CS Ellis Logistics

Logistics Business Solar & Battery Storage

Client Overview: ???? CS Ellis is a distinguished logistics and transportation company specializing in warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management. Operating across multiple locations, they aimed to optimize energy usage and reduce operational expenses while minimizing their environmental impact.

Challenge: ???? CS Ellis faced the challenge of finding sustainable energy solutions to reduce energy costs and lower their carbon footprint across their diverse network of facilities.

Solution: ???? GreenLight, a leader in renewable energy solutions, collaborated with CS Ellis to develop and implement a tailored solar solution.

• Thorough Site Assessment: ???????? GreenLight conducted comprehensive assessments of CS Ellis’ facilities to determine the optimal placement and sizing of solar panels, considering energy consumption patterns and site characteristics.

• Strategic Solar Panel Installation: ☀️ GreenLight installed high-efficiency solar panels on rooftops and available ground spaces across CS Ellis’ facilities. The installation process was meticulously planned to minimize disruptions to operations while maximizing solar energy generation potential.

• Advanced Monitoring and Optimization: ???? GreenLight implemented state-of-the-art monitoring technology to track energy production in real-time. This allowed CS Ellis to monitor system performance, optimize energy usage, and make data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency.

Results: ???????? The collaboration between GreenLight and CS Ellis led to several benefits:

• Cost Savings: By harnessing solar energy, CS Ellis significantly reduced their reliance on grid electricity, resulting in substantial cost savings on energy bills and operational expenses.

• Environmental Sustainability: The adoption of solar energy solutions allowed CS Ellis to reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

• Positive Reputation: CS Ellis’ dedication to sustainability through the adoption of solar energy solutions enhanced their reputation as an environmentally conscious company, attracting customers and stakeholders who value sustainability initiatives.

Conclusion: ???? GreenLight’s custom solar solution empowered CS Ellis to achieve their goals of reducing energy costs and environmental impact across their network of facilities. This case study showcases the effectiveness of renewable energy solutions in helping businesses achieve sustainability objectives while improving their bottom line.

Dawsongroup plc

Logistics Business Solar & Battery Storage

Client Overview: ???? DawsonGroup, a leader in fleet management solutions, operates across multiple locations, managing truck and trailer fleets for various clients. With a commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency, DawsonGroup sought to transition towards renewable energy sources to power their operations.

Challenge: ???? DawsonGroup faced the challenge of reducing energy costs and minimizing their environmental footprint across their diverse network of facilities. They needed a scalable renewable energy solution that could be deployed across multiple locations while providing reliable and cost-effective power generation and storage capabilities.

Solution: ???????? GreenLight, a trusted provider of renewable energy solutions, partnered with DawsonGroup to design and implement a comprehensive solar and battery storage solution across multiple sites.

• Site Assessment and Customization: ???? GreenLight conducted thorough site assessments at each DawsonGroup facility to determine the optimal placement and capacity for solar panels and battery storage systems. Solutions were customized to meet the unique energy needs and site conditions of each location.

• Solar Panel Installation: ☀️ GreenLight efficiently installed solar panels on rooftops and available ground spaces across DawsonGroup’s facilities. The installation process was carefully coordinated to minimize disruptions to operations while maximizing energy generation potential.

• Battery Storage Integration: ???? To address DawsonGroup’s need for energy storage and grid independence, GreenLight integrated battery storage systems at each site. These systems were designed to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or high energy demand, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.

• Monitoring and Optimization: ???? GreenLight implemented advanced monitoring and optimization technology to track energy production, consumption, and storage in real-time across all DawsonGroup sites. This allowed for proactive maintenance, performance optimization, and efficient management of the solar and battery systems.

Results: ???????? The collaboration between GreenLight and DawsonGroup yielded significant benefits:

• Cost Savings: By harnessing solar energy and integrating battery storage, DawsonGroup substantially reduced energy costs across their multiple facilities, leading to long-term cost savings and improved financial performance.
• Environmental Impact: The adoption of renewable energy solutions helped DawsonGroup minimize their carbon footprint and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, enhancing their reputation as a socially responsible organization.
• Reliability and Resilience: The battery storage systems provided DawsonGroup with backup power capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted operations and enhanced resilience against grid outages and fluctuations in energy supply.
• Scalability and Flexibility: The modular design of the solar and battery storage systems allowed for easy scalability and expansion as DawsonGroup’s energy needs evolve over time.

