Homeowner Blog

Charlie McGibbon

Recent Posts

What Does the Energy Price Cap Mean for Solar Panel Investment?

Charlie McGibbon · 02 Jul 2024

You'll have probably heard on the news the announcement that the Ofgem energy price cap has been lowered once again, going from 24.5p per kWh to 22.36p per kWh, but does this mean energy prices are going to continue to go down and what does this mean for those considering an investment in solar panels?

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Topics: Tariffs, Solar PV, Benefits of Solar PV

Election 2024: How do the Parties Line up on Net Zero and Solar?

Charlie McGibbon · 28 Jun 2024

So, there's less than a week to go until the 2024 election. While Labour are predicted to gain the biggest majority for any party since 1920 and issues of immigration and cost of living are dominating the agenda, we look in more depth at the net zero commitments of each of the parties and the impact their policies may have on the solar industry.

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Topics: Battery storage, Solar PV, Environment

How Do Clouds Affect Solar Panel Output?

Charlie McGibbon · 05 Jun 2024

For some, investing in solar panels in the unsettled climate of the British Isles might seem counterintuitive, but it is still a worthwhile investment. However, weather does impact the performance of solar panels, read on to find out how a solar panel system in the UK will perform come rain or shine.

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Topics: Solar PV

Can You Really Get Free Solar Panels?

Charlie McGibbon · 02 May 2024

Solar panels for most homeowners are a large investment. The solar market has changed drastically since the shock to energy prices in 2022 and an increasing number of companies are offering free solar panel installation. This is often a marketing ploy to entice you to sign up and give them your precious data; but of course without a grain of truth they would not be allowed to advertise such offers. With marketing tactics among solar panel installers heating up as the market gets tougher and brokers being increasingly aggressive, here is a rundown on what to bear in mind when enticed by such an offer. 

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Topics: Financing, Solar PV

Where Should You Install a Residential Battery?

Charlie McGibbon · 18 Apr 2024

One of the key issues surrounding battery installation is where to locate the battery in a property. From both a practical and a health and safety perspective, location matters with battery installations, so read on to find out the factors that go into locating your battery.

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Topics: Battery storage, Tesla Powerwall, FAQs

What Happens to a Solar PV System During a Solar Eclipse?

Charlie McGibbon · 08 Apr 2024

If you're out and about in Wales or Scotland later this evening, you might notice that rare phenomenon, a solar eclipse! Albeit not a total one - but what impact might such an occurrence have on your solar panel system?

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Topics: Solar PV, Environment

Do Solar Panels Increase the Value of Your Home in 2024?

Charlie McGibbon · 26 Mar 2024

One of the many advantages to installing a solar system in your home is not just cheaper energy bills but the value it can add to your house price. While bearing in mind concepts such as payback period and sustainability, it's also important to understand that a solar system is not a sunk cost, it is a physical addition to your property that has intrinsic value. However, the ways in which solar adds value can be poorly understood even by real estate agents, and the estimates on how much they can increase your property's value can vary quite a bit.

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Topics: Solar PV

Is Solar Worth it in 2024?

Charlie McGibbon · 07 Mar 2024

So, you're considering adding solar panels to your home, but you're still unsure if you really want to make the investment. Perhaps you're concerned about the upfront cost and whether it's truly worth it, or if the money could be better invested elsewhere. Well, in this post, we break down whether solar is still worth it in 2024.

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Topics: Solar PV

Spirit Energy Given Tesla Premium Installer Status for 2024

Charlie McGibbon · 23 Feb 2024

Spirit Energy has been given Premium Installer status in the UK for 2024, cementing our place in the upper percentiles of Tesla Powerwall installers once again and making us a top choice to help put you on the path to sustainable energy.

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Topics: Battery storage, Spirit Energy news, Tesla Powerwall

Spirit Energy are now a Which? Trusted Trader

Charlie McGibbon · 15 Jan 2024

Following a rigorous assessment, Spirit Energy are now endorsed by Which? as a Which? Trusted Trader. 

To achieve this, we had to demonstrate our expertise in our industry, and agree to abide by the Which? code of conduct which guarantees our customers will receive the high standard of care they've come to expect both of Spirit Energy and companies endorsed by the Which? brand.

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Topics: Battery storage, Spirit Energy news, Solar PV