Preparing for the spring solar boom

In this article, Lee Sutton, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of myenergi, explores how electrical installers can make the most of increasing demand for solar panels, as we leave the cold winter months behind us and start the transition to spring. With the longest day of the year fast becoming a distant memory, householders are already looking towards the summer months and the opportunity to invest in their properties – especially when it comes to energy efficiency measures. As a result, over the coming months, demand for solar panels is expected to surge, inevitably offering greater commercial opportunities for installers. But how can installers make the most out of the upcoming surge in solar installation requests and ensure they’re fully prepared for spring? Stay ahead of the tech curve In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, staying abreast of current technology trends is an integral part of maintaining competitive advantage. Innovating, challenging, learning from best practice and developing your business across a number of fast growth areas can help you to stay ahead of the game. First and foremost is understanding the direction of change when it comes to home energy generation. Solar PV offers a simple way for homeowners to take control of their energy spend and live more sustainably. While it’s often suggested that purchasing and installing renewables is expensive and out of reach for the average energy user, this isn’t necessarily the case, especially with the cost of utilities continually on the rise. According to consumer champion Which?, a typical 3.5kW solar PV array can be purchased and installed for around £5,500, generating enough power for a family of four. With Ofgem suggesting that the average annual household energy bill now sits at around £1,738 per year, the payback period of renewables is far shorter than many may think. But while installing solar might then seem like the obvious choice, it’s important to understand its limitations in order to offer the best advice for your customers. Free, unlimited energy is certainly an attractive draw, but renewable generation is famously unpredictable. Additionally, many homeowners will find themselves out of the house during periods of high generation and using the most of their energy during the darker hours. As such, it’s not unusual to see users exporting surplus energy to the grid during off-peak times and buying it back (at a far more expensive rate) when they actually need it most. In the past, this has created a barrier to investment for many homeowners. However, owing to the latest developments in battery technology and new innovations in self-consumption solutions, the landscape is changing at breakneck speed. Future-proof with eco-smart solutions Myenergi is renowned for its eco-smart product range which has been specifically designed to maximise the value of renewable energy generation technology and improve payback periods for homeowners. The company is best known for designing the market’s first solar-compatible EV charger – zappi – a future-proofed solution that, alongside operating as a mains-connected charging device, seamlessly integrates with renewable energy generation technologies and allows users to harness 100% green energy. In periods of low generation, zappi can automatically optimise around energy tariffs to enable charging at both cheaper and greener times from the grid. Alongside zappi, myenergi also manufactures a wide range of other devices, including the eddi solar power diverter and libbi, a modular home energy storge system. The idea of smart, automated ecosystems that use renewable energy to charge our cars, warm our homes and store surplus for peak time deployment is a real game-changer, and it’s important that existing and potential new customers fully understand the advantages - and pitfalls - of adopting such tech. Eco-smart devices such as these go a long way towards solving the challenge of intermittent renewable energy and closing the gap between periods of high generation and peak periods of use. By adopting energy storage, power diverter, solar-enabled EV charging solutions and other eco-smart tech, consumers can take more direct control of where and when their electricity is used, effectively slashing utility bills and considerably reducing their reliance on grid energy. Continual development and training The accessibility and increasing availability of more advanced green technology means higher demand and, inevitably, more inbound enquires for electrical installers. Alongside the uptick in direct orders, installers will also benefit from a greater ability to up-sell the new products rapidly coming to market. For installers to make the most of the latest developments, the main priority should be training. Effectively installing products like power diverters and home batteries requires specialist knowledge, so installers should prepare for a boom in solar-supporting technology installations by seeking the right guidance and training. Additionally, installers can benefit from manufacturer-led training to get the latest guidance, and in some cases receive the best deals. Staying acquainted with the latest and most advanced solutions through ongoing learning and development should be the number one priority for installers in a highly competitive marketplace. By staying abreast of current tech trends, new innovations and product guidance, installers can make the most out of the anticipated solar boom.