Conclusion: ???? GreenLight’s multi-site solar and battery storage solution has enabled DawsonGroup to transition towards sustainable energy practices while achieving cost savings, environmental benefits, and operational resilience across their diverse network of facilities. This case study exemplifies the transformative impact of renewable energy solutions in the commercial sector, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

The Burlington Care Home

Care Home Solar & Battery Storage

Client Overview: ???????? The Burlington Care Home, nestled in a suburban area, offers residential care services for elderly individuals. With a dedication to sustainability, the management aimed to adopt renewable energy solutions to power their facility.

Challenge: ???????? The Burlington Care Home faced escalating energy costs and sought to transition towards sustainable energy sources to cut operational expenses while minimizing their carbon footprint. They also needed a reliable energy storage solution to ensure uninterrupted power supply during outages and peak demand periods.

Solution: ????️???? GreenLight, a pioneer in renewable energy solutions, collaborated with The Burlington Care Home to devise and implement a holistic solar installation paired with a battery storage system.

1. Initial Assessment and Design: ????????️ GreenLight conducted a thorough assessment of energy needs and site conditions to design a bespoke solar PV system, perfectly suited to the facility’s requirements and available roof space.

2. Solar Installation: ☀️???? GreenLight’s experts seamlessly installed solar panels on the rooftops of The Burlington Care Home, prioritizing minimal disruption to operations and safety for residents and staff.

3. Battery Storage System Integration: ????⚡ To address energy storage needs, GreenLight deployed a state-of-the-art battery storage system. This allowed the facility to store excess solar energy for use during low sunlight periods or high demand, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

4. Monitoring and Optimization: ???????? Advanced monitoring technology enabled real-time tracking of energy production, consumption, and storage, facilitating proactive maintenance and optimization of the solar and battery systems.

Results: ???????? The collaboration yielded significant benefits:

• Cost Savings: ???????? The Burlington Care Home slashed energy expenses by harnessing solar power, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
• Environmental Impact: ???????? Adoption of renewable energy decreased the facility’s carbon footprint, promoting environmental sustainability.
• Reliability: ⚡???? The battery storage system ensured reliable backup power, enhancing operational resilience.
• Community Engagement: ???????? The initiative garnered positive attention, enhancing the care home’s reputation as a socially responsible organization.

Conclusion: ???????? Through solar installation and battery storage, GreenLight empowered The Burlington Care Home to embrace sustainable energy practices, improving efficiency and resilience. This case study highlights the transformative potential of renewable energy in healthcare, paving the way for a greener future.

Meridian School

Meridian School

In an effort to promote sustainability and reduce energy costs, GLF Schools, in collaboration with Barker Associates , SolarEdge Technologies, LONGi Solar and Van der Valk Solar Systems embarked on a solar panel installation project at one of their schools in Surrey. This case study outlines the successful implementation of the project, highlighting the key players involved and the positive outcomes achieved.

Background:
GLF Schools is a renowned multi-academy trust based in Surrey, England, committed to providing high-quality education while fostering environmental responsibility. Recognizing the importance of renewable energy sources, GLF Schools aimed to harness the power of solar energy to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their operational costs.

Objectives:
⚡Reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
⚡Educate students about sustainable energy practices.
⚡Serve as a model for other schools within the trust.
 
Consultant: Barker Associates
Barker Associates played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the project by:
???? Conducting a comprehensive site assessment to determine the optimal solar panel placement and energy profiling
???? Designing an efficient and environmentally friendly solar energy system.
???? Overseeing the project’s implementation, ensuring it adhered to industry standards and regulations.
???? Conducting performance evaluations post-installation to ensure the system’s efficiency.
 
Manufacturers: SolarEdge, Longi & Van Der Valk
???? SolarEdge is a leading manufacturer of solar inverters, power optimizers, and monitoring systems. Their state-of-the-art technology maximizes energy production and ensures system reliability.

???? Longhi is a renowned solar panel manufacturer known for producing high-quality and efficient photovoltaic modules. Their products are designed for durability and maximum energy conversion.

????️Van der Valk specializes in mounting and racking systems for solar panels.
 
Project Developers: GreenLight
Role: GreenLight’s role encompassed the entire project lifecycle, including:
????Collaborating with Barker Associates to design an optimal solar energy system.
????Managing the complex installation process, ensuring it met quality and safety standards.
????Commissioning the system to ensure it operated efficiently and reliably
 
The collaboration between GLF Schools, SolarEdge, Longhi, Barker Associates, Van Der Valk and GreenLight resulted in the successful installation of solar panels at a school in Surrey. This project not only reduced energy costs and environmental impact but also served as an educational tool for students.

