Latest news with #installers
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Do solar panels increase your home's value?
One of the first things people ask their solar panel installers when beginning the purchasing process is do solar panels increase home value? And if you ask your favourite search engine the same question, you are likely to get an answer that sounds very comforting, with some websites touting gains of as much as 14 per cent of your property's value. However, this can vary by region. The truth is a bit more complex, of course. The short answer to this question is almost certainly yes. That's because it's very unlikely that adding something that would give your home's new owner some free electricity for a few decades would make that home less attractive. But the question you are really asking is: by how much? And this is a much harder question to answer. How much do solar panels cost in the first place? The cost of solar panels depends on the size of the array. The table below will give you some indication, with array costs taken from a survey of installers conducted by The Independent and energy prices from the Energy Saving Trust. Household size System size in kw Array cost Electricity cost per year before solar Savings (energy used and sold from panels) Price after solar (negative means a surplus) Pays for itself after 3-bed 3.6kw £4,990 2,900 kWh @24.5 pence = £710 £540 £170 9 years 4-bed 5.4kw £5,470 2,900 kWh @24.5 pence = £710 £780 -£70 7 years 5-bed+ 9.9kw £7,390 2,900 kWh @24.5 pence = £710 £1,370 -£660 5 years When can I see a return on my investment? The table above tells you that with a bigger array you can get a return on your investment in as little as five years, but more like nine for smaller installations. To do the maths we are using an address in London, assuming a family of three and typical use — no heat pumps, high daytime usage or electric car charging. Other assumptions include no shade on the panels and that someone is in, using power for about half the day and an export price of 15 pence per kilowatt hour (p/kWh). Other than a new inverter, no other maintenance costs are assumed, and no financing costs are assumed. The roof is roughly south-east facing. Much will depend on what price you get for your exported electricity. Tariffs vary widely. If you keep on top of things, however, you should be able to secure the 15p/kWh rate used in our assumptions. Much will depend on what price you get for your exported electricity. Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs vary widely between suppliers, from around 2p/kWh to over 15p/kWh. If you keep on top of things, you should be able to get a competitive rate. How energy prices affect the ROI of solar panels Energy prices have a huge impact on the return on investment you get from solar panels. In 2021, a solar array might have taken 12 to 15 years to pay for itself. But by 2023, thanks to soaring electricity prices, that payback window fell to as little as five to nine years. Even with prices now stabilising, they remain well above pre-2020 levels. If you're able to use a large proportion of your electricity during the day — for example, by running appliances or charging a battery — you can dramatically increase your savings. The Energy Saving Trust has a handy calculator you can use to ascertain your savings from having solar panels and the ROI on your investment. Do solar panels increase home value in the UK? A good way of tackling this question is thinking about home improvements in general. Ones that are critical, like fixing a leaky roof, are likely to generate good returns since the home will be very unattractive without the work being done. Similarly, a loft conversion or extension which makes the useable size of the home bigger will increase a home's value in a fairly reliable way. But optional improvements like solar panels are harder to quantify. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, the idea of owning a home with solar panels is still a fairly new one. It won't be like weighing up the value of an extra bathroom or a new kitchen for most buyers. Without research, most people won't know the value of a solar setup. Secondly, as you can see from our guide here, owning solar panels and managing them well does take a little effort. You need to set them up correctly to get paid for the electricity you don't use, and you may need to switch tariffs each year. It's hardly a second job, but it does take some time. Not everyone will see that as a plus. And although most homeowners spend very little time looking at their own roofs – or even roofs in general – they can divide opinion on aesthetics. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, making a firm estimate on any improvement is difficult, and those trying to do so are often trying to sell those improvements and don't come from a place of neutrality. You can't sell the same property twice at the same time, once with panels and once without to show how much value they add. Other, bigger factors such as the state of the housing market or rising or falling interest rates will make a far bigger impact on house prices than a £7,000 solar installation. In short, these estimates have very little to back them. Most people will see cheaper electricity bills as a plus, but they may struggle to put a price on that, especially when buying a home is partly about taste and emotion, rather than pure numbers. Those expecting that an investment of one sum will boost the price of their house by more than that sum will probably be disappointed. That's because buyers who want a solar array can just get their own. Fitting them does not cause the mess or inconvenience of a new kitchen or bathroom, and they don't improve the look or feel of the home either. So you aren't doing the next owner such a massive favour. For more on this, read our guide on Are solar panels worth it? How location within