If you’ve already transformed your conservatory with Projects4Roofing, you’re already enjoying the improved energy efficiency of a fully insulated additional living space. 

With your conservatory now completed, you might be thinking about other ways to enhance your home and become more sustainable and energy-efficient. 

If this sounds like you, we’ve got some good news - as there are a number of different renewable energy solutions you’re able to install that can further reduce your energy bills, increase the market value of your property, and contribute to a greener future. 

And the even better news? All the major renewable energy solutions can be installed by a partner you trust through our subsidiary Projects4Renewables. 

Intrigued? 

Let’s first have a brief recap about the benefits of investing in renewable energy, before we go on to look at how your UK home might benefit from solar panels, air source heat pumps, flat roof insulation and electric storage heaters.  

What are the benefits of investing in renewable energy?

Energy efficiency

Investing in renewable energy solutions like a solar panel system, air source heat pumps, and electric storage heaters can make a huge difference to the energy efficiency of your home - reducing your reliance on the national grid and cutting your monthly energy bills significantly. 

Your choice of renewable energy solutions doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive, so it’s best not to think of whether you should install solar panels to your UK home or a heat pump. You can enjoy the combined benefits of a number of different renewable energy approaches. 

As an example, imagine powering your home during the day with solar energy, pairing this with battery storage so the energy collected during the day doesn’t go to waste and can be used at night. 

But then also having an air source heat pump to warm your home, which is far more efficient than traditional heating systems - reducing your energy usage further. 

And then, to top it off, you can invest in Smart Heating Controls that allow you to control your heating on the go from your phone, tablet or other device.

It’s completely within your reach to have this combination of renewable technologies to create an energy-efficient, eco-friendly home that runs smoothly all year round -  while your energy bills, carbon footprint,  and impact on the environment reduce significantly. 

Environmental impact

Sustainable living and taking steps to reduce the impact of climate change are important for everybody to embrace if we’re going to protect the planet for future generations.

For any homeowner who’s serious about reducing their carbon footprint and becoming more environmentally responsible, one of the most significant steps they can take is to install renewable energy solutions on their property. 

In the UK, every solar panel, heat pump, Smart Heating Control, and well-insulated roof contributes to a reduction in your home’s reliance on energy generated from fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to global carbon emissions. 

So by embracing renewable energy, you’re able to take an active role in the global fight against climate change, reduce your carbon footprint, and help create a healthier planet for generations to come. 

Increased property value

Based on the importance of the previous two points  - it’s perhaps no surprise that homes equipped with renewable energy systems are in high demand in the modern property market and are able to command a premium price. 

It’s actually estimated that homes that have solar panels installed are valued up to 25% more than other comparative properties in the area without this technology. And the same study found properties that have invested in additional insulation can expect to see an increase in valuation of up to 22%. 

The reason for this is that buyers are increasingly looking for properties that not only save on energy costs but also reflect a commitment to environmental sustainability. 

So, you might not be ready to sell right now - not after your brand-new conservatory! But when it does become the right time for you to move home, an investment in renewable energy systems can help your property stand out in a crowded market and attract eco-conscious buyers willing to pay a premium for the benefits of renewable energy.

What are the different renewable energy solutions available?

Solar panels and batteries

You’ll probably already be familiar with the concept of solar panels, but what you might not realise is how far the technology has advanced in recent years. 

Worried that we don’t have the weather for solar panels in the UK? The good news is that even in the unpredictable British weather - UK solar panels are one of the most effective and efficient renewable energy solutions, converting the energy from the sun into electricity to power your home. 

If you’re curious about how solar panels work, we’ve got an in-depth guide that talks through the photovoltaic effect and their efficiency, and also an article that talks through how to overcome challenges with shade if you have nearby trees. 

But if we want to focus on the most important aspects of solar panels - it’s estimated that a professional installation can reduce your reliance on the national grid and reduce your annual energy bills by as much as £1000. If you choose an MCS-certified installation partner for your solar panel installation in the UK, you’re also able to take advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee and receive payment for any excess electricity you generate and send back to the grid. 

However, if you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your UK solar panel installation, you really need to consider battery storage. 