The commitment to sustainability displayed by GLF Schools and our partners sets a commendable example for other educational institutions and organizations seeking to embrace clean energy solutions. This project is part of a multi-phase rollout to decarbonise the estate for GLF Schools where all 42 schools are in development.

Rosebery School

GLF Trust – Rosebery School Solar PV

In an effort to promote sustainability and reduce energy costs, GLF Schools, in collaboration with Barker Associates , SolarEdge Technologies, LONGi Solar and Van der Valk Solar Systems embarked on a solar panel installation project at one of their schools in Surrey. This case study outlines the successful implementation of the project, highlighting the key players involved and the positive outcomes achieved.

Background:
GLF Schools is a renowned multi-academy trust based in Surrey, England, committed to providing high-quality education while fostering environmental responsibility. Recognizing the importance of renewable energy sources, GLF Schools aimed to harness the power of solar energy to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their operational costs.

Objectives:
⚡Reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
⚡Educate students about sustainable energy practices.
⚡Serve as a model for other schools within the trust.
 
Consultant: Barker Associates
Barker Associates played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the project by:
???? Conducting a comprehensive site assessment to determine the optimal solar panel placement and energy profiling
???? Designing an efficient and environmentally friendly solar energy system.
???? Overseeing the project’s implementation, ensuring it adhered to industry standards and regulations.
???? Conducting performance evaluations post-installation to ensure the system’s efficiency.
 
Manufacturers: SolarEdge, Longi & Van Der Valk
???? SolarEdge is a leading manufacturer of solar inverters, power optimizers, and monitoring systems. Their state-of-the-art technology maximizes energy production and ensures system reliability.

???? Longhi is a renowned solar panel manufacturer known for producing high-quality and efficient photovoltaic modules. Their products are designed for durability and maximum energy conversion.

????️Van der Valk specializes in mounting and racking systems for solar panels.
 
Project Developers: GreenLight
Role: GreenLight’s role encompassed the entire project lifecycle, including:
????Collaborating with Barker Associates to design an optimal solar energy system.
????Managing the complex installation process, ensuring it met quality and safety standards.
????Commissioning the system to ensure it operated efficiently and reliably
 
The collaboration between GLF Schools, SolarEdge, Longhi, Barker Associates, Van Der Valk and GreenLight resulted in the successful installation of solar panels at a school in Surrey. This project not only reduced energy costs and environmental impact but also served as an educational tool for students.

The commitment to sustainability displayed by GLF Schools and our partners sets a commendable example for other educational institutions and organizations seeking to embrace clean energy solutions. This project is part of a multi-phase rollout to decarbonise the estate for GLF Schools where all 42 schools are in development.

What is driving the EV charging market?

Published
March 12th, 2023

Software is transforming the electric vehicle (EV) charging market, solving problems related to infrastructure, interoperability, equipment and maintenance cost, and e-fuelling. The adoption of EVs is expected to outperform all expectations and account for over 50% of US vehicle sales by 2030. According to Julien Deconinck of DAI Magister, the key to mass adoption of EVs is now software, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the market, with EV charging software forecasted to grow to $25 billion by 2030. As EV adoption grows, the grid will face increased strain, and the number of charging points needs to meet the demands of many EV drivers. However, the interoperability of different EV charging systems remains a significant issue. The use of different protocols means there are different standards of device management, transaction handling, security, and smart charging functionalities. Fortunately, new protocols such as the Open Charge Point Protocol and communication standards such as ISO 15118 are now in place, but they will require continuous co-development by all stakeholders to increase compatibility between different charging stations and management systems. Software companies are offering essential solutions to these challenges. For instance, Kaluza uses an AI-driven approach to predict EV charging behaviour and reduce peak demand, while Zap-Map helps drivers optimize their trips from both a timing and cost perspective.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people become aware of their benefits over traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. EVs produce zero emissions, which means they are better for the environment, and they are also cheaper to run in the long term, despite the higher upfront cost. However, there are still several challenges that must be addressed in order for EVs to become the primary mode of transportation.

One of the biggest challenges is infrastructure. While the number of charging points is growing, it is still far away from being able to meet the demands of many EV drivers. EV drivers still must plan their journeys (especially longer ones) as the network of chargers is still inadequate, and ‘range anxiety’ remains a major stumbling block for many willing consumers. As the EV market grows, it will strain the grid. According to some estimates, we will need 1.1 EV chargers for every EV. This could increase peak electricity demand on local grids by 15–50%, requiring expensive upgrades to accommodate the increased demand.