the UK affects solar performance and property value It's important to remember that solar panels are not equally effective across the UK, and this can affect your ROI on the investment. Factors like roof angle and sun exposure vary by region and, crucially, so does house price growth. Southern England sees significantly higher solar yields than northern Scotland, thanks to better sun exposure. Meanwhile, homes in higher-value regions may see more uplift in absolute terms, but percentage-wise, returns are still modest. Local planning regulations or conservation area restrictions may also limit what kind of installation is allowed. What else affects the value that solar panels add to a home? While there's no guaranteed uplift in property value when getting solar panels, the following factors can make a difference: Age and condition of the solar system: newer panels are more efficient and more attractive to buyers. Presence of a battery system: homes with battery storage can reduce reliance on the grid even further, improving appeal. SEG or legacy FIT tariff details: if the home still benefits from the now-closed (and more generous) Feed-in Tariff scheme, that may increase its value. Aesthetic impact: panels integrated flush with the roofline are often more desirable than bolt-on systems. Documentation and maintenance: a well-documented system with clear records helps reassure buyers. Should I add solar panels solely to improve my home's value? In other words, spending £5,000 or £7,000 on a solar installation may well add a similar amount in value — but whether solar panels increase home value depends on many factors, from energy prices to buyer demand in your area. Even if there was a good estimate for the improvement in the value of your house that solar panels could make, you ought to think twice before using it for the same reason that movements in the UK's average house price might not apply to you. That is because your house's price might not behave like the average house's price. You could easily spend £7,000 and see your house price drop, not because of your investment but because demand in your area has fallen or the cost of borrowing has risen. Here's the most useful advice: don't buy solar panels for your home if all you want to do is improve its sale price. Do buy them if you want to cut your energy bills.
National Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Tigo Energy Adds Solar-Plus-Storage Portfolio in Czech Republic to Build on MLPE Success
Article content Successful PPDS P4 protocol certification opens full range of three-phase Tigo EI Inverters and the EI Residential product suite for grid connection in second-strongest E.U. market for Tigo. Article content CAMPBELL, Calif. & PRAGUE — Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) ('Tigo' or 'Company'), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, today announced that the Company's entire portfolio of three-phase Tigo EI Inverters has successfully passed the certification tests for compliance with the PPDS P4 requirements in the Czech Republic. Compliance with PPDS P4, formally known as Distribution System Operation Rules, Annex 4, is a prerequisite for grid connection of solar inverters in the Czech Republic, validating the compatibility with the technical conditions defined by the European Commission and adopted by local utility companies. In the wake of the proliferation of rapid shutdown requirements across Europe, with installers in the Czech Republic deploying nearly 107MW of Tigo MLPE in 2024, Tigo products have been deployed by thousands of Czech installers in the past decade. Article content As an established brand trusted in the Czech solar installer community, the release of the Tigo EI Residential system capitalizes on the addition of 967MW of primarily residential rooftop solar in the Czech Republic overall in 2024. The Tigo EI Residential system is a cohesive solution that combines every element of solar generation, storage, and energy management. The system features TS4 Flex MLPE, single- and three-phase inverters, modular battery storage, and the EI Link, consolidating all system wiring, communication, and a full backup system into a single, compact cabinet. In addition, Tigo offers the GO EV Charger, which integrates e-mobility directly into the EI platform, and the GO Junction, which brings heat pumps into the energy management mix. These innovations deliver a truly all-in-one energy solution for smart, scalable, and energy transition-ready modern homes. Article content 'Tigo securing this certification for inverter operation on the grid infrastructure of the Czech Republic means that installers like us now have a reliable, all-in-one solution that is easy to install and configure, with a flexible, modular architecture that fits a wide range of residential customer needs,' said Miroslav Vavera, CEO at SUNLUX s.r.o. 'Beyond installation, Tigo also offers proactive monitoring through the Energy Intelligence software platform, which will significantly streamline our operations and maintenance program. For homeowners, this means a system that is always ready to deliver energy security, even during outages, elevating the role of batteries from optional add-ons to essential pillars of energy independence, all easily managed through a user-friendly app.' Article content The installer-focused enhancements Tigo has made to the design, installation, and commissioning of its products were developed based on insights gained from hundreds of engagements through the Tigo Green Glove Service Program, reinforcing the Company's commitment to Total Quality Solar. With a streamlined commissioning flow within the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution, the Company has significantly improved the installer experience, reducing setup time and ensuring seamless integration across Tigo inverters, batteries, and the EI Link. Key commissioning enablers from Tigo include reduced installation and setup time with fewer manual steps, enhanced self-sufficiency for installers with tools and resources that simplify system deployment and troubleshooting, and seamless system optimization for better system performance and reliability. Article content 'As one of our strongest global markets, the expansion of the Tigo EI Residential solution into the Czech Republic is yet another sign that integrated solar-plus-storage from Tigo continues to gain momentum across Europe,' said Jing Tian, chief growth and revenue officer at Tigo Energy. 