Yes. Commercial solar can be combined with battery storage and workplace EV charging, helping your business make better use of the electricity generated on site.
Any surplus solar energy can be stored for use later or used to charge company, employee and visitor vehicles. SGS Energy can integrate these technologies into a single system tailored to your site and energy needs.
Many warehouses, offices, farms, schools and industrial sites are suitable for commercial solar. Panels can be installed on flat or pitched roofs, provided the structure, available space, orientation and shading are suitable.
Where roof space is limited or unsuitable, a ground-mounted solar array may be another option. SGS Energy assesses the whole site, including the roof, surrounding land and electrical connection, before recommending the most practical system.
DIY MVHR kits are available, but successful installation involves more than fitting the unit and ductwork. The system must be designed to provide the correct airflow in each room, then properly balanced and commissioned.
Professional installation helps ensure the system operates quietly and effectively and is installed in line with relevant Building Regulations and ventilation requirements.
MVHR installation costs depend on your property size, ducting design, and chosen system type. A single room MVHR will cost less than a full-house or commercial MVHR setup, but all offer long-term savings through MVHR heat recovery. Talk to our experts today for a free, no-obligation quote that fits your property and budget.
A properly designed and commissioned MVHR system should run quietly. Problems with noise are usually linked to poor system design, such as an incorrectly sized unit, unsuitable positioning or poorly planned ductwork.
SGS Energy designs each system around the property and carefully balances the airflow during commissioning to help ensure quiet, consistent performance.
MVHR stands for Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery.
It's a ventilation system that extracts warm, stale air from rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, recovers much of the heat, and uses it to warm fresh air supplied to living rooms and bedrooms.
The result is a steady supply of fresh air with less heat loss than opening windows or using standard extractor fans.
An MVHR system is a whole-house ventilation system that continuously removes stale, humid air from rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms, while supplying fresh, filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces.
As the outgoing and incoming air pass through the unit, heat from the stale air is transferred to the fresh air without the two air streams mixing. This helps maintain a steady flow of fresh air while reducing the amount of heat lost through ventilation.
MVHR systems are particularly well suited to modern, well-insulated and airtight homes. They can help reduce condensation, manage moisture, improve indoor air quality and make the home easier to heat efficiently throughout the year.
A heat recovery fan is part of a ventilation system that removes warm, stale air from inside a property and uses its heat to warm the fresh air coming in.
Unlike a standard extractor fan, it helps retain heat that would otherwise be lost through ventilation. This can improve indoor air quality, reduce condensation and lower the amount of energy needed to heat the building.
Heat recovery fans are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms, either as single-room units or as part of a whole-house MVHR system.
The tepeo ZEB learns how much heat your home typically needs and uses local weather forecasts to predict demand for the day ahead.
It then decides how much energy to store and when to charge by considering your electricity tariff, grid carbon intensity and expected heating needs. Throughout the day, it checks its charge level and adjusts its plan when conditions change.
You remain in control through the tepeo app, where you can change charging settings or use Boost Mode whenever you need extra heat.
Compared with gas or oil boilers, heat battery boilers can provide heating without combustion or on-site carbon emissions.
They can also store electricity during cheaper, lower-carbon periods and release the heat when it is needed, which may help reduce running costs depending on your tariff and energy use.
Other benefits can include quiet operation, low maintenance and greater compatibility with a future low-carbon energy system.
Yes. The tepeo app lets you check how your ZEB is performing and adjust your heating wherever you are.
You can see when the ZEB is charging, how much energy it is storing and how much heat your home is using. You can also schedule charging for cheaper, lower-carbon periods, reduce heating while you are away and use Boost Mode when you need extra warmth quickly.
The tepeo ZEB may be the better fit if you want to replace a gas, oil or LPG boiler with an electric system that provides both central heating and hot water. It works with wet heating systems, including radiators and underfloor heating. Measuring 598 × 660 × 980 mm and weighing 375 kg, it is about the size of a washing machine and is typically suited to a utility room or cupboard.
In contrast, the Sunamp Thermino may be more suitable if your main priority is hot-water storage. It can replace a traditional hot-water cylinder with a much more compact heat battery, helping to free up space while still delivering reliable hot water when you need it.
Yes. Both systems can store surplus electricity from your solar panels as heat, helping your home use more of the energy it generates instead of exporting it to the grid.
The tepeo ZEB can store that energy for later use in your central heating and hot water. The Sunamp Thermino stores it for hot water, releasing the heat when you use a tap or shower.
How much solar energy each system can use will depend on your panel output, household demand and the way the system is configured.