The interoperability of different EV charging systems remains a major issue – currently it causes the problem of overnight charging for EV owners who lack off-street parking and journey planning. Having varying protocols meant there were different standards/levels of device management, transaction handling, security and smart charging functionalities. New protocols such as the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and communication standards such as ISO 15118 are now in place but will need continuous co-development by all stakeholders to increase compatibility between different charging stations and management systems.

Fortunately, software innovations are already providing solutions to many of these scaling challenges and will play a crucial role in EV adoption. From $1bn in 2021, EV charging software is forecast to grow to $25bn by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing software sectors in the market today and a huge opportunity for value creation for founders and venture capital (VC).

One company that is tackling the issue of infrastructure is PredictEV, which is Volta Charging’s proprietary network planning software. PredictEV uses machine learning to predict current and future EV charging needs, from infrastructure load requirements to site-level specifics. The software can forecast current and future demand with high levels of accuracy, allowing for precision network expansion. State governments in the US are now using PredictEV to identify optimal and equitable charging locations.

For grid management, London-based Kaluza has developed an advanced platform that helps utilities manage the impact of EV charging on electricity grid demand by providing an intelligent, distributed system that can monitor, control and optimise charging. Kaluza uses an AI-driven approach to predict EV charging behaviour and reduce peak demand, while also optimising energy costs by intelligently scheduling charging to coincide with low energy demand and lower electricity rates. Similarly, WeaveGrid’s data-driven platform ensures the grid can accommodate EVs safely by helping utilities in the US find EV drivers, analyse and gather insights on charging patterns, enrol them in managed charging programmes and EV-specific rates and incentivise beneficial charging habits.

For journey planning, there are a number of apps that help drivers optimise their trips both from a timing and cost perspective. For instance, in the UK, Zap-Map has almost all public charge points mapped, showing live status data. Its paid version offers What3words navigation, charging network filters, charger ratings and a display on the car screen.

On the issue of improving the return on investment of EV charging infrastructure and reducing the cost of a charging session, a number of software companies are tackling the challenges here. Most use cases revolve around real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. By using predictive analytics, companies can predict when charging stations are likely to be in high demand and adjust their pricing accordingly.

5 ways office design can make you happier at work

Published
February 22nd, 2023

Office design can have a significant impact on our happiness and productivity at work, as brain science and design principles come together to create more engaging and enjoyable work environments. By using neuroaesthetics, a design approach that aims to improve the human experience of our built environment, offices can be made to be more productive and efficient. There are five ways to achieve this:

1. Reducing Distractions: Many offices fail to provide spaces that allow for different types of tasks to be completed effectively, with open office spaces often creating too much noise and distractions. To address this, offices should be designed with better separation between focused work areas and places where people can collaborate or have impromptu meetings. To achieve this, movable walls and furniture can be used to adapt spaces affordably.
2. Creating Physical Transitions between Spaces: Physical structures and forms can be used to help people understand how different areas of an office are used for different purposes. For instance, a hallway from an open area can gradually funnel down to more private meeting space or quiet areas, creating a change in atmosphere as people move through different spaces. Walking through differently shaped spaces can trigger brain activity and boost energy and cognition.
3. Connecting with Nature: Being connected to nature can have a restorative effect on people’s mood and health. This can be achieved by bringing nature indoors through biophilic design, which involves adding plenty of office plants and creating a green environment that offers the benefits of nature without the distractions of whatever is happening outside the window.
4. Softening the Edges: From the shapes of rooms to the types of furniture in those rooms to the decorative patterns on floors and walls, sharp-edge patterns can trigger stress hormones and are seen as threatening by the brain. People prefer curvy architecture more than hard edges and right angles.
5. Softening the Art: Careful consideration should be given to the art that is placed on office walls. Overly jarring or detailed images can be distracting and even triggering for some people, particularly those with different levels of neurodiversity conditions. Being thoughtful about the impact of design decisions can help companies create more productive spaces, and flexibility is key to evolving experiments until desired results are achieved.

Overall, designing office spaces that reflect an understanding of how the human brain works and responds to different stimuli can significantly enhance our well-being, productivity, and happiness at work.

References:

1. https://www.fastcompany.com/90833567/5-ways-office-design-can-make-you-happier-at-work

HoloLens 2 brings new immersive collaboration tools to industrial metaverse customers

Published
February 13th, 2023

Even with precise written instructions, some parts of the automotive assembly process still require a bit of art, says David Kleiner, who leads Toyota Motor North America’s Applied Technology Research Lab.

Take hammering on a door edge guard. That’s the thin strip of steel that protects against dents and dings when you fling the door open into a wall or parked car. Use too much force, and a worker can damage the vehicle. Too little, and the edