Green Homes Network

After doing their own research into solar PV systems Graham and Rosanna got advice from Home Energy Scotland about funding, then used the Renewables Installer Finder tool to search for an installer near them. They chose MMS to install a 4kW solar PV system and an Immersun unit, which allows them to use excess solar power to heat their hot water. Graham and Rosanna were really pleased with their installer, MMS, who explained all their options and talked them through the process of applying for funding. They used the interest-free Home Renewables Loan to help cover the cost of installation.

Graham and Rosanna are really pleased with their solar PV system. They are receiving Feed-in Tariff payments of around £546 a year, which is more than they were expecting. In addition, Graham and Rosanna’s bills have come down. When they first moved in to their home they were paying around £300 a month for gas and electricity. This reduced to around £177 after they repaired their faulty immersion heater and broken heating and boiler controls. Since installing their solar PV system, Immersun unit, improving their insulation and switching to LED’s, their bills are now £96 a month. Graham and Rosanna are really pleased with this considering they have a young family and are at home a lot of the time, with the washing machine and tumble drier in constant use!

Installing solar PV has opened Graham and Rosanna’s eyes to further possibilities, and they’re now looking at getting an electric car to make the most of their solar electricity. They’re also investigating installing a gas or air source heat pump, underfloor heating and a battery storage unit for their solar system.

Graham and Rosanna would encourage others to look into renewable technology. Their advice is, “Get a company you feel comfortable dealing with as you’ll have a lot of contact back and forth. The installer we went with in the end was really keen to put us in touch with previous clients – I wouldn’t go with a contractor who isn’t happy to do this as it really put us at ease."

As well as the financial benefits, Graham and Rosanna were delighted to learn that since installing their solar PV they’ve produced enough electricity to power 359 houses for a day, and saved the equivalent carbon of 68 trees! As they said, “We initially worried about the size of the investment for the solar panels but we haven’t looked back. They have surpassed our expectations in terms of performance and financial benefits but we had never anticipated how good it would make us feel knowing we were doing our bit to help protect the environment.”