Green Homes Network

Keen to play his part in reducing Scotland’s carbon emissions, Andrew has installed several renewable technologies, and made several energy efficiency improvements, to his traditional detached stone-built property, which was only built around 20 years ago. His patience and perseverance have paid off as he now has much greater control over his energy consumption and his home is much more comfortable.

Andrew carried out his first home upgrades in June 2018 by replacing the windows with double glazing and installing an under-floor heating system, both of which made his home significantly cosier.

Installing solar panels to generate electricity

Next he kicked off 2019 by purchasing a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (EV) using a loan administered through Energy Saving Trust. He says that although the application process took a few weeks longer than expected, he is delighted with his new car. The car is charged via a Myenergi Zappi chargepoint installed the following year.

In the spring of 2019, Andrew decided to install solar panels to generate his own electricity. Despite the unconventional layout of his home and the distance between the inverter and the consumer unit and meter, Andrew says the installation of the 5.4kW solar PV array was incredibly straight forward. It only took a couple of days, came in on budget, and has worked seamlessly ever since. Andrew used a local installer, Lothian Renewables, who came recommended by a friend.

In 2024 the local power line was upgraded which meant, after waiting 12 years, Andrew was finally able to upgrade his home to a 3-phase electricity supply. The benefits were twofold, Andrew’s home could finally accommodate a heat pump, and both the house and his nearby holiday cottages could benefit from expanding the existing solar array.

After a couple of months of preparation, Andrew added a 6.16kW solar PV array and a large 14kWh battery in July 2024. His smart meter was exchanged for a 3-phase smart meter which Andrew says took a little while to get going, needing a week or so to fully sync before it started reporting the data he wanted.

Retrofitting with an air source heat pump

After lots of online research, speaking to specialists and hearing testimonials from homeowners and installers Andrew found Renewable Heat, which are based in Falkirk, on Energy Saving Trust’s Renewables Installer Finder. He was sure to speak to their previous customers about their own experiences having one installed.

The air source heat pump was installed in October 2024 and Andrew took advantage of the 0% interest Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme, benefiting from the rural uplift element of the grant. He says the cost without the support would have been prohibitive.

The heat pump circulates heat more consistently at a lower temperature, so Andrew decided to remove the zonal heating controls he previously fitted alongside his underfloor heating. He finds the heat pump keeps his home consistently warmer throughout.

The importance of monitoring electricity use

Andrew maximises the electricity generated by his solar panels by keeping an eye on his smart meter and says his household benefits enormously from an off-peak tariff, giving them significantly cheaper energy for six hours overnight. This means they can plan around the cheapest tariff, as Andrew happily explains, “We now heat the house, heat our water, run our dishwasher, charge the car, etc, etc, at these specified times overnight, when it’s more than three times cheaper!”

Andrew’s advice for others

Andrew considers these types of energy efficiency improvements an obligation for anyone that has the means as, “those people are more likely to be above-average emitters”. He says he will continue to identify further areas for improvement as, “we all have a responsibility to do what we can”.

Andrew’s advice for prospective EV owners is to consider how bidirectional charging (using an EV battery to feed electricity back into the home) may be important in the future. He says, “it’s worth seeking expert advice on how the market might change, and factor that in”.

Andrew also encourages homeowners interested in installing renewable technologies such as a heat pump or solar panels to let their local electricity network operators know their intentions because it helps them to factor that in when upgrading the local infrastructure.

Feeling inspired?

If you too want to research different types of renewable technologies, our Home Renewables Selector will help you discover your options and calculate your savings.