SGS Energy installs two complementary thermal-energy-storage solutions:. The tepeo ZEB and the Sunamp Thermino.
The tepeo ZEB is an electric heat-battery boiler for whole-home space heating. It uses electricity to heat an internal thermal store, then releases that energy through a wet central-heating system, such as radiators or underfloor heating. A separate system is generally required for domestic hot water.
The Sunamp Thermino is a compact heat battery designed for domestic hot water. It stores thermal energy in a specialist phase-change material, then releases it to provide hot water when a tap, bath or shower is used.
Permission requirements can vary depending on your property and where the ChargeArm will extend. You may need approval from your landlord, freeholder or local authority, particularly if the system could affect a public pavement or shared access area.
The adjustable arm is designed to extend towards the vehicle, making it easier to reach cars parked at different points along the kerb or parking area. SGS Energy can assess the available reach and confirm whether the setup is suitable for your property.
A ChargeArm is an adjustable cable-support system for home or workplace EV charging. Mounted to the property, it extends towards the parked vehicle and keeps the charging cable raised above the ground, helping you charge safely without trailing it across a driveway, parking area or pavement.
Yes. ChargeArm can be designed for workplaces, commercial car parks and fleet depots, with each installation tailored to how vehicles move, park and charge across the site.
Yes. A ChargeArm is designed for homes where the vehicle may be parked away from the property, including on-street parking.
It supports the charging cable above the ground, helping you reach the car without leaving a loose cable across the pavement or access route. Suitability will depend on the property layout, parking position and any local authority requirements.
A straightforward home ChargeArm installation can often be completed within a day. Larger commercial or fleet installations may take longer, particularly where groundwork or electrical upgrades are needed. Following the site survey, SGS Energy will provide a clear installation timescale and plan the work to minimise disruption.
A ChargeArm can make home EV charging possible when you don't have a driveway. It supports the charging cable above the ground and helps route it safely from your property to a car parked nearby.
This can reduce the risk of a loose cable crossing the pavement, although suitability will depend on the layout of your home, where you park and any local authority requirements.
SGS Energy can assess your property and confirm whether a ChargeArm installation is a practical option.
Installation times vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. A small workplace installation may take just a few days, while larger or fleet-focused projects can take longer.
Following a site survey, SGS Energy will give you a clear timescale and schedule the work to minimise disruption to your operations.
Not always. A site survey will confirm whether your existing electrical supply can support the planned chargers.
Where capacity is limited, load balancing can distribute the available power between vehicles and reduce the need for an immediate supply upgrade. Larger installations may require additional electrical infrastructure.
Yes. Workplace EV chargers can be combined with commercial solar panels so that vehicles use more electricity generated on site.
Battery storage can also save surplus solar electricity for charging later, helping businesses reduce grid use and make better use of their renewable generation.
Smart workplace EV chargers connect to a central management platform, giving you a clear view of how the chargers are being used and who is using them. From the same platform, you can manage driver access, set charging prices and produce reports for billing, expenses and energy monitoring.
Yes. A workplace EV charging system can be configured for employees, visitors, company vehicles or a combination of all three.
Access can be controlled through a mobile app or a staff charging card, with each driver linked to their own account.
The cost of workplace EV charging varies from site to site. It will depend on the scale of the installation, the charger speeds required and how much electrical or groundwork is needed to connect everything safely.
SGS Energy can survey your site and provide a tailored proposal covering the chargers, installation and any supporting infrastructure.
You shouldn't install your own EV charging point unless you're a suitably qualified electrician with the knowledge and certification required for EV charger installations.
A home EV charger needs a dedicated electrical circuit, appropriate safety protection and testing. The installer may also need to notify your local Distribution Network Operator and confirm that your electricity supply can support the charger.
Professional installation helps ensure that the EV charging point is safe, compliant and covered by the relevant product and installation warranties.
A plug-in hybrid car can be charged at home using a dedicated home EV charger. Simply connect the vehicle with the correct charging cable and the charger will safely replenish the battery.
Installing a home EV charger gives you faster, more convenient charging than a standard three-pin socket. A smart charger can also schedule charging for off-peak hours, helping you make use of cheaper electricity tariffs.
SGS Energy can recommend and install a home EV charger that is compatible with your plug-in hybrid and suited to your property.
It's worth noting that self-charging hybrids don't plug in. They recharge their smaller battery through the engine and regenerative braking.
When you charge an electric car at home, the electricity used is added to your normal household energy bill. You don't usually make a separate payment each time you plug the car in.
The amount you pay depends on your electricity tariff, the size of your car’s battery and how much energy is needed. A smart EV charger can schedule charging during cheaper off-peak periods, which may reduce the cost of charging an electric car at home.
