As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, forward thinking UK businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy solutions to reduce expenses and enhance sustainability. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage solutions.

At Gregor Renewables, we’ve helped businesses transition to a more environmentally friendly energy solution resulting in not only financial savings, but energy security, and a whole host of other benefits. Read on to find out the potential benefits for your business.

Cut Energy Bills and Reduce Operational Costs

Simply put, installing solar PV panels allows businesses to generate their own electricity, significantly reducing reliance on the National Grid. This leads to lower energy bills and protection against unpredictable energy price increases. By producing your own energy, your business can enjoy long-term savings and increased financial stability. By adding in one of our solar energy storage batteries you can also capture and store excess solar energy and use it when you do need it – think a sunny weekend when you are closed!

Offset National Insurance and Business Rates Increases

With recent increases in National Insurance contributions and business rates, companies are facing higher operational costs than before, which is having a real impact, especially on small and medium sized businesses. Investing in solar PV can help offset these rising expenses by reducing your energy spend and taking advantage of government incentives. Additionally, commercial properties with renewable energy installations may benefit from business rates exemptions, further easing financial pressures.

Government Incentives and Tax Benefits

The UK government offers several financial incentives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy, making solar PV an even more attractive investment:

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Businesses can earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid, creating an additional revenue stream. You can find out more about that here:
• VAT Reduction: Solar PV installations benefit from a 0% VAT rate (valid until the end of March 2027), reducing initial installation costs.
• Business Rates Exemption: The removal of business rates on green technologies, including solar panels, enhances the financial benefits of solar investment.

Legal and Policy Context: Moving Toward Net Zero

While there is currently no blanket legal requirement for all UK businesses to be carbon neutral, there is growing pressure from both government policy and market expectations. The UK Government has committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this target influences regulatory and financial frameworks. Larger businesses are already subject to environmental reporting obligations such as the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). By installing solar PV now, you are on the front foot in case policies change and are moving towards business expectations in terms of reducing your carbon footprint.

Companies that move proactively toward carbon neutrality often gain competitive advantages, particularly in supply chains, public procurement, and investor relations. Installing solar PV is a sure step businesses can take to align with national goals and stakeholder expectations.

Improve Energy Independence and Stability

If the last few years are anything to go by – global uncertainty is becoming the norm!  Generating your own electricity provides greater energy security and reduces dependency on external suppliers. This protects businesses from energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions, ensuring more predictable budgeting and operational planning.

Enhance Corporate Social Responsibility and Brand Image

Switching to solar energy demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and reducing your company’s carbon footprint. Not only does this align with corporate social responsibility goals, it also strengthens your brands reputation, attracting environmentally conscious customers, investors, and partners.

Increase Property Value and Attractiveness

Installing solar PV can enhance the value of commercial properties by making them more energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate. Businesses that own their premises can benefit from increased asset value, while tenants can enjoy lower utility costs, making solar-equipped properties more attractive.

How to fund your Solar PV Project

You’ve seen the benefits of installing Solar PV, but how do you fund it? The good news is, there are many financial incentives which aim to reduce the financial barriers for businesses looking to adopt solar energy. This is a constantly changing market so it’s worth doing your research.

• Barclays Green Loans for Business: Offers discounted interest rates for businesses investing in eligible green assets, such as solar panels. They also provide green commercial mortgages for energy-efficient buildings with an EPC rating of B or above. 
• NatWest Green Loans: Aims to help eligible UK businesses finance assets like solar panels, electric vehicles, or heat pumps on commercial premises.
• Co-operative Bank Renewable Energy Funding Scheme: Provides up to 100% loan funding for renewable energy projects, including solar panel installations, to improve business sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Commercial Green Grants: There are some grants available for businesses – all with their own criteria. In the West of England, small and medium sized business and organisations can apply to West of England Growth Hub before the end of 2025.
• You can also search here on the gov.uk website.