'This certification allows us to bring the value of an integrated home energy system that delivers real benefits to Czech homeowners and the skilled professionals who serve them.' Article content Homeowners can find a comprehensive list of Tigo-certified solar installers in the Czech Republic here. Czech installers and PV professionals are invited to register to meet with Tigo at the Iftech Solar Fvest in September 2025, at the Tigo event page. Iftech Solar Fvest, organized by Tigo distribution partner Iftech, is an all-day event where solar installers can experience the EI Residential Solution firsthand and gain deeper insights into its features. Installers are further invited to sign up for the Czech-language EI Residential Solution webinar for solar installers in July, here. Article content About Tigo Energy Article content Founded in 2007, Tigo Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: TYGO) is a worldwide leader in the development and provider of smart hardware and software solutions that enhance safety, increase energy yield, and lower operating costs of residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. Tigo combines its Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) and solar optimizer technology with intelligent, cloud-based software capabilities for advanced energy monitoring and control. Tigo MLPE products maximize performance, enable real-time energy monitoring, and provide code-required rapid shutdown at the module level. The company also develops and manufactures products such as inverters and battery storage systems for the residential solar-plus-storage market. For more information, please visit Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tigo Energy Adds Solar-Plus-Storage Portfolio in Czech Republic to Build on MLPE Success
Successful PPDS P4 protocol certification opens full range of three-phase Tigo EI Inverters and the EI Residential product suite for grid connection in second-strongest E.U. market for Tigo. CAMPBELL, Calif. & PRAGUE, July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tigo Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: TYGO) ("Tigo" or "Company"), a leading provider of intelligent solar and energy software solutions, today announced that the Company's entire portfolio of three-phase Tigo EI Inverters has successfully passed the certification tests for compliance with the PPDS P4 requirements in the Czech Republic. Compliance with PPDS P4, formally known as Distribution System Operation Rules, Annex 4, is a prerequisite for grid connection of solar inverters in the Czech Republic, validating the compatibility with the technical conditions defined by the European Commission and adopted by local utility companies. In the wake of the proliferation of rapid shutdown requirements across Europe, with installers in the Czech Republic deploying nearly 107MW of Tigo MLPE in 2024, Tigo products have been deployed by thousands of Czech installers in the past decade. As an established brand trusted in the Czech solar installer community, the release of the Tigo EI Residential system capitalizes on the addition of 967MW of primarily residential rooftop solar in the Czech Republic overall in 2024. The Tigo EI Residential system is a cohesive solution that combines every element of solar generation, storage, and energy management. The system features TS4 Flex MLPE, single- and three-phase inverters, modular battery storage, and the EI Link, consolidating all system wiring, communication, and a full backup system into a single, compact cabinet. In addition, Tigo offers the GO EV Charger, which integrates e-mobility directly into the EI platform, and the GO Junction, which brings heat pumps into the energy management mix. These innovations deliver a truly all-in-one energy solution for smart, scalable, and energy transition-ready modern homes. "Tigo securing this certification for inverter operation on the grid infrastructure of the Czech Republic means that installers like us now have a reliable, all-in-one solution that is easy to install and configure, with a flexible, modular architecture that fits a wide range of residential customer needs," said Miroslav Vavera, CEO at SUNLUX s.r.o. "Beyond installation, Tigo also offers proactive monitoring through the Energy Intelligence software platform, which will significantly streamline our operations and maintenance program. For homeowners, this means a system that is always ready to deliver energy security, even during outages, elevating the role of batteries from optional add-ons to essential pillars of energy independence, all easily managed through a user-friendly app." The installer-focused enhancements Tigo has made to the design, installation, and commissioning of its products were developed based on insights gained from hundreds of engagements through the Tigo Green Glove Service Program, reinforcing the Company's commitment to Total Quality Solar. With a streamlined commissioning flow within the Tigo EI Residential Solar Solution, the Company has significantly improved the installer experience, reducing setup time and ensuring seamless integration across Tigo inverters, batteries, and the EI Link. Key commissioning enablers from Tigo include reduced installation and setup time with fewer manual steps, enhanced self-sufficiency for installers with tools and resources