Public charging works differently, with payment usually made through an app, contactless bank card, membership account or charging-network subscription.
Most UK households need around six to ten solar panels to charge a car over the course of a year.
The exact number of solar panels needed to charge an electric car depends on your annual mileage, the vehicle’s efficiency, the power of each panel and how much charging takes place during daylight hours.
Your solar panels don't need to charge the car all at once. They can supply part of the electricity whenever solar energy is available, with the grid covering any shortfall.
SGS Energy can assess your roof space and energy use to recommend the right solar panel and EV charger setup.
Most straightforward home EV charger installations can be completed within a few hours. More complex installations may take longer if additional cabling, groundwork or electrical upgrades are required.
The easiest way to charge an electric car at home is with a dedicated home EV charger, usually installed on an external wall near your driveway or parking space. It connects to your home’s electricity supply and charges your vehicle more quickly and safely than a standard three-pin plug.
Most home chargers include smart features that let you schedule charging for off-peak hours, monitor energy use and control the charger through an app. This can help you take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs and ensure your car is ready when you need it.
SGS Energy can assess your property, recommend a suitable charger and provide a tailored installation quote, including any electrical upgrades that may be required.
A standard home EV charger installation in the UK typically costs between £1,000 and £1,500, including the charger and a straightforward installation.
The exact cost will depend on the charger you choose, its distance from your consumer unit, the amount of cabling required and whether your property needs any electrical upgrades or groundwork. More complex installations may cost more.
Government support may be available for eligible renters, flat owners and landlords. Current grants can cover 75% of the purchase and installation cost, up to £500 per socket, subject to eligibility.
SGS Energy can assess your property and provide a tailored quote covering the charger, installation and any additional electrical work required.
The cost of commercial solar panels depends on the size of the system, the building, roof access and the complexity of the installation.
For businesses that want to avoid a large upfront cost, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) can make commercial solar more accessible. The system is funded, owned and maintained by a third party, while your business buys the electricity it generates at an agreed rate. This can reduce initial capital outlay, provide more predictable energy costs and allow you to benefit from on-site solar without taking responsibility for system ownership or maintenance.
SGS Energy works closely with trusted PPA providers and can explain the options available in more detail, including whether a PPA could be suitable for your site and energy use.
Commercial solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years or more. Although their output gradually decreases over time, they can continue generating electricity well beyond this period.
For added reassurance, SGS Energy’s commercial solar panels typically come with a 25- to 30-year product warranty, depending on the manufacturer and model.
Other components, such as the inverter, may need replacing sooner. However, with regular monitoring, occasional cleaning and annual servicing, a commercial solar PV system can provide reliable, low-cost electricity for decades.
Yes, commercial solar panels are worth it for many UK businesses, especially those with suitable roof space and high daytime electricity use. A commercial solar PV system can reduce electricity bills, lower carbon emissions and provide greater protection against rising energy prices.
The return on investment depends on your energy consumption, roof size and orientation, electricity tariff, installation cost and how much solar power you use on site. Businesses that operate during daylight hours typically achieve the greatest savings because they can use more of the electricity as it is generated.
Commercial solar panels can also support sustainability targets and may increase the appeal of your premises. A professional solar assessment will calculate the system size, expected annual generation, projected savings and estimated payback period for your business.
The assessment and design process depends on the technology being considered, as each system has different requirements. For example, an air source heat pump requires a detailed heat loss assessment to determine the heating demand of the property, while a solar installation requires a system design based on factors such as roof space, orientation, shading and energy use.
Yes. SGS Energy works with homeowners, landlords and organisations across a wide range of sectors, including education, care, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, leisure and community services. Every recommendation is shaped around the property, energy requirements and practical goals of the customer.
We provide a range of renewable and low-carbon energy solutions, including solar panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV chargers, energy diverters and MVHR systems. Our team can also recommend how different technologies could work together as part of a wider energy system.
SGS Energy has been installing heat pumps for over 16 years, giving our team extensive experience in designing and installing efficient, reliable heating systems for a wide range of homes.
An air source heat pump’s outdoor unit is typically similar in size to a large air-conditioning unit or a small washing machine. Exact dimensions vary by model, but most units are approximately 800–1,500 mm wide, 600–1,500 mm high and 300–600 mm deep.
The unit also needs sufficient clearance around it so that air can circulate freely and an engineer can access it for servicing. It should be installed in an open, well-ventilated position, away from enclosed spaces and anything that could obstruct the airflow, such as fences, plants or bins.