• Green Loans for Business: Many leading banks are offering loans to eligible UK businesses for assets like solar panels, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, subject to eligibility.

As you can see, the installation of solar PV systems offers UK businesses a range of benefits, from significant cost savings and government incentives to enhanced brand reputation and energy independence. At Gregor Renewables, we’ve been advising on and installing solar PVs for almost 20 years. We will work with you to design and installing a bespoke solar solution tailored to your business needs.

Contact us today to discover how solar PV can benefit your business and take the next step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

renewables@gregorheating.co.uk

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Gregor is a friendly, family-run local business who’ve been helping families in and around Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset heat their homes and keep warm and cosy for over 35 years. Being passionate about what we do, we pride ourselves on offering a quality service and as such we choose to be associated with like-minded organisations.

In the growing and competitive industry of boilers, heating systems and renewable energies, choosing a company you can trust is so important. Purchasing a new boiler or investing in renewable technology is a significant purchase, so you’ll want to get it right first time.

It’s important to note that purchasing the product is just one part of the service, you’ll want to ensure installation is done correctly, and there is a robust after-care service and a knowledgeable and supportive customer services team in case anything goes wrong.

Doing your research is paramount and we find many consumers turn to online reviews and recommendations before making a decision. This is great but with different review sites popping up more regularly it can be misleading and you cannot always trust what you read online, or even if all the reviews are genuine. This is why we have been a Which? Trusted Trader for over 8 years. Let’s have a look at why being part of this esteemed network is so essential.

Partnering with Which? Builds Trust and Credibility

Which? is a highly respected consumer organisation in the UK, known for its rigorous testing and unbiased reviews. Which? is a not for profit organisation, which means its purpose is in solely protecting you, the consumer. The organization is also 100% independent, this means it is not biased towards or influenced by any third parties. Which? doesn’t accept freebies or money towards endorsing any products, manufacturers or retailers. It has no owners, shareholders or government departments to answer to – working entirely on behalf of you – the consumer.

Knowing this is so important because when you choose to purchase from a business such as ourselves, you can be assured that our products and services meet the highest standards of quality and service.

We’re not happy until you’re happy!

One of the cornerstones of the Which? Trusted Trader scheme is its emphasis on customer satisfaction. This aligns perfectly with our Gregor promise and guarantee ‘We’re not happy until you’re happy’ . By being part of this programme, we continue to showcase our commitment to delivering an excellent service and prioritising your needs first!

Can anyone become a Which? Trusted Trader?

There is a rigorous assessment process to becoming a Which? Trusted Trader. This ensures that only companies with a track record of meeting or exceeding customer expectations receive the endorsement. Their endorsement is about giving you peace of mind when choosing Gregor for your boiler, heating and renewable energy solutions, and we are continual assessed, to maintain our endorsement

Our joint commitment to sustainability

Another reason we love Which? is they align with our sustainability mission and values. Gregor are commitment to championing sustainability, and to being a credible and knowledgeable source of expertise and advice on sustainable choices such as Heat Pumps, Solar PV and Batteries. We’ve been driving change around Bristol and Bath by being one of the early providers and installers of renewable energy solutions (our first installation was in 2009).

Which? is committed to helping consumers reduce their environmental impact by helping them choose more sustainable products and services. The consumer champion goes beyond this and is actively influencing policymakers in government, manufacturers and retailers, as well as the finance sector, to make better decisions and choices available to help us all move towards a more sustainable future. We love and support this wholeheartedly!

Standing Out in a Competitive Market

In today’s crowded marketplace, it can sometimes feel we have too much choice. With numerous boiler and renewables companies vying for attention, being a Which? Trusted Trader sets us apart from the competition. For us it serves as a badge of excellence, giving you the confidence when choosing our services over others. In a sector where reputation and reliability matter, this distinction can make all the difference.

