Homeowner Blog

We’re Continuing to Install Safely During Lockdown

George Riley · 10 Nov 2020

As the UK settles in for another lockdown, we want to take the opportunity to reassure you about all the measures we’ve taken at Spirit so we can continue the drive to sustainable energy during this challenging time.

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Topics: Spirit Energy news, Maintenance, Solar PV

Tesla Energy Plan for Solar PV and Powerwall

George Riley · 05 Nov 2020

We’re entering a period of dramatic change for the energy sector. From smaller independents breaking the hold of the Big 6 and consumers generating their own solar power to dynamic pricing plans and smart homes.

The latest innovation is one that combines all of these: Octopus’s Tesla Energy Plan. Previously this was only available to Tesla vehicle owners, but now it’s open to everyone with solar PV and Powerwall battery storage.

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Topics: Battery storage, EV charging, Solar PV, Tesla Powerwall

Installing Solar Panels On-Roof

George Riley · 14 Oct 2020

The majority of our domestic solar PV systems are retrofits - panels installed on top of an existing roof. If you’re curious to see how the process works, read on to get a look behind the scenes of one of our recent installs.

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Topics: Solar PV

Smart Meters and Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

George Riley · 07 Oct 2020

The rollout of smart meters is an important part of the energy revolution and transition to a clean electricity network. But if you’re generating your own electricity, how do smart meters and solar panels interact? Can you have smart meters with solar PV? You can - and it may make your life even easier.

Read on for more information on smart metering and Feed-in Tariffs, export tariffs and home batteries.

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Topics: Battery storage, Tariffs, Solar PV

What Are the Different Types of Electric Cars?

George Riley · 30 Sep 2020

The electric revolution is here.

Most manufacturers are now releasing battery-powered versions of their popular vehicles. The UK’s first electric forecourt is opening in November. And the government plans to announce that the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be brought forward to 2030, leading many more people to look into purchasing their first EV.

But with a plethora of makes, models and different types of EVs being advertised, where do you start? Let’s break down the jargon.

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Topics: EV charging

Are Domestic Flat Roofs Suitable for Solar PV?

George Riley · 02 Sep 2020

We are often asked about installing solar panels on residential flat roofs. Sadly, most of the time it’s not practical - at least for retrofits. For extensions, new builds and commercial flat roofs, solar PV is still worth considering.

Let’s delve into the reasons behind this.

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Topics: Solar PV

What Solar Panel is Best for You?

David Woon · 27 Aug 2020

We are often asked ‘what is the best solar PV panel for me?’. Unfortunately, it is hard to give one definitive answer to this question as each customer has different views on what the most important factors are and their motivation for investing in solar PV can have a significant impact on our response. 

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Topics: Solar PV

What’s the Best Electricity Tariff?

George Riley · 13 Aug 2020

We’re often asked by our customers which is the best electricity tariff, especially when they’re investing in their own renewable energy systems. There are lots of energy suppliers, with prices varying by location and various contract commitments. But there are particular types of tariffs that we’d recommend looking at, depending on your circumstances:

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Topics: Battery storage, EV charging, Tariffs, Solar PV

Smart Solar Homes May Eliminate Peak Demand

George Riley · 29 Jul 2020

Recently the Solar Trade Association (STA) published a report modelling the impact of solar PV, battery storage and smart home controls on the UK’s electricity supply and demand. In particular it examines how these technologies can help balance the grid as it becomes ever more complex and under pressure.

We’re going to dig into how solar PV can integrate with smart homes to reduce or even eliminate peak demand.

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Topics: Battery storage, EV charging, Solar PV

Meet the Andersen A2 Charger

George Riley · 24 Jul 2020

As EVs become a part of daily life for more and more of us, the humble chargepoint is no longer just a plug socket. It’s the brains behind intelligent, economic charging. It’s a device that has to stand up to use day in, day out. It’s a feature of the look and feel of our homes.

One chargepoint excels in all these regards and is a cut above the rest in the design stakes - the Andersen A2. And we’re delighted to announce that Spirit is now an Andersen approved installer.

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Topics: EV charging