How Green is Your Energy? Why more UK Homes Are Going Renewable

Recently, the UK has seen a major shift in how we think about the energy that powers our homes. Rising bills, climate concerns, and improved access to technology are pushing more households to ask a simple but important question: How green is your energy?

The push for cleaner living and a more sustainable future isn’t just about politics or big business anymore; it’s happening on our rooftops, in our gardens, and even in the plugs we use every day. In this article, we will look at why UK homes are making the switch to renewable energy and how you can find out how green your home really is.

What makes energy ‘Green’?

When talking about ‘green energy’, it is referring to power generated from natural, renewable sources that don’t produce carbon emissions, like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Compared to fossil fuels, these sources don’t release harmful greenhouse gases that contribute towards climate change.

It is important to note that although the energy created from ‘green’ energy is good for the planet, some energy suppliers may still rely heavily on fossil fuels for transportation of materials and equipment, offsetting emissions elsewhere. That’s why it’s important to understand not just the label but the actual source of your energy.

Why are UK homes switching to renewables?

We are seeing homeowners begin to explore ways to cut their energy bills and reduce their environmental impact. Here’s why:

Government support – Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed initiative that lets you earn money by transferring your unused renewable energy back to the grid. ECO4 grants are also available to help support you with insulation and heating upgrades.

Lower costs - As technology advances, we are seeing a drop in price for solar panels, battery storage, and heat pumps; it has become more accessible for households to have these systems.

Eco-conscious living - Over the years we have seen people want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, not only to help the planet but also to help future generations.

Is your home running on green energy?

To find out if your home is running on green energy, you will need to check the following. It's easier than you think!

Review your tariff: does your supplier offer 100% renewable electricity, or is it a mix?

Check their fuel mix: UK energy providers have to publish their fuel mix. By checking for a low percentage of gas and coal, you can confirm if your home is using more green energy compared to unsustainable methods.

Look for certification: Ofgem’s Green Tariff rules help to ensure that suppliers are being honest about their claims.

Monitor your usage: integration of smart meters and apps helps you track how much energy you use and when it is being used, helping keep you in the loop.

Top renewable options for UK households

Solar Panels - A very popular choice for clean electricity generation for your home. Solar panels generate clean electricity by absorbing solar energy from your roof; any excess energy is able to be sold back through the grid with SEG. As electricity prices rise, the payback period for these panels is shorter than ever.

Air Source Heat Pumps - Provide efficient heating and cooling for your home. When absorbing heat from outside your building, it will then be released inside the property. These are a great way to reduce your energy use, as you will be swapping from a traditional boiler, which uses fossil fuels, whereas heat pumps use electricity.

Battery Storage - Stores unused solar energy, which can be used during the evening or during peak pricing periods, reducing your reliance on the grid.

EV Chargers - If you own an electric vehicle, with smart chargers you are able to charge your car through your solar energy system, helping to reduce both emissions and costs.

Why it pays to go green

Apart from protecting the planet, going green at home can benefit you directly:

Lower energy bills over time help you save money, and you will see monthly savings continue to grow as technology advances.

Increased property value - Eco-friendly upgrades, such as solar panels and EV chargers, will help to increase your property value due to the increased demand for renewable technology on properties.

Smaller carbon footprint - reducing the need for fossil fuels will help to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and help make the difference in the UK’s goal of becoming carbon neutral.

What is stopping more people?

As interest grows in green energy, barriers still remain for some people:

The upfront costs for solar, EVs, or heat pumps can be so high that they could prevent certain people from investing in the technology. The government has helped to alleviate this risk with the help of grants and financing help.

The suitability of your property may affect how ideal your property is for solar or heat pumps. If you have a north-facing roof, you will suffer from poor output, making it not suitable for solar panels.

What is next for home energy in the UK?

As our future evolves, homes won’t just use energy; they’ll produce it. Trends to watch out for include:

Community solar - solar power and projects around solar are being purchased and implemented to target a specific geographical area.

Smart home integration - as smart home systems begin to increase in popularity, we are going to see more synergy in people's homes with their energy working with devices such as solar, heat pumps, and EV chargers.

Peer-to-peer energy trading – This allows you to trade energy within an online marketplace and allows power consumers to buy and sell their electricity.

So, how green is your energy?

To find out how green your energy is, we strongly recommend checking with your energy supplier. Options like solar panels or battery storage are a great way to get started on your journey to going green. Going green is a great way to lower your energy bill, gives you greater control, and helps create a cleaner planet.

Need help going green? At YESSS we offer a variety of EV charging & renewables and offer a variety of services that could help you take your first steps into the world of going green.