Trusted Reviews and Feedback

Like any business, we love receiving positive reviews as they can be an invaluable asset when consumers are doing their research. Another benefit of being a Which? Trusted Trader, is you can trust the customer feedback on their site. The Which? platform provides a trusted space for customers to share their experiences with genuine testimonials.

Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader is more than just a badge on our website; it’s a testament to our continued commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

In an industry as crucial as boiler and renewables services, trust and reliability are non-negotiable. By earning the endorsement of Which?, we hope to reassure you, our customers, that you’re making the right choice and can purchase from us with peace of mind now and in the future.

Becoming Which? Trusted Trader of the Month – July 2025

We were delighted to be named the Which? Trusted Trader of the month for July 2025

You can find out more about our products and services, by browsing our website. And, if you are considering investing in renewable technologies, we are always happy to have a chat to find out what you need and what will work best for your home and budget.

Get in touch with our customer services team today.

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With energy costs predicted to rise again in 2024, coupled with the urgency to embrace sustainable living, more and more home owners are looking at sustainable and more affordable ways to power and heat their homes.

In theory, as more renewable energy connects to the grid, it should reduce our reliance on gas-fired power plants, meaning energy prices will begin to fall. So by turning to renewables, you are not only helping yourself, you are helping the planet and everyone else – it’s a win-win!

The UK, in particular, is witnessing a revolution in the way homes are heated. According to recent data, more British households are installing heat pumps and solar panels than ever before, with a 62% jump compared to last year. Over 120,000 certified solar panels, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies were installed in UK homes during the first 6 months of the year, the highest number ever by this point in the year

In this blog, we’ll explore the latest trends in renewable heating, highlighting the role of Tesla, solar panels, heat pumps, and schemes designed to assist homeowners in making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives.

Tesla’s Powerwall and Powerpack: Revolutionizing Energy Storage:

Tesla, renowned for its electric vehicles, has made significant strides in the renewable energy sector with its Powerwall and Powerpack systems. These innovative solutions are designed to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day, allowing homeowners to harness it when the sun isn’t shining. By integrating Tesla’s energy storage solutions into homes, residents can enjoy a consistent and sustainable source of power even during cloudy days or at night.

Harnessing Solar Power with Advanced Solar Panels:

Solar panels have long been a staple of renewable energy, but recent advancements have elevated their efficiency and affordability. In 2024, homeowners can expect to see more advanced solar panels with improved energy conversion rates. These sleek, high-tech panels not only generate more electricity but also blend seamlessly into the architecture of homes. As the cost of solar technology continues to decrease, more homeowners are finding it financially viable to invest in solar solutions for their heating needs.

The Rise of Heat Pumps: Efficient and Environmentally Friendly:

Heat pumps have gained popularity as an efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution. By extracting heat from the air or ground, heat pumps provide a sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems. In 2024, we can anticipate even more sophisticated heat pump technology that enhances energy efficiency and reduces carbon footprints. Some models will come equipped with smart features, allowing homeowners to optimize their heating systems for maximum comfort and energy savings.

Government Schemes Making Renewable Heating Accessible:

Recognizing the importance of transitioning to renewable heating, the UK government had introduced various schemes to incentivize homeowners. However, a few of these scheme’s were removed this year.

For the elderly, those on low incomes or benefits, there is help available to make your home more energy efficient, and help towards energy bills.

If you’re off the main gas grid, on low income and have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating from D to G, you might be eligible for a home upgrade grant (HUG). This could include energy efficiency measures such as wall, loft and underfloor insulation, installation of heat pumps, solar panels, double glazing, low energy lighting and electric storage heaters. It’s only available to certain postcodes in England, and you need to apply through your local council. Contact your local authority to see if you’re eligible and find what’s available in your area.

For those of you in England or Wales who want to move over to renewable technologies, you could get £7,500 towards the cost of replacing your existing gas, oil or electric boiler with a heat pump or biomass boiler. You should be eligible providing you own the property. You don’t need to apply to get the scheme, your chosen installer will apply on your behalf – though make sure you choose an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Service (MCS).