HDM Solar Wholesale to host installer event in Basildon

HDM Solar Wholesale is inviting solar installers and customers to an open event at its new Basildon branch on Friday 21 February. The event, taking place from 10am-2pm, is open to solar and EV installers as well as businesses or individuals interested in learning more about renewable energy systems. Spanning an impressive 11,000m2, the Basildon facility has created seven new jobs in the local area. While orders are already being taken from the branch, the open event provides a fantastic opportunity for local installers to explore the new facilities, connect with the HDM Solar team and discover more about the products and services on offer. A key highlight of the day will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon. Leading suppliers, including SolaX, Sunsynk, GivEnergy, Growatt, Mounting Systems, Genius Roof Solutions, Canadian Solar and Astronergy, will also be in attendance. They will showcase their latest products, share technical advice and assist with any upcoming solar projects attendees may have. HDM Solar Wholesale supplies solar panels, batteries, inverters and electric vehicle chargers to trade customers, businesses and individuals. The opening of the Basildon branch marks the first of several new branches planned for 2025, designed to offer greater support for solar installers across the UK. Malcolm Campbell, Branch Manager of HDM Solar Basildon, says, “Our Basildon branch is ready to serve Essex, London, East Anglia and the South East. We pride ourselves on our great-value in-time delivery service which is second to none. This open event is an opportunity for local installers to see the new branch, meet the team and connect with the industry-leading suppliers who help us deliver exceptional value – and grab a drink and a bite to eat! I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to the new branch on the 21st of February.” To place an order or register your interest in attending the open event on Friday, 21st February, call 0800 0016 802.

Register now for InstallerSHOW 2025!

InstallerSHOW 2025 is officially open for registration, and this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever. Taking over the NEC Birmingham from 24-26 June, over 800 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors are expected, and three packed halls (Hall 3a, 4, and 5) will be filled with the latest and greatest from the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a rising star, or just want to geek out over cutting-edge tech, this is the place to be. What’s in store? InstallerTRADES is back! Get hands-on in the interactive Tool Demo Zone and see the latest tools and workwear tested by real tradespeople. InstallerHAUS – in another first for the show, don’t miss the full, two-storey house build, right at the heart of the event. All new feature zones and areas – keep an eye out for updates! Top-tier talks and discussions from industry leaders, brought to you by Installer and elemental - all CPD-accredited to help boost your skills. Celebrity guests and speakers across all three days (stay tuned for some big-name reveals). Whether you’re there for networking, product launches, live demos or just a cracking day out – InstallerSHOW 2025 is where it’s at. Best of all, entry is free and includes free parking. Get your ticket now and be part of the action!

UK shows 95% greater interest in heat pumps than Europe

According to research evaluated by Jello PR and JL Creative, the UK is 95% more interested in heat pumps than its European neighbours. Interest in heat pumps slowed considerably across Europe in 2024, with France and Germany showing a combined Google search volume at around 5% of equivalent UK searches. Two of Europe's largest countries typed ‘heat pump installation' into Google just 550 times at the start of 2024, compared with over 3,000 in Britain, a trend that was repeated in January 2025. This data echoes European Heat Pump Association figures which show heat pump sales across 13 European countries fell by 47% in the first six months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. In contrast, the UK has seen a surge in people purchasing heat pumps - HPA data reveals a 63% increase in 2024. Overall, Europe's heat pump markets are much more mature, with take-up widespread so demand has naturally decreased over time. HVAC businesses - from manufacturers to training providers and installers - should view growing sales figures and the consistent state of heat pump traffic on Google as extremely positive. To ensure a stake in this increasingly buoyant market, small businesses, which make up a large proportion of the UK's construction and building trades, must take steps to compete with bigger, national providers. Jonny Lawrence, Director for JL Creative, advises that "businesses with optimised Google My Business (GMB) profiles and strong online reviews see higher rankings in local search results. Therefore, local SEO and tailored digital marketing will help smaller HVAC providers reach customers in their area, levelling the playing field with larger companies." A market for all types of heating Despite a steady interest for all things heat pump related, gas boilers are still a popular choice, with the term ‘gas boilers' searched for in equivalent volumes to ‘heat pump installation' and more than double ‘air source heat pumps' specifically. What this means for the installer base is that being multi-skilled is the best way to ensure success now and in the future. At present, over 70% of households in England and Wales use mains gas as their primary central heating source, which means gas boilers will still be with us for many years to come. Crunching the numbers from Google search and industry trends indicates a positive outlook for the building services sector in 2025 and beyond.

