Homes&Interiors Get rid of the grid

from Shire Magazine May-June 2023 Cheshire

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The appeal of living independently from the highly expensive energy services most of us rely on is obvious. But what are the real issues involved in trying to break free from the traditional system? Shire spoke to Paul Collins of energy experts NICEIC about becoming self-su cient.

“Thenation’s ‘prosuming’ population is on the rise. More and more, Brits are exploring ways to become energy-independent, in a bid to escape soaring energy prices and the worrying prospect of blackouts as our national grid reaches capacity,” says Paul Collins, head of technical services for NICEIC.

“Generating and storing one’s own energy using renewable solutions coupled with battery storage technology is becoming more viable with the development of new tech. The utopian prosumer paints a pretty picture. Just imagine… cosy during cold weather alerts, cool and ventilated during heatwaves, hot water on demand and the EV fully charged and ready to go. The pros for jumping on the prosumer bandwagon are compelling: a reduced carbon footprint; lower energy bills, and consistent and flexible energy supply. But there are cons too if your set-up and installation aren’t carefully thought through.

“Efficiencies are continuously being developed and who can say what new solutions may appear around the corner? We all need power, and pursuing clean energy sources is far better than continuing down the path of polluting fossil fuels. Renewable energy is a must and the time to embrace it is now – or as soon as you are able to. Following these steps and finding solutions that work for you and your home will bring you ever closer to being energy independent, as well contributing to the protection of our planet.”

Step 1 – understand the solutions and explore what is best for your home.

“Planning for a home renewable energy system is a process that includes analysing your existing electricity use and understanding the technology options open to you. Exploring what’s suitable, available and if your home will allow for that particular solution is the best place to start. For example, the surface area of your roof may dictate the types and number of solar PV panels you can have installed.

‘This is also a good time to look into your local building regulations. Checking whether you need planning permission is paramount so you remain compliant with these regs. Find out whether any local funding initiatives are available to you and, finally, work out whether you’re likely to generate more energy than you use or store, as you may have the flexibility and option to sell electricity back to the grid at optimum times.”

Step 2 – weigh up the viability.

“Renewable energy is undoubtedly viable from a sustainability perspective. The benefits of green energy are endless, not only when it comes to saving money but also for our health, the environment and the economy too. From a personal perspective, it’s harder to assess the viability of becoming a prosumer. Until battery storage products become more mainstream, the tech is still cost-prohibitive for many. With the financial outlay proving to be a significant investment currently, you will need to consider when you can expect to see a viable return. Weigh up your options and determine what is most appropriate for your home, your lifestyle and your future.”

Step 3 – find a trusted contractor

“Choosing a business with the appropriate certification is the best way to ensure any work is carried out to safe and professional levels. We would always recommend obtaining three quotes before arranging for an electrician to carry out any work. However, be aware that the lowest cost does not always mean the best job – so do your research carefully and look at examples of other installations carried out by your preferred certified business.

“If you’re not sure where to start, choosing a NICEIC certified business is the best way to ensure the job is done safely, thanks to the regular technical assessments they undergo to prove their ongoing competence.”

Step 4 – consider your future requirements

“Once you’ve appointed your trusted certified business, speak to them regarding any future requirements you may wish to add. It may not be feasible for you to do everything in the beginning – however, when you’re undertaking the electrical works to install an EV charging point, for example, it can prove far more cost-effective and a relatively straightforward task to also install electrical wiring for later down the line (additional cabling for EV charging, solar PV panels, and so on), rather than retro-fitting at a later date.”

NICEIC (the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) is the UK's leading certification body for the electrical contracting industry and wider building services sector. Find out more at www.niceic.com

The right paving can be key to getting the most out of your outdoor space all year round. With a plethora of styles to choose from, in a bewildering array of materials, colours and textures, how do you choose? Here are some golden rules for getting it right, from Shropshire specialists Westminster Stone.

Design and colour

A well thought-out design is the secret to success, so consider:

• The orientation of your property – locate your patio where it will benefit from sunshine for all or a good part of the day.

• Remember that the original colour won’t be the final colour – it will change over time with natural weathering.

• Always order a sample before you buy so you can see how it looks in your own garden. It will also look different when wet.

Paving materials

There are lots of types of paving, requiring differing levels of maintenance and with their own characteristics, so look at the pros and cons of each before deciding.

Hand-made paving (concrete reproduction) is a good alternative to natural stone. It is more durable, frost resistant, naturally non-slip and in most cases cheaper. Highquality reproduction paving is hard to distinguish from natural stone. It requires little maintenance, although the colour may fade over time.

Porcelain is relatively new as a paving product but its popularity stems from its extreme durability. Non-porous, it is impervious to water, making it naturally non-slip and frost and algae resistant. Porcelain comes in a variety of styles and finishes which can perfectly replicate stone or wood.

Natural stone is a perennial favourite for paths and patios – it has a beautiful patina and natural colouring, and each piece is unique. It is porous so it will darken with age and can be susceptible to algae and moisture, making it more slippery in inclement weather. It will also need yearly maintenance to keep it in prime condition.

Westminster Stone is a family-run paving and flooring manufacturer and retailer, based near Ellesmere, Shropshire. Visit their display centre to see hundred of products in garden settings or visit www.westminsterstone.com

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