Most air source heat pump systems require a hot water cylinder. The exact space needed depends on the cylinder’s capacity and design, but a typical unit is around 600–700 mm wide and 1.3–2 metres tall.
As a general guide, cylinders may range from around 150 litres for a smaller household to 300 litres for a larger household. You'll also need some additional space around the cylinder for pipework, controls and future servicing.
A cylinder can often be installed in an airing cupboard, utility room, garage or other suitable indoor space. During your heat loss survey, your installer will assess your hot water needs, take measurements and recommend the most appropriate cylinder and location.
Air source heat pump radiators are often larger than those used with a traditional boiler because heat pumps typically operate at lower water temperatures.
The exact size required will depend on factors such as your home’s heat loss, insulation and the system’s flow temperature. In many cases, existing radiators may still be suitable, although some may need to be replaced with larger or higher-output models.
A qualified installer will calculate the heating requirements for each room and recommend the right radiator sizes to keep your home comfortable while helping the heat pump run efficiently.
Most homes can be suitable for an air source heat pump, including older properties, but the system needs to be correctly designed for the building.
An air source heat pump works best in a well-insulated home with appropriately sized radiators or underfloor heating. You'll also need a suitable outdoor location for the unit, with enough space around it for airflow and maintenance access.
Before installation, a qualified installer should assess your home’s insulation, heat loss, existing heating system and electrical supply. They can then confirm whether a heat pump is suitable and recommend any improvements that may help it run efficiently.
In most cases, you don't need planning permission for solar panels on a domestic roof. In England, roof-mounted solar panels are usually classed as permitted development, which means you can install them without making a full planning application, as long as the system meets certain rules.
For pitched roofs, solar panels should not sit above the highest part of the roof, excluding the chimney, and should not project more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall. For flat roofs, the solar PV equipment must not be more than 600mm higher than the highest part of the roof.
You may need planning permission or prior approval if your property is:
You may also need permission if the panels will be installed on a wall that faces a road.
Ground-mounted solar panels have their own rules too. These can cover the height, size, location, and number of panels allowed.
If in doubt, contact your local council.
Most solar panels last around 25 to 30 years, although they can often continue generating electricity after that. Their output gradually reduces over time, so older panels may produce less power than they did when they were first installed.
Many solar panels come with long performance warranties, often around 25 years, although this varies by manufacturer. A good installation, regular checks, and keeping the panels clear of heavy dirt or debris can help them work well for longer.
In simple terms, solar panels are a long-term investment. They should keep producing electricity for decades, but their efficiency will slowly decline over their lifespan.
Most domestic solar panel installations take 1 or 2 days once the survey, design, and scaffolding are complete.
A simple solar PV system can often be fitted in a day. Larger systems, complex roofs, or installations that include a solar battery may take a little longer.
The wider process usually takes more time than the fitting itself, as your installer will need to survey your home, design the system, arrange scaffolding, deliver equipment, and connect the panels to your electrical system.
Your installer should confirm the expected timescale before work begins.
Solar panels are usually attached to the roof using a secure mounting system made up of roof hooks, rails, and clamps.
On a tiled or slate roof, an installer will usually lift selected tiles, fix roof hooks or brackets to the rafters underneath, then replace the tiles around the fittings. Aluminium rails are attached to the hooks, and the solar panels are then clamped onto the rails.
The panels are not normally fixed directly to the roof tiles themselves. Instead, the mounting system connects to the roof structure so the panels stay secure in wind, rain, and everyday weather conditions.
On a flat roof, solar panels may be installed on angled frames or weighted mounting systems. The right method depends on your roof type, roof condition, and the design of your solar PV system.
Solar panels can add around 5 to 15 EPC points, but the exact increase depends on your property and the solar PV system installed.
As a guide, solar panels add around 10 EPC points on average, although a larger, well-positioned system may add more. The improvement depends on factors such as system size, roof direction, shading, and your home’s current EPC rating.
In some cases, solar panels can help move a property up an EPC band, such as from an E to a D or from a D to a C. The only way to know the exact increase is through an updated EPC assessment after installation.
The size of solar system you need depends on your electricity use, roof space, roof direction, shading, and budget.
As a guide, many UK homes need a 3 kWp to 5 kWp solar PV system. A smaller home with lower electricity use may need around 3 kWp, while a larger home, or a property with an electric vehicle or heat pump, may need a bigger system.
Your installer will usually check your annual electricity usage and roof layout before recommending the right system size. They may also suggest a solar battery if you want to store more of the power your panels generate.
Yes, solar panels can save you money by reducing how much electricity you need to buy from the grid.