We are hoping more help will become available in 2024, there is a government consultation in progress to offer help to people to move over to heat pumps with a grant of up to £6000. This would make heat pump installations more affordable for even more households and small businesses, enabling them to benefit from low-cost and low-carbon heating.

It’s clear that the landscape of home heating in the UK is undergoing a transformation, with technology and government initiatives aligning to promote sustainability. We hope this continues and we will keep adding to our offers as the technology becomes available.

As we continue to prioritise environmental responsibility, these innovations in renewable heating mark a significant step toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Choosing Gregor for your Renewable Heating and Energy Solutions

Gregor is MCS certified and our renewable experts have been advising on, installing and servicing the latest renewable technologies for homes in and around Bristol and Bath for 15 years. We can help you understand and assess the suitability of the range of renewable technologies that are available – including but not limited to:

• Heat Pumps
• Solar Photovoltaic Panels
• Solar Thermal Energy
• Car Chargers
• Electricity Storage Solutions
• Underfloor Heating

Get in touch for a consultation today.

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There are many advantages of the Tesla Powerwall 2 Battery. These include:

• Environmentally responsible renewable energy storage solution
• Flexible off-peak energy storage and consumption solution
• Customisable grid power outage back-up solution
• High energy storage capacity and power output
• Long lifespan at close to peak efficiency
• Low total lifetime cost per kW compared with alternative systems
• The system is stackable allowing multiple Powerwall’s to be connected.
• Quiet operation – emits less than 40 dBA at a distance of 1 metre
• Settings are manageable from your mobile device using the Tesla Mobile App
• Can be sited indoors or outdoors
• Thermally maintained – battery continuously adapts to a very wide range of ambient temperatures to ensure efficient operation and long life
• Sleek, modern, space-saving design
• Market-leading brand from the world leaders in battery development

Another fantastic benefit of these batteries, is you can use a Tesla Powerwall as a standalone product with no Solar PV. 

The advantage of this is, you can make the most of your energy providers off-peak tariff, charging your battery from the mains during off-peak rates and then use this power in the day when the rates are higher. Subject to tariffs and authorisation from the DNO, energy can also be sold back to the grid and a Feed in Tariff received.

As you can see, there are many benefits to installing the Tesla Powerwall in your home and taking the first steps towards a sustainable future. As these products become more popular, there will be more affordable options coming to market.

Gregor are passionate about renewable energy solutions. We are certified installers for/of Tesla battery packs and alternatives such as the SolarEdge Home Hub systems which offer Solar PV and Battery storage; GivEnergy Hybrid and AC Coupled Systems; the SolaX Hybrid and AC Coupled Systems; the Viridian In-Roof Solar PV Systems, and the MyEnergi – EV car chargers and Hot Water Diverters.

If you are considering renewable systems such as solar panels and battery packs and would like to talk about which product would be best for your home, get in touch to speak with us.

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Solar PV

As one of the most tried and tested technologies around Solar PV is a safe bet.

First to deal with a little urban myth. The hotter the day the greater the performance, right?

Wrong.

Did you know that an air temperature of between 18 and 22 degrees range is optimum for Solar PV. Anything hotter than that and you really won’t get maximum performance from them.

At high temperatures they, in fact, generate their own energy shield to protect from temperatures over 30 degrees so don’t work efficiently in really hot weather at all.

Another common misconception is PV can run heat during winter months but it can’t although this is where storage options such as batteries come into their own.

That said, it still is a sensible choice to consider solar panels. Let’s face it if our winters are getting milder, during the lighter, better days the generation from panels is going to increase compared to even 10 years ago.

On a clear, sunny, warm day the average 3KW system will generate 3KW or operate at maximum capacity. This will drop to 95% with wispy clouds and if warm but cloudy to around half or 1.5KW energy, this is still enough to keep things running.

