Solar panels, batteries and heat pumps can all help you use energy differently.
But they do different jobs.
So, start with what you want to achieve. Then look at which options suit your home and budget.
What Do You Want?
Start with a simple question:
What do you want to change?
You may want to:
- make your own electricity
- store electricity for later
- change how you heat your home
- heat water using the sun
- buy less energy
- cut your carbon emissions
Once you know your goal, it becomes much easier to compare the options.
Make Your Own Electricity
If you want to make electricity at home, start with solar PV.
Solar panels make electricity during daylight hours.
Your home can use this electricity as it is made. Any extra can then be exported to the grid or stored in a battery.
However, every home is different.
Roof direction, shade and system size can all affect how much electricity the panels make.
Learn more: Solar PV and Battery Storage →
Store Electricity for Later
A home battery stores electricity.
For example, solar panels may make more electricity than you need during the afternoon.
A battery can store some of this. Then, you can use it later in the day.
Some batteries can also charge from the grid when electricity is cheaper.
However, a battery costs money and does not make electricity itself.
So, ask:
Will I save enough to make the battery worthwhile?
Our Solar & Battery Calculator → can help you compare solar on its own with solar plus a battery.
Change How You Heat Your Home
If you want to replace your heating system, you could look at a heat pump.
There are two main types covered by Energility.
Air source heat pumps take heat from the outside air.
Ground source heat pumps take heat from the ground.
Both use electricity to move heat into your home.
However, the heat pump is only one part of the system.
Your home’s heat loss, radiators, hot water and heating controls also matter.
So, good design is important.
Learn more
Heat Water With Solar Energy
Solar thermal uses heat from the sun to help heat your water.
It is not the same as solar PV.
Solar PV makes electricity.
Solar thermal heats water.
A solar thermal system will normally need a hot-water cylinder. You will also need another way to heat water when there is not enough useful sunlight.
So, compare it with solar PV and your other hot-water options before you decide.
Learn more: Solar Thermal Explained →
What About Wind Power?
A small wind turbine can make electricity at home.
However, location is very important.
Wind turbines usually need an open and exposed site with good wind.
Trees and buildings can block or disturb the airflow.
So, a turbine that works well in one place may work poorly somewhere else.
Learn more: Wind Turbines Explained →
Check Your Home
Next, look at the property itself.
Think about:
- roof space
- roof direction
- shade
- outside space
- heat loss
- radiators
- hot-water system
- space for a cylinder
- available land
Some options may quickly become more or less suitable.
For example, a heavily shaded roof may reduce the case for solar panels.
Likewise, a ground source heat pump needs suitable outside space or boreholes.
Check How You Use Energy
Then, look at your energy use.
Check your electricity bills and, if possible, your yearly use in kWh.
Also think about when you use electricity.
This matters with solar panels.
For example, if you use more electricity during daylight hours, you may be able to use more solar electricity as it is made.
If you use most of your electricity in the evening, a battery may become more useful.
Also look at how you currently heat your home and water.
These details can change which option makes the most sense.
Cut Waste First
Before spending thousands of pounds, check whether your home is wasting energy.
Start with simple things.
For example:
- check loft insulation
- stop unwanted draughts
- use heating controls properly
- look for areas where heat is being lost
You do not need a perfect home before fitting renewable technology.
However, cutting heat loss can reduce the amount of energy you need.
That may also reduce the size of heating system you need.
Learn more: Insulation and Heat Loss →
Compare Costs Carefully
Next, look at the money.
Do not focus only on how much energy a system could save.
Also look at:
- purchase price
- installation cost
- yearly savings
- maintenance
- warranties
- expected life
- finance costs
Then compare the full cost with the likely benefit.
A system can save energy without saving enough money to justify its price.
Be Careful With Payback Claims
You may see claims such as:
“This system pays for itself in seven years.”
That may be possible.
But the answer depends on the figures used.
For example, the calculation may assume:
- a certain energy price
- a certain amount of solar generation
- a certain amount of electricity used at home
- a certain export price
- no unexpected repair costs
Change those figures and the payback period changes too.
So, always ask:
What assumptions have been used?
Get More Than One Quote
For an expensive system, get more than one quote.
But do not compare price alone.
Also compare what each installer says the system will do.
For solar panels, check:
- expected yearly generation
- shade
- system size
- how much electricity you may use yourself
For heat pumps, check:
- how much heat your home needs
- expected electricity use
- radiator changes
- expected performance
Also compare the equipment, warranty and support.
A cheaper system is not better if it has been poorly designed.
Check Grants and Support
You may be able to get help towards the cost of some home improvements.
However, schemes and rules can change.
So, check what support is available before you buy.
See: Help to Make Your Home Warmer →
Which Option Fits Your Goal?
Here is a simple starting point.
Want to make electricity?
Look at solar PV.
Want to store electricity?
Look at a battery.
Want to change your heating?
Look at air source or ground source heat pumps.
Want to use solar energy for hot water?
Look at solar thermal.
Have a very good, exposed windy site?
A small wind turbine may be worth exploring.
These are only starting points.
You still need to check whether the option suits your home.
Before You Buy
Use this simple order:
- Decide what you want to achieve.
- Check your current energy use.
- Check your home.
- Cut obvious energy waste.
- Compare suitable options.
- Get more than one quote.
- Check the figures behind each quote.
- Compare the full costs.
- Check grants and support.
Then make your decision.
Do not buy something simply because it is called renewable.
Choose it because it makes sense for your home.
Key Points
- Start with what you want to achieve. Different renewable energy systems do different jobs.
- Solar PV makes electricity, while a battery stores electricity for later use.
- Heat pumps provide heating and hot water by moving heat from the air or ground into your home.
- Solar thermal uses heat from the sun to help provide hot water.
- Small wind turbines need the right location. An open, exposed site with good wind is important.
- Check whether your home is suitable before choosing a system. Roof space, shade, heat loss, radiators, hot-water arrangements and outside space can all matter.
- Look at how much energy you use and when you use it. This can make a big difference to which system offers the most benefit.
- Cut obvious energy waste first. Insulation, draught proofing and better heating control may reduce how much energy your home needs.
- Compare the full cost. Include installation, maintenance, warranties, finance costs and expected savings.
- Be careful with simple payback claims. Ask what energy prices, generation figures and other assumptions have been used.
- Get more than one quote for expensive work. Compare the system design and expected performance as well as the price.
- Check current grants and support before you buy, as available schemes and their rules can change.
- Most importantly, do not choose a technology simply because it is renewable. Choose it because it suits your home, energy use, goals and budget.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
Choose the system that fits your home.
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