The Wiser solution for smart heating control

Energy bills are rising, interest in renewables is growing, and smart technology has advanced significantly in recent years in terms of what it can offer. As such, homeowners are now looking for more from their heating control, which is where Wiser, the system from heating control expert Drayton, comes in. With over 75 years’ experience of manufacturing solutions in the UK, designed for UK heating systems, electricians working on heating systems can trust that Wiser will meet all their customers’ needs and make their lives easier. Making control easier than ever Wiser is an easy-to-use system, which can be managed via an app on their smartphone at any time, from anywhere in the world. However, for those looking for a physical control, Wiser also comes with a Wireless Room Thermostat, which can be placed anywhere around the home without any hassle. As well as offering convenience for homeowners, this helps streamline installation for electricians. Multi-zoning capability Wiser is a multi-zoned system, which allows electricians to create room-by-room heating control for their customers. This makes Wiser an ideal option for electricians working on existing heating systems and providing system upgrades for their customer, as multi-zoning can be achieved with little hassle. By installing Wiser Radiator Thermostats throughout the home, it’s easy to create individual rooms, which can also be grouped together into zones, all of which can be set to their own temperature and even have their own schedule. Improved energy efficiency Along with the multi-zoning functionality, Wiser also offers homeowners access to smart modes. Together, they can result in savings of up to 30% on the average energy bill. This is all achieved by optimising the heating to minimise consumption. A multi-zoned system and Away Mode both prevent wasted energy, by ensuring empty rooms – or an empty home – aren’t heated unnecessarily. Meanwhile, Eco Mode combines optimum stop and weather compensation to study the thermal properties of the home and learns to switch the boiler off sooner than scheduled, whilst still maintaining the set point to reduce energy consumption. Suitable for mixed systems The Wiser system is suitable for use with a wide range of heating systems, and thanks to the Underfloor Heating Controller and Electrical Heat Switch, can even be used on electrical heating and hydronic underfloor heating. This means that mixed heating systems can all be controlled with just one app, cutting down the number of controls you need to install and making it easier than ever for your customers to manage. Simple installation When it comes to installation, Wiser is designed to make this as simple as possible. For example, Wiser is compatible with the standard UK wallplate, which is found within 80% of homes in the UK, making it a great option for retrofitting. The system also offers flexibility, with the ability to introduce additional smart radiator thermostats to the system later down the line, up to a maximum of 63 devices and 16 rooms. So, if the customer just wants to start off small and add to the system as they get more confident with it, or if they’re adding an extension to the property, Wiser will grow as their needs do. Plus, the system can be set up without the need to get log in details of the customer’s Wi-Fi network. Tech support you can trust Finally, should technical support be required when working with Wiser, Drayton’s UK-based customer support team are on hand to assist. Plus, for those who are new to Wiser or are simply looking to level-up their knowledge, training courses are available on Drayton’s Rewards+ platform, which cover installation, commissioning and troubleshooting. Drayton Rewards+ is also where electricians can earn valuable points by registering products and completing training courses, which can be redeemed against a range of items from the rewards catalogue. Plus, when members claim points for products installed, they’re automatically given an extended five-year warranty they can offer their customers. To learn more about the Wiser smart heating control system, which includes the Wiser Room Thermostat, Wiser Radiator Thermostat, Underfloor Heating Controller, Electrical Heat Switch and Wiser Smart Plug, visit draytoncontrols.co.uk. [wptb id=40135]

NVC Lighting launches PROe range

NVC Lighting has started 2025 with a significant step forward in its journey towards sustainability transparency with the launch of its new PROe range. The PROe range brings together products which meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, as well as offering customers insight into the environmental footprint of each product, thanks to Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification. With popular products such as Yale Pro, Addison Pro and Broadway covered under its new PROe range, NVC Lighting is providing customers with independently verified data on the lifecycle impacts of its lighting products. The range is tailored for forward-thinking, sustainability-driven projects, ensuring that innovation meets accountability at every level. Phil Brown, Product & Marketing Director at NVC Lighting, says, “At NVC Lighting, we are committed to sustainability not just as a goal, but as a guiding principle in everything we do. “The launch of our PROe range highlights our dedication to providing high-performance lighting solutions that are as environmentally responsible as they are innovative. The launch is also our commitment to a more sustainable future and this highlights the start of this journey.” The PROe range, alongside NVC Lighting’s broader sustainability initiatives, aligns with the company’s mission to support a circular economy. NVC Lighting’s sustainability efforts extend far beyond its product lines, and the company has achieved numerous milestones, including: • Over 40% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2022 • Achieving certification as carbon neutral by Carbon Neutral Britain and earning EcoVadis accreditation for sustainable practices • A long-term commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 In addition to its sustainability credentials, the PROe range is backed by an unlimited hour seven-year warranty, offering customers reliability and peace of mind. For more from NVC Lighting, click here.

