As sustainability comes to the fore for many, the idea of a renewable home has taken center stage. A renewable home uses clean, renewable energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy bills, and increase independence from the grid. At Better Planet we’ve worked with 100s of clients to make this transition.
At the core of this setup are three key systems: heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and battery storage. Here’s how each works – and how they combine to create an efficient, future-ready home.
Heat Pumps: Efficient heating and cooling
Heat pumps are a low-carbon alternative to traditional gas boilers. They work by transferring heat from the air or ground into your home, using electricity rather than burning fossil fuels.
- Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outside air, even when it’s cold, and compress it to warm your home and hot water.
- Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) pull heat from the earth via underground pipes, offering even greater efficiency due to the stable ground temperatures.
Why they’re great for a renewable home:
- They’re up to 4.5x more efficient that gas boilers.
- Compatible with underfloor heating and low-temperature radiators.
- Reduce carbon emissions by replacing gas or oil-based systems.
Solar PV Panels: Generating clean electricity
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) panels convert sunlight into electricity for your home. They are typically installed on rooftops and generate power throughout the day, especially in sunny conditions.
Benefits of solar PV in a renewable home:
- Generates free, renewable electricity during daylight hours.
- Reduces dependency on the grid.
- Cuts your electricity bill and carbon footprint.
Even in the UK, solar panels are highly effective year-round and can provide a significant portion of a household’s energy needs.
Battery Storage: Maximising self-sufficiency
A battery storage system stores excess electricity generated by your solar panels for use later, especially useful in the evenings or during power outages.
How battery storage enhances your renewable home:
- Stores surplus solar energy for night-time use.
- Helps avoid exporting unused electricity back to the grid at lower rates.
- Increases overall self-consumption and efficiency.
Advanced systems can even be programmed to charge during off-peak tariff periods or during sunny days and discharge when electricity prices are high.
How they work together in a renewable home
When combined, heat pumps, solar PV, and batteries form a powerful trio that enables your home to be both low-carbon and low-cost:
- Solar PV generates renewable electricity throughout the day.
- That electricity powers your heat pump, reducing the need for grid electricity to heat your home and water.
- Any excess electricity is stored in your battery, ready for use in the evening or during high-tariff times.
- This integrated setup dramatically cuts your energy bills, enhances energy independence, and boosts your home’s sustainability credentials.
Bonus benefits
- Eligibility for funding: Systems like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and other local incentives can reduce the upfront cost.
- Cheap variable tariffs: Batteries allow you to capitalise year round from cheaper tariffs.
- Smart home integration: Modern systems can be controlled via apps and smart thermostats for maximum control.
- Increased property value: Renewable homes are attractive to future buyers and often come with higher EPC ratings.
Conclusion
A renewable home is more than just an eco-friendly choice – it’s a smart investment in your future. By combining heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage, homeowners can enjoy lower energy bills, greater self-sufficiency, and a significantly reduced carbon footprint. If you’re considering upgrading your home, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of renewable technologies.