As a guide, a typical UK household with a solar PV system could save around £190 to £350 a year on electricity bills. You may also be able to earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for unused solar electricity sent back to the grid.
Your savings will depend on your system size, energy tariff, roof position, and how much of your solar power you use at home. Households that use more electricity during the day, or add battery storage, can often get more value from their panels.
Solar panels produce power whenever daylight hits them, although the amount depends on your system size, roof direction, shading, location, and the time of year.
As a guide, a typical UK home solar PV system can produce around 2,500 to 3,500 kWh a year. South-facing roofs with little shading usually perform best, while smaller or shaded systems will produce less.
Output is usually higher during bright summer days and lower in winter or cloudy weather. However, solar panels don't need direct sunshine to work, so they can still generate power on overcast days.
Any energy your home doesn't use straight away can often be stored in a solar battery or exported back to the grid, depending on your setup.
An inverter converts the electricity generated by solar panels into electricity your home can use.
Solar panels produce direct current electricity, also known as DC electricity. Most homes use alternating current electricity, or AC electricity, to power lights, appliances, and everyday devices. The inverter changes DC electricity into AC electricity so your solar power can be used around your property.
In a solar PV system, the inverter also helps manage where your solar power goes. It can send electricity into your home, into a battery if you have one, or back to the grid.
This makes the inverter one of the most important parts of a solar panel system.
Solar PV, or solar photovoltaic, is a technology that uses solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity for your home or business. Solar PV panels are usually fitted on a roof, although they can also be installed on the ground. When sunlight hits the panels, the solar cells create direct current electricity. This is then converted into usable electricity for your property through a device called an inverter. The electricity generated by solar PV can help power your lights, appliances, and heating systems. Any extra electricity may be stored in a battery or exported back to the grid, depending on your setup. Solar PV is a popular renewable energy option because it can reduce your reliance on grid electricity and help lower your carbon emissions.
No, air source heat pumps aren't usually noisy when they're correctly sized and installed. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to run quietly, although the outdoor unit will make minimal sound when the fan and compressor are working.
The noise is usually a low hum or fan sound, similar to an air conditioning unit or a fridge. It may be more noticeable in colder weather, when the system has to work harder to heat your home.
How noisy an air source heat pump is depends on the model, where it's installed, and how close it is to windows, doors, or neighbouring properties. A good installer will choose a suitable location for the outdoor unit so it can work efficiently without causing unnecessary noise.
A well-installed air source heat pump should usually last at least 15 years, and many systems can keep working for around 20 years with regular maintenance. Extended warranties are often available for around 7 to 8 years, although this varies between manufacturers.
To help your air source heat pump last as long as possible, service it in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, which is usually once a year. It’s also worth keeping the outdoor unit clear of leaves, dirt, snow, and other obstructions so air can flow freely through the system.
Most air source heat pump installations take around 2 to 5 days once your home survey, system design, and quote are complete. A straightforward installation may only take a couple of days, while larger or more complex properties can take longer.
The timeline depends on your home, the size of the heat pump, where the outdoor unit will be fitted, and the condition of your existing heating system. Extra work, such as fitting larger radiators, upgrading pipework, or installing a new hot water cylinder, can add more time.
Yes, air source heat pumps can save money, but the amount you save depends on your home, your energy tariff, and the heating system you are replacing.
If you're replacing an older, less efficient boiler, electric storage heaters, oil, or LPG heating, an air source heat pump is more likely to lower your energy bills. At current UK energy prices, though, its running costs are often similar to a new gas boiler.
Air source heat pumps are efficient because they move heat rather than creating it by burning fuel. A well-installed system can produce several units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses, helping to reduce the energy needed to heat your home.
An air source heat pump usually costs around £11,000 to install before grants. However, eligible homeowners in England and Wales can reduce this upfront cost through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which currently offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump. Based on an average installation cost, this could bring the price down to around £3,500 after the grant is applied. This means a heat pump can cost a similar amount to a traditional gas boiler replacement, which typically costs around £3,700. Please note: Your final price will depend on your system size, installer quote, and any extra work needed, such as larger radiators, pipework changes, or a new hot water cylinder.
An air source heat pump is a low-carbon heating system that takes heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water. It runs on electricity and works by absorbing heat from outdoor air, increasing its temperature, and transferring it into your heating system.
Air source heat pumps can work even in cold weather because there's still heat energy in the air. They are often used with radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinders.
Compared with gas, oil, or direct electric heating, an air source heat pump can be a more energy-efficient way to heat a home because it moves heat rather than creating it by burning fuel. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce carbon emissions and switch to cleaner heating.