Concerns over tool theft continue, research shows

New research by On The Tools has revealed that tool theft is taking a toll on the mental health of the majority of tradespeople, not just those who have been directly affected. While 75% of UK tradespeople have had their tools stolen, an even greater figure (86%) worry about the crime, highlighting the widespread anxiety and stress caused by this ongoing issue. 58% said they worry daily, 26% worry monthly, and 5% worry yearly. The research coincides with Trades United’s second tool theft rally in London on 3 February, supported by On The Tools, to campaign for government support, as well as a planned parliamentary reception by On The Tools in collaboration with MP Amanda Martin. The survey was conducted for the November 2024 edition of the ‘Monthly Insight’ reports, which are offered exclusively to those subscribed to the On The Tools TradeBrain membership programme. November’s topic covered the pressing issue of tool theft, two years after the release of On The Tools’ Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper. In 2022, the white paper revealed that four in five UK tradespeople had experienced tool theft, with two-thirds worrying about it daily. On The Tools also found that the average UK tradesperson is likely to have between £1,000 and £5,000 worth of tools stolen from them in just one tool theft incident. Two years on, On The Tools says that it’s clear the problem persists. 76% of UK tradespeople reported having their tools stolen in 2024, which is down 2% from the 2022 figure. However, the frequency of theft has shifted since 2022, as 43% of tradespeople reported having their tools stolen once, 37% twice, and 12% three times. 2024 data shows a rise in repeat thefts, with 23% having experienced theft three times, and an alarming 15% of tradespeople reporting more than three incidents of theft - which is a significant increase from previous findings. In the 2022 Tradespeople Against Tool Theft white paper, 39% of respondents reported their tools had been stolen from vans parked outside their homes, 28% from building sites, and 15% from customers’ homes. The remaining thefts occurred in garages or storage (8%), inside their homes (1%), or elsewhere. By 2024, there has been an alarming rise in thefts across multiple locations. The majority (76%) still reported thefts from their vans, but there were notable increases in thefts from garages or storage (22%) and inside tradespeople’s homes (4%); a near tripling of the 2022 figure. Two years ago, nearly a quarter (22.7%) of tradespeople admitted they did not report their thefts to the police, often because they didn’t expect meaningful action: an expectation shaped by widespread dissatisfaction with police responses. Fast forward to 2024, and On The Tools states that little has changed. When asked if they received adequate support from the police, 87% of UK tradespeople said they did not, reflecting a widespread lack of confidence in law enforcement’s ability or willingness to tackle tool theft effectively. Commenting on the findings, CEO and Co-founder of On The Tools, Lee Wilcox, says, “Tool theft isn’t slowing down. These findings prove just how urgently action is needed. If this crime were happening in any other industry, at such a scale, it’s hard to believe it would be ignored. So why are tradespeople left to their own devices? “We need everyone’s support, whether you’re in the trade or not, to amplify this issue. We want action, and we won’t stop until we get it.” To find out more about TradeBrain membership, click here. For more from On The Tools, click here.

ECN's Smart Buildings Supplement is out now!

The world of smart buildings and home automation is evolving faster than ever, and with it comes a wealth of opportunities for electricians and electrical contractors. Whether you’re upgrading residential systems, integrating sophisticated technologies into commercial spaces, or venturing into the realm of energy-efficient design, the potential to grow your business and expand your skill set has never been more exciting. In this supplement, we explore how innovative solutions like Theben’s LUXORliving are making smart home tech accessible and user-friendly, offering electricians an entry point into the booming smart home market without the complex installs or hefty price tags. We’ll also dive into the Holme House Farm project, where Aico’s HomeLink Gateway helped create a seamless integration of smart technologies, all managed by an experienced domestic electrician. Meanwhile, Aldous Systems demonstrates how electrical contractors can tap into the growing smart building trend, providing value-added solutions for its clients. We also take a look at how B.E.G. is revolutionising the lighting industry with its minimalist outdoor motion detectors, featuring Bluetooth tech that makes setup quick and intuitive, and Lighthouse Controls reflects on how installing light switches differently could save you thousands. Drayton discusses its Wiser system and, finally, we highlight the launch of InstallerELECTRIC at InstallerSHOW, a dedicated space for electrical professionals to discover new products and sharpen their expertise. Now is the perfect time to jump into the world of smart buildings. Read the Smart Buildings Supplement here. Our next supplement will be published alongside the April issue and will focus on EV & Renewables. To get involved, or for more information, please contact Kelly Byne at kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com. Carly Weller Group Editor

