Here in the Southwest, we’re blessed with more sunshine hours than almost anywhere else in the UK. From Cornwall’s coastline to Devon’s rolling hills, solar panels are becoming a familiar sight on rooftops…and for good reason. As a values-led business, we believe solar is not just about saving money, but also about supporting our community and working together to decarbonise our future.
In this article, we’ll share the latest solar panel trends in the Southwest, explain the real benefits of installing solar at home, and tackle some of the common concerns – like upfront cost – that sometimes hold people back.
Solar in the Southwest: What’s Changing?
Smarter systems: Homeowners are pairing solar panels with battery storage, meaning more of your energy is used at home rather than exported back to the grid.
Community energy projects: Groups across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset are banding together to invest in shared renewable energy, helping whole neighbourhoods benefit.
Government support: Zero VAT on solar panels until 2027, and grants like ECO4 or Home Upgrade Grants, make the financial case stronger than ever.
Why Consider Solar Panels at Home?
1. Lower Energy Bills
Once your system is up and running, sunlight is free. The average household can cut hundreds of pounds from annual energy bills. With energy prices still unpredictable, solar gives you more control over your household bills.
2. A Cleaner, Greener Home
Every kilowatt of solar electricity you generate reduces reliance on fossil fuels. It’s a simple, tangible step towards shrinking your carbon footprint.
3. Community Resilience
By generating clean energy locally, we reduce pressure on the national grid and strengthen our community’s energy independence. That means a more secure, future-proof energy system for everyone.
4. Property Value & Future-Proofing
Homes with solar panels often have higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings and can be more attractive to buyers. It’s a smart way to invest in your property while preparing for a low-carbon future.
Overcoming the ‘But It’s Expensive’ Concern
We hear this often and it’s true that installing solar does require an upfront investment. But let’s look at the bigger picture:
- Payback period: For many homes, solar panels pay for themselves in 7–10 years, while panels typically last 25 years or more.
- Energy savings: Monthly savings on your bills start from day one. When combined with smart export tariffs (selling unused power back to the grid), solar can even earn you money. We are Trusted Partners with Octopus who offer some of the best tarrifs around.
- Community initiatives: By joining collective schemes, you can access lower installation prices and know you’re part of a bigger movement towards renewable energy
Why We Care
As a Southwest-based company, we’re not just about installing panels- we’re about helping our community thrive in a low-carbon future. Every system we install contributes to a cleaner local environment, supports energy resilience, and moves us closer to the shared goal of net zero. As a company, we reinvest some of our profits into renewable energy innovations, like the Bloom Rural Energy Network (BREN). We believe that going solar is about more than savings – it’s about supporting a more energy resilient community.
Ready to Explore Solar for Your Home?
If you’re curious about how solar could work for you, we’d love to help. Whether it’s designing a system that fits your home, or connecting you with community energy schemes, our team is here to make the process simple and stress-free.