Choose solar PV:  if you have a south facing roof free from obstructions (e.g. large chimney or a big tree). Get a free quote by filling in questionnaire 

Heat pumps

What many people don’t understand about heat pumps is that they work best on low temperatures. It’s a big job to undertake and your property must be properly insulated before even considering putting in heat pumps.

Heat pumps operate at an average 45 degrees (compared to boilers at an average 70 degrees) so need bigger a surface area to process.

Another sticking point is the insulation. In order to qualify for the existing BUS grant of £7500 towards a heat pump installation you have to have insulation.

Be that cavity wall insulation, double glazing or decent roof insulation or all three, in an ideal world. If your EPC suggests insulation is needed, this must be addressed before you proceed with heat pump installation.

If your property has solid walls you would need to internally insulate or externally clad or else the heat loss will be too high for the heat pump to operate efficiently.

Another thing to take into account is that if you are retro-fitting an existing property and heating system you need to consider most of radiators will be need to up-sized. Many people do not realise the extra considerations needed here.

Installing heat pumps is a science in itself. Any good surveyor needs to calculate the potential heat loss of the building, determine the size and make recommendations for a feasible way forward.

Choose Heat Pump if: you have the correct insulation and the space to expand. Get a free survey by filling in our questionnaire.

Whatever heating solution you cboose, the renewable team’s top energy saving top tip is…

“Ensure your Radiators have thermostatic bulbs. Use energy saving controls and have decent level of roof insulation. If you can envelope your house if heat and do your best to ensure it’s not escaping, it will help reduce the costs.”

For more information about renewable heating solutions visit our specialist website 

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Earlier this year, we worked with this customer in Bath who has had a Solar PV system for seven years and was looking for help to lower their electric and gas consumption and keep their carbon footprint in check.

After a face-to-face consultation with our renewables team to look at the existing solar panel system, our experts went through all the potential options to come up with a total install package to help meet this customer’s objectives.

We identified that they could harness the excess solar power generated from their PV panels by using a battery backup system with a Solar Diverter.

In this instance the best solution was to use My Energi products due to the versatility in using a battery & hot water storage and also possible future demand for car charging.

We also recommended looking at alternative energy suppliers to help keep costs low.

For example Octopus Energy provide reasonable off-peak rates during the hours of 00:30 until 4am* meaning the battery can be topped on days where excess solar gain is not possible.

The installation of these products require support from qualified electricians and this is where having an all-service team of heating engineers and electricians means we can provide the installation both quickly and easily.

For a project like this, the installation typically takes only one day on site.

Our electrician attended to install the My Eddi (which is linked with My Hub, an app monitoring) and put in a 8.2 Giv Energy linked to a Giv Energy 3.6 AC coupled inverter, to ensure this wouldn’t affect the current feed in tariff. This package will also include a dedicated power supply in an event of a power outage.

In this case the customer works from home two days a week, so the team prioritised the hot water to be charged in the morning with any excess solar power generation to be diverted to the battery.

The battery discharge times can be set so the home benefits from maximum usage from the battery at times convenient to them, helping to consistently reduce running costs.

Once the system is set up, the customer can download the My Hub App onto their chosen smart device and is shown in detail how to monitor and use the system for maximum benefit.

We check in on the customer one month after fitting the system to see how they are doing.

In this case we are pleased to report that their energy costs have been significantly reduced by reducing gas consumption as well storing excess electricity into the batteries for night time use. They reduced their electricity by 50% in a month.

They haven’t explored the off-peak tariffs available yet but said its next on the list to do.

This is all part of the service and why people choose Gregor Heating to help them make the right home heating choice.

Through the Gregor Guarantee, you are guaranteed expert and friendly advice and service to find the right solution to keep you and your home warm & cosy.

Check out our Which Trusted Trader for reviews and recommendations.

*Tariffs quoted at time of writing.

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Although solar panels are built to endure all manners of (the great British) weather such as rain, snow, wind and even hailstones, the fact is over a long period of time they still need to be checked for natural deterioration.