Ideal Heating ramps up focus on heat pumps

Ideal Heating is accelerating its diversification into the heat pumps market, building on its deep understanding and experience of heating millions of British homes and businesses for more than 100 years. The company is at the forefront of the decarbonisation of heating, working with the Government, industry bodies, installers and customers to support the drive to net zero while playing a key role in the transition to heat pumps as a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers. In 2025, Ideal is ramping up its focus on heat pumps, including the launch of a new proposition - named “Setting a new standard for heat pumps” - which is based on Ideal’s heat pump product warranty, coupled with a service offering that stretches from pre to post installation and support. Ideal Heating's “Setting a new standard for heat pumps” will offer: • Transparent, full parts and labour warranty, with no hidden surprises. • Free in-person support from Ideal's expert heat pump team for installers fitting their first heat pump. • Dedicated heat pump support service and interactive live technical help. • A first-time fix success rate of over 90%. • UK-wide team of heat pump engineers, equipped with spare parts. • Heat pumps designed and built specifically for the UK. Ideal is also investing in large-scale heat pump production, and will open a research and development facility for heat pumps and other renewable heating solutions later this year. The company is also training thousands of installers to become low-carbon heating engineers. Mark Derbyshire, Ideal Heating’s Managing Director (Domestic), comments, “As the market leader in our industry, we recognise the crucial role we play in the decarbonisation of heating, which is essential to the UK’s drive to net zero. “It means we have to look beyond the product and how we support our customers at every touchpoint in the journey. It’s why we’re making significant investments right across our business as we transition from manufacturing and supplying gas boilers to low-carbon heating solutions. “Heat pump installation rates are growing rapidly and we’re committed to leading the way in this field, while setting a new standard for the wraparound package of product, warranty, service and support for heat pumps in the UK. “We want customers to know that, when they choose Ideal, they’re not just buying a product – they’re entering into a partnership with a trusted brand in the heating space. Whether you’re an installer, a new-build housing developer or a social housing provider, our message is simple: we’re with you every step of the way.” Companies focused on heat pump installations have testified to the strength of Ideal’s proposition. Andrew Folan, Managing Director of Heat Pump Installers UK, which has fitted hundreds of heat pumps over the past eight years, adds, “We’ve been impressed with how easy Ideal’s heat pumps are to install and set up. The heat pump controls are easy for the customer to use. Nothing is overly complicated and the efficiency you get from the product is great. “For me, it’s the complete package of product, service and support you get with Ideal that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. Having dealt with different manufacturers over the years, nothing else comes close to what Ideal offers.” Murray Shanley, Director of Finesse Plumbing and Heating, which installs heat pumps in both domestic and commercial buildings, remarks, “Ideal’s heat pumps are by far the easiest to install. Ideal’s Logic Air heat pump is as close as you’ll get to installing a combi boiler. Plus, the manual for Logic Air follows the same format as Ideal’s boiler manuals, unlike other heat pump guides, which can be confusing. “Our customers benefit enormously from our partnership with Ideal. They get high-quality products designed specifically for the UK’s unpredictable weather, along with the reassurance of a transparent, full parts and labour warranty.” Ideal has been awarded significant Government funding to support an investment totalling just over £12m to establish large-scale heat pump production in the UK, while also investing £19m in a UK Technology Centre, largely focused on research and development of heat pumps, which is due to open this year at the company’s headquarters site in Hull. Ideal’s Expert Academy training arm also offers the industry’s most extensive facilities and provision to equip boiler installers with the skills and qualifications to install, service and maintain heat pumps. For more from Ideal Heating, click here.

Landmark amendment to Payment Practices approved

Following consistent advocacy by ECA, the amendment to Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations has been approved, representing a long-awaited win for ECA Members and the wider construction industry. This amendment will enhance transparency in retention procedures with qualifying businesses obligated to publicly disclose details on their payment practices. From 1 March 2025, when the changes come into effect, large businesses will be required to report the following metrics: The percentage ratio of the amount of retention that is withheld from the company by its clients, which the company holds back from its suppliers. The percentage ratio of the amount of retention that the company withheld from the total value of payments made to suppliers as a proportion of the amount paid to suppliers during the reporting period. This reform, which ECA believes is overdue, addresses a critical issue in the construction sector: late payments, which disproportionately affect small businesses with limited financial reserves. These metrics will directly benefit small and medium enterprises by providing better information about a company’s retention payment practices. This increased transparency is expected to incentivise large businesses to adopt fairer payment practices. Rob Driscoll, ECA Director of Legal and Business, says, “Both the Commons and the Lords approved another significant milestone in the fight for fairer payment on behalf of ECA Members. At first, making large firms to report on their retentions may not seem much, but it will expose the size and nature of the problem of retentions abuse, allowing use to pave the way for an industry and Government agreed solution. “We’ve been working towards these steps for a long time, which includes liaising with ECA’s equivalent in Australia and New Zealand for inspiration to motivate reform in the UK.” ECA’s Business Policy & Practice team has produced guidance and templates to support Members with payment practices and offers a free Member Helpline to answer queries. For more from ECA, click here.