A case study
Let’s start at the beginning
Installation of solar panels and battery storage will save you money now and in the future. But if you’re going to make the decision, you need clear information and peace of mind.
We know there’s lots of confusing and often mixed information online and in the media, so we’ve made it our mission to see low-cost, sustainable energy become more accessible to the many, not just the few.
If you think cost-saving with solar panels and battery storage is for you, we want to help you make it happen. If you’re not there yet, then we want to put the benefits on your radar. Momentum is hard to stop and energy prices are only going to rise long term, so don’t rule yourself out of future-proofing your home.
But where do you start? It can be helpful to hear from others who have done it, had the scaffolding up and seen it come down when everything’s finished.
Introducing John and Sandra Barry from Brampton, Cambridgeshire. Here’s their story featuring golf buggies, lawn mowers and the ‘feel good factor.’
What was your motivation for getting solar panels?
This probably begins with the opposite question. Why didn’t we want to get solar panels?
In the past, we’d been put off by the aesthetics. I thought they looked ugly and we were worried about the look of them on our house – I know this was a common barrier.
Yet at the same time I love tech. After leaving the Royal Air Force, I set up a company working with new satellite technology. We actually put a solar panel on our motor home and had experienced the benefits of going ‘off grid’ when needed… geographically and in terms of boiling the kettle!
So, there was an interest in the solar technology itself, whilst knowing there was a way to go in terms of efficiency and benefits.
(These barriers to moving forward with solar are not uncommon. You might want to take a look at our article, ‘Are solar panels really for me? Part 1.’)
What changed your mind on panels?
The dial had been changing for a while. Across Europe, I’d seen the use of solar energy accelerating. I’ve spent a lot of time in Germany and you’ll often see roofs of huge commercial buildings covered in panels. Where aesthetics used to be a concern, it was clear they now looked good… like they’re meant to be there.
Alongside this, the technology has improved and new panels are no longer reliant on full sun. They just need daylight to start generating electricity, meaning our east and west facing roof was viable.
But the clincher was battery technology. Being able to store the energy you’re generating meant the whole thing made more financial sense. At night, you can use the electricity you’ve stored up during the day.
Where did you start?
Not surprisingly, we started looking for solar panel installers on the internet. Where else?
You immediately come across lots of large national companies offering big promises and lots of assurances… and in our experience, a dose of sales pressure. Of course, for sustainable energy to really grow, we’re going to need large, successful businesses. But I was also aware of some smaller local companies in the industry. Having started companies myself, I tend towards start-up businesses where possible, so we began looking a little closer to home.
Finding Brimstone Energy: Local company, personalised service
We looked at a couple of local contractors online, one of which was Brimstone Energy. Matt responded quickest to our enquiry and visited us to give a clear assessment and survey of our needs.
Fundamentally, Matt’s honesty and professionalism were clear from the beginning. His career in the Army and now his work as start-up business owner connected with us. It all gave us the peace of mind we needed to go for it.
A local company and personalised service. He knew what he was talking about. Our decision was made.
Did you have any other hesitations?
We’ve talked about the improvements in the aesthetics and technology of solar panels. Also, choosing to work with a smaller local company is a real decision to consider – finding the right one is important.
Again, working with Matt allayed any concerns. Brimstone Energy is fully accredited, beyond just solar panel installation. Matt‘s survey also looked at the energy efficiency of our house. He identified our need to increase the amount of insulation in our loft to meet current guidelines. We were also missing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which he was able to issue for us.
Good companies add value.
(Take a look here, if you want to check your EPC rating.)
What about the solar panels installation? How was that?
Again, this is where we’re happy we went with a local company and were able to deal directly with Matt. Scaffolding, roofers and electricians all needed coordinating and Matt’s project management was excellent. He was in the Army you know? We threw in an extra complication of planning a holiday at the same time, so in the end we handed Matt a key and trusted him to crack on.
It was nice to come home to our new system. 12 Longi 430 Watts peak (beautiful looking) black panels were in place. Our GivEnergy 9.5kWh was charged and we were good to go. We also had a TIGO optimiser put on each panel. In simple terms, it lets each panel work independently. If one is shaded, the others will still generate full power, which is not always the case. Matt’s knowledge on all this was exactly what we needed.
How do you feel now your solar panels are in and working?
For us, it’s a ‘feel good factor.’ It’s funny we mentioned the holiday, because this was real a real-life test. We’d been back ten days and worked through load after load of washing. You know how it is!
It was then that Sandra said, ‘we’ve used barely any electricity.’ It really does feel good and it’s these things families will really notice month on month, with the cost of electricity from the grid and bills only increasing from here.
On top of that, we’ll be exporting to the grid at the best times with the Smart Export Guarantee, learning how to keep getting out of the solar panels.
We also know the panels have added to the value of our house – they’re an asset to the property. We’re also pleased about the bonus insulation and EPC certificate we now have.
‘What about the lawn mower and the golf buggy?’
I mentioned I love tech, so it’s satisfying to check my apps showing our energy consumption. Early on, I wondered if was struggling to sync because there was no change in the display, just a straight line. Of course, we just hadn’t taken any electricity from the grid.
But probably my favourite part is that my solar panels mow my lawn and take me round the golf course for free. Both run off a battery, so I charge them during the day at no cost, ready for when I need them.
What would your advice be for anyone thinking about solar panels… and would you recommend Brimstone Energy?
Absolutely. You can do it and you can trust Matt and Brimstone Energy. He does what he says he will, he’s honest and he’s an expert in his field.
For anyone thinking about solar panels, working with someone like this is important.
Beyond that, we would encourage you to go for it. Over time you’ll make your money back on the investment. But you’ll see savings in your pocket each month from the start… and don’t forget your holiday ‘feel good factor’ continues when you come home and work through all your washing!
(Questioning whether panels make sense for you? Take a look at article, ‘Are solar panels really for me? Part 2.’)
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We love that John and Sandra are so happy with the benefits of their system – it was a brilliant project to work on.
Hearing Sandra speak about the ‘feel good factor’ really hit home. This is why we do what we do.
We want you to be next. At Brimstone Energy, we truly believe energy savings and sustainable energy are ‘for the many, not the few.’
What’s next for you?
Please feel free get in touch with Matt at Brimstone Energy if you have any questions. We’d love to chat.
And if you’re researching, the following web pages will help you take the next step:
GivEnergy – Supplier of the battery and car charger ecosystem in the project.
Smart Export Guarantee – Export prices – A comparison of prices paid for exported energy.