Are you worried about the cost of your energy bills? Well, you’re not alone.

In fact, 85% of UK homeowners say they’re concerned about their rising energy costs and that they’re looking for energy-efficient solutions to lower their bills – such as insulation and solar panels (source).

But there’s one common mistake that many homeowners and business owners are making: only focussing on one green energy solution.

In this blog post, we’ll be talking about why a broader picture of your sustainability is crucial for reaping the rewards of energy efficiency.

Solar panels alone are not enough

Solar energy is one of the most popular green energy options out there. The idea of making your own electricity from the sun is exciting, and it can definitely help cut down your electricity bills. But the success of a solar installation depends on a few things, and if you're not fully prepared, it might not give you the results you're hoping for.

If your home is poorly insulated, you may still find that your heating and cooling costs are high, even with solar panels. This can be disheartening, especially when you’ve already invested so much in the right solar panels for your building. The problem is - although solar panels can help power your heating system or appliances, they won't stop heat from escaping through poorly insulated walls, lofts, or windows.

The solution? Insulation.

Adding cavity wall insulation and loft insulation alongside solar PV installation ensures that your home keeps more heat inside, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the space. Thanks to this, you'll be able to rely less on your heating system, and more on the energy generated by your solar panels. Which is the whole reason you invested in the panels in the first place!

By using solar panels on an insulated home, you’re maximising your energy savings while keeping your home warmer for longer. It’s a win, win! Find out more about our insulation services.  

Want energy independence? You need battery storage.

A main limitation of solar power is that it generates electricity only when the sun is shining. Without a way to store the excess energy to use when the sun goes down, you're left with an energy surplus during the day and a potential shortfall at night. This is where battery storage comes into play.

By installing a battery system to store the excess energy generated by your solar panels, theenergy you store can be used at night or during cloudy days, ensuring you're not dependent on the grid. This makes your home even more energy-efficient and resilient, as well as saving you money.

Battery storage systems are a smart investment that pay off over time. They help you avoid costly grid power during peak hours and, in some cases, let you sell extra energy back to the grid, earning income or credits. When you include them as part of a full home energy plan with insulation and solar PV, battery storage really boosts your overall savings.

How businesses can benefit from the bigger picture

Businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact and energy costs can benefit immensely from a commercial solar PV system. Just like in a home, a commercial building can use solar energy to lower electricity bills and reduce use of fossil fuels.

However, a successful commercial solar system must be viewed as part of a broader energy-saving strategy. Insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and a smart use of heating and cooling systems are all essential for reducing the building’s overall energy use. Investing in insulation, in particular, ensures that your solar panels and battery storage system are not fighting against energy loss that’s leaking through walls, roofs, and windows.

Thinking big adds value to your property

Adding eco-friendly features like solar panels and insulation really boosts your home's value. More and more buyers are looking for energy-efficient homes, with 86% of people questioned in a recent Schneider Electric survey ranking energy efficiency as the most desired home improvement (source).

So, investing in these upgrades isn’t just good for the planet – it’s also a smart move if you’re thinking about selling your home down the line.

It's time to think ‘whole’

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, looking at your green habits as a whole is the best way to create a sustainable, energy-efficient space. Just focusing on one thing, like installing solar panels or adding insulation, limits how much you can really save and improve. When you treat your property as a connected system, the solutions work together, boosting energy efficiency, saving you money, and cutting your environmental impact.

At Arrow Energy Solutions, we specialise in a variety of green energy solutions, from cavity wall insulation and loft insulation to solar PV design and installation, as well as battery storage and commercial solar PV. So, if you’re ready to start thinking about the big picture and upgrade your current solutions, get in touch.