Solar panel technology is only cost-efficient when it is working at maximum output and for that reason, it is best to get them checked and cleaned, if necessary at least once a year. Servicing will identify and fix issues before more far-reaching damage can occur.

While solar PV systems do not pose more of a risk of faults than any other electrical equipment – because they carry live wires, there will always be some risk and this increases the older the system is.

If you’re still not convinced, check out our three great reasons below and remember that from just £95+VAT for full solar panel health check with Gregor Heating, you can have complete peace of mind.

1. Lose money on your FIT

You could potentially lose thousands of pounds a year on Feed-In tariffs (FITs) if they are not properly serviced, according to Alex Rook, lead electrician at Gregor Heating. With solar panel technology, faults in the system could affect the energy generated and therefore the FITs income.

If one panel fails it could have an adverse impact on the performance of the whole system affecting generation and your FIT. Also, dirt can build up on the panels degrading performance which can, in turn, lead to expensive repair call outs.

2. Incur warranty issues

Service intervals vary depending on the manufacturer and model but the Gregor Heating team is able to service all types. Be aware that faulty solar panels may affect your household insurance cover, so having a service record can help to mitigate this.

3. Avoid potential fire hazards

Although rare, the risk of fires from un-maintained solar panels is very real. Fires can be caused by faults in the system and in recent years have featured in news stories. Back in 2016, some local homeowners in Thornbury lost their home due to faulty wiring from their solar panels, so it can happen.

Finally, not many people realise that there are alternative options to help safely store the energy generated from your solar panels.

Next generation systems such as ImmerSUN will reduce an average household’s energy bill by diverting the electricity normally exported to the National Grid.

It can divert excess generated electricity to any heating system such as an immersion heater, storage heater, and/or electric underfloor heating. Battery storage has seen dramatic improvements over recent years and is now becoming a viable option for storing photovoltaic energy. If you’d like to find out more, give our team a call.

One final word. Keep an eye on your panels and keep them clean if they are accessible and safe to reach. If not, the cleaning and maintenance is probably best left to the experts. If faults are left for a longer period, this can leave to expensive repairs as well as an increased risk of danger.

For more renewable advice, please call a member of our friendly expert team on Bristol: 0117 935 2400

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More and more people are making the switch to renewable heating solutions such as heat pumps especially when those working on self-build projects, which have rocketed in popularity in recent years.

Indeed It is no surprise that 50% of us in the UK have the dream of building their own environmentally friendly home one day, and it is extremely rewarding when we are able to help make this a reality, as we did in the case of Mr and Mrs Amos, you can read more about their story here.

In the 10 years since we have been installing renewable technologies we have seen the industry change at a pace. What started out as an industry largely focused on electricity generating solar PV panels, has quickly turned into a broader, fast moving, disruptive industry that is offering increasingly affordable renewable heating choices for those that are not connected to a mains gas supply or those who simply want to choose a more self-sustaining option.

And while subsidisation of solar PV panels has declined there is some government support in the form of the Domestic Renewal Heat Incentive potentially available for the installation of other renewable heating solutions, including solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, air to water heat pumps and biomass.

Our renewables team has been advising on, installing and servicing the latest renewable technologies in homes in and around Bristol and Bath for over 10 years. And we are really pleased to welcome Craig Broadbear and Darren Beak to the growing team.

With new team members, of course, comes new vans. You’ll be seeing more Gregor vans out on the roads; complete with the green stripe of the renewable team. Be sure to give them a wave if you see them out and about!

The team is ideally placed to help you understand and assess the suitability of the range of renewable technologies that are now available. If you would like an informal chat please contact them on 0117 935 2400 and we’ll be sure to help.

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The only requirement is an immersion heater with a dedicated circuit to the same consumer unit as your Solar PV system. Excess electricity can also be diverted to other devices of your choosing.

Read more about it here. 

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