Smart Homes Electrical

03/02/2026

Solar Price Rise in spring

From 1st April 2026, China is going to remove export VAT rebates on solar panels and begin reducing rebates on battery products. These China solar VAT changes are a confirmed policy decision, and we wanted to share it with you as it may be relevant if you’re thinking about solar or battery storage over the next year or two.

China is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of solar technology. When policies like this change, they tend to influence pricing and availability gradually over time. There’s no need for concern, but it’s helpful to be aware of what’s ahead so you can make informed decisions.

30/01/2026

Working closely with Assured Interior Solutions, we were invited to provide a quote for international pharmaceutical company, LGC, to install a solar PV system at their Cambridgeshire campus — to reduce operating costs and lower emissions.

After surveying the site, we specified 368 JAM 600W solar panels — which were installed on two of LGC’s buildings — connected to three Solis inverters; the new system will generate 186,000kWh every year.

We calculated that the new system will save 47 tons of CO2 per year and over the lifetime of the system, the CO2 from the equivalent of 1.4 million km of car travel will be saved.

Over the lifetime of the solar installation, the company will save over £1m and the initial investment will be paid back in just over two years.

The new system was delivered within three weeks from the order being placed.

View the aerial video here: https://vimeo.com/1160121631

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09/01/2026

Best employee as usual

23/12/2025

We recently installed a solar PV and battery storage system at Tideswell Community Hall, as the Trustees were keen to reduce their annual energy costs and lower their CO2 emissions.

After surveying the site, we specified 36, 465w Aiko panels, which will be generating 15MW a year, connected to a 16kWh battery, which through a 10kW inverter, will provide power for the hall during the hours of darkness.

During daylight hours the solar panels will generate electricity, with all excess power being stored in the batteries.

Surplus electricity — calculated to be 62% — will be exported to the grid, which will provide an additional revenue stream for the Trustees.

We calculated that the new system will save 4 tons of CO2 per year and over the lifetime of the system, the CO2 from the equivalent of 115,000km of car travel will be saved.

We also calculated that for nine months of the year the hall will consume zero grid electricity and between April and August will be saving over £300 a month, a significant saving for the charitable organisation.

During the lifetime of the system, the Trustees will save over £53,000 representing a 354% return on investment.

For more information visit our website: https://www.smarthomeselectrical.com

23/10/2025

06/10/2025

06/10/2025

We’re incredibly proud to share that Smart Homes Electrical has been named Best Electrical Contractors in the East Midlands and honoured with the 2025 Award of Excellence for Complete Solutions in Solar and Battery Storage!

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our amazing team — and the trust our customers place in us every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to lead the way in smart home and renewable energy solutions. Here’s to an even brighter, more sustainable future!

Learn more: www.smarthomeselectrical.com

30/07/2025

Newly refurbished accommodation for David Lewis Centre now benefiting from a 22kW in roof system.

06/05/2025

Following the installation of 32 solar panels at Eyam C of E Primary School, they are set to reduce their annual electricity costs by 50% and lower their CO2 emissions.

Working closely with headteacher, Oona Gilbertson, we discussed the requirements for the school and surveyed the school buildings.

The school’s newer building was selected for the installation of the 14kW system, as both faces of the roof were ideally orientated, facing east and west, which will ensure that electricity is generated throughout the day as the position of the sun changes.

Since the system was commissioned the solar panels have generated a total of 781kWh of which 325kWh were exported back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, which will provide a revenue stream for the school.

As we move into the warmer months, the school will be operating at around 68% self sufficiency for electricity and, overall, the school will reduce their costs by at least 50%.

The £14,000 scheme will have paid for itself in just over five years and will save 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year. Over the next 20 years the solar panels will save the school over £49,000 in energy costs.

The installation was partly funded by the local community, Hope Valley Climate Action and by Aviva’s Community Fund.

Commenting on the installation, Oona Gilbertson said: “It shows that small schools can be an agent of change for the climate and the sustainability of the planet.

“After just a short time it is clear from the monitoring app, that we will benefit hugely in years to come and I am already considering buying [storage] batteries to make better use of weekend and early morning solar.”

https://vimeo.com/1080137221

03/04/2025

Nice in roof installation using GSE in roof systems integrated into a zink roof.