month period.
During the winter months, electricity generation will be lower due to shorter days. This is the time when most homes need energy for lighting and heating. The good news is that this energy can be generated, often in excess, during the summer months. Any excess energy you generate during summer can be sold and then saved to help fund heating later in the year.
Next Steps
We hope this blog has answered some of your questions about solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps, and other renewables. If you have any further questions, we’d love to hear them! Simply get in touch with us on our socials and send us a message. If you’re looking to start your renewables journey with DMH then be sure to fill out the contact form on our site and we can guide you to a greener, cleaner renewable future.