Solar batteries store any excess energy produced by your solar panel system during the day and make it available for use during the night, on particularly overcast days, or even during a power outage.  

By investing in battery storage as part of your UK solar panel installation, you not only reduce your reliance on electricity from the national grid outside of daylight hours, but you also ensure you’re taking full advantage of the clean energy your solar panel system generates.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

Air source heat pumps are a highly efficient way to heat your UK property. They work by extracting heat from the outside air (even in winter!) and use it for your home heating system. 

We’ve got a handy diagram that explains how air source heat pumps work in detail, but to provide a top-level overview of how they operate:

• The outside unit of an ASHP contains a liquid refrigerant that absorbs heat from the outside air - causing it to evaporate into gas.
• This gas then makes its way to a compressor, which increases its pressure and temperature.
• The hot, high-pressure gas then makes its way to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to your home heating system - warming up the water for your radiators, underfloor heating and hot water taps.
• After the gas has released its heat, it passes through an expansion valve, where it is returned to its liquid state and transported back to the outdoor unit. 
  
  

The whole process is cyclical and incredibly energy efficient, which is why ASHP technology uses significantly less electricity than traditional home heating systems.

Additionally, at the time of writing there are government incentives that may be available to you to help you offset installation costs, making ASHPs an affordable and eco-friendly choice for your home.

Insulated flat roofs

Did you know that as much as 25% of the heat in your home can be lost through the roof if it isn’t properly insulated? 

On a sloped roof, there are lots of things that can be done to provide insulation, such as installing insulation between the rafters, using foam insulation boards, or adding a layer of spray foam insulation. These methods work effectively by creating a barrier that reduces heat loss, making sure your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer.  The installation of loft insulation is the most popular way in the UK to insulate a tiled roof.

On a flat roof, it’s a little more complicated. Although ‘cold roof’ insulation can be installed between your joists - it often isn’t as effective as ‘warm roof’ insulation, where the insulation is placed above your roof deck. 

However, the effectiveness of warm roof insulation depends on the quality of products used, and traditional warm roof insulation for flat roofs is renowned for still allowing a substantial amount of heat to escape and is also susceptible to weather damage, water pooling, and leaks. 

The positive news is that advancements in technology have meant that you no longer need to lose heat through a poorly insulated flat roof. 

The RubberBond Fleeceback solution installed by Projects4Renewables uses the latest innovations to finish and insulate your flat roof, with a 2.6mm membrane that reduces heat loss and is 180% more resistant to tears than traditional solutions. 

By choosing the right insulation for your flat roof, you can not only improve your home’s energy efficiency but also enhance the durability and longevity of your roof.

Electric storage heaters

Electric storage heaters offer an energy-efficient solution for managing your home’s heating needs, especially if you pair them with a renewable energy source like solar panels. 

Storage heaters work by storing energy during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and releasing it throughout the day. This allows you to heat your home more cost-effectively. If you have solar panels installed, they can even use this electricity to store heat (for free!) and release it when it is needed. 

A lot of modern storage heaters come with smart controls, enabling you to adjust heating schedules to match your lifestyle, resulting in significant savings on your energy bills. 

By including electric storage heaters as part of your renewable energy system, you can even further reduce your dependence on the national grid and increase your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. 

If you're looking to improve your home with renewable energy solutions, choose a partner you already trust

If you’ve reached the end of this article, and you’re excited about the potential for improving the energy efficiency of your home with renewable clean energy solutions - you might be thinking about next steps. 

You have a wide choice of providers out there who can install heat pumps, flat roof insulation, and solar panels in the UK.

But it’s important to choose a partner that you know will do a good job and complete your project to the highest standards. 

So, if you’re delighted with the conservatory roof you’ve had installed by Projects4Roofing, why not consider Projects4Renewables for the installation of your renewable energy system? 

Both companies share the same commitment to transparency, quality, and customer service - and our extensive experience makes us the perfect choice for your next home improvement project. 

So whether it’s a solar panel installation, air source heat pumps, or flat roof insulation you’re interested in, get in touch today and take the next step toward a more eco-friendly, energy-efficient home.

Speak to our roofing specialists at Projects4Roofing today!