that simplify system deployment and troubleshooting, and seamless system optimization for better system performance and reliability. "As one of our strongest global markets, the expansion of the Tigo EI Residential solution into the Czech Republic is yet another sign that integrated solar-plus-storage from Tigo continues to gain momentum across Europe," said Jing Tian, chief growth and revenue officer at Tigo Energy. "This certification allows us to bring the value of an integrated home energy system that delivers real benefits to Czech homeowners and the skilled professionals who serve them." Homeowners can find a comprehensive list of Tigo-certified solar installers in the Czech Republic here. Czech installers and PV professionals are invited to register to meet with Tigo at the Iftech Solar Fvest in September 2025, at the Tigo event page. Iftech Solar Fvest, organized by Tigo distribution partner Iftech, is an all-day event where solar installers can experience the EI Residential Solution firsthand and gain deeper insights into its features. Installers are further invited to sign up for the Czech-language EI Residential Solution webinar for solar installers in July, here. About Tigo Energy Founded in 2007, Tigo Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: TYGO) is a worldwide leader in the development and provider of smart hardware and software solutions that enhance safety, increase energy yield, and lower operating costs of residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. Tigo combines its Flex MLPE (Module Level Power Electronics) and solar optimizer technology with intelligent, cloud-based software capabilities for advanced energy monitoring and control. Tigo MLPE products maximize performance, enable real-time energy monitoring, and provide code-required rapid shutdown at the module level. The company also develops and manufactures products such as inverters and battery storage systems for the residential solar-plus-storage market. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Technica CommunicationsLuis de LeonEmail: tigoenergy@
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Scheme to give heating engineers free heat pumps ‘boosts confidence' in the tech
A trial giving heating engineers a free heat pump for their own homes is to be rolled out to thousands of people after it boosted professional support for the tech. The 'start at home' pilot by innovation agency Nesta to support heating engineers to install their first heat pump in their home found it boosted their technical knowledge, understanding of living with the technology, and confidence in promoting them to customers. Experts warn large-scale deployment of clean electric-powered heat pumps is key to replacing the widespread use of gas boilers in homes to reduce carbon emissions as part of targets to cut greenhouse gases to 'net zero' by 2050. That means installing round 450,000 heat pumps in existing homes a year by 2030, requiring 38,000 more installers trained and confident to install heat pumps before then, Nesta said. But while the number of heating engineers and plumbers who are training as heat pump installers is on the rise, that is not translating into a large active workforce focused on the technology, a report by Nesta warned. It pointed to research by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) suggesting only 27% of newly trained installers have gone on to complete an installation within a year. Many struggle with finding their first heat pump customer – which would allow them to achieve the certification needed to access government installation grants – while many still lack confidence in designing and installing systems, or even in the effectiveness of the technology, the report said. Meanwhile, demand for work on gas boilers and general plumbing continues, providing greater certainty and familiarity. So a pilot in partnership with the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF) recruited 36 heating engineers from across Scotland, with half of them offered training on heat pump installation and the other half offered the training and a free heat pump to install in their home. All the 18 participants who installed a heat pump in their home reported an increase in understanding of heat pump system design and installation – with 13 saying they had a substantial gain in knowledge. And 11 reported a significant increase in confidence in heat pumps as a home heating technology, gaining confidence that they do work. Living with heat pumps in their own homes also provided the engineers with more confidence and insight to advise customers, such as the issues they might have and how to solve them. Nesta has now launched a government-grant funded programme to scale up the start-at-home scheme across Britain by signing up 5,000 heating engineers in the first 12 months, each of whom will receive expert support and a free heat pump to install in their own home. Nesta's Benoit Siberdt, who led the start at home project, said: 'Giving heating engineers a free heat pump translated to more confidence in the technology and more credibility with customers. 'We think by scaling this nationally we can smash a big barrier to growing the heat pump installer workforce. 'We want plumbers and boiler installers to become advocates for heat pumps and we increase our chances of that if they trust the technology.' Ryan Beattie, director of Thermatek Heating and part of the pilot, installing a heat pump in his home near Edinburgh, said the project was 'invaluable to both my business and to me personally'. 'The route to becoming registered to install heat pumps is not always easy. The project has created a pathway through a confusing landscape. 'I'm now officially a registered heat pump installer and can offer government funding on our installs. 'We have two customers already in the quote stage and I'm excited to see what the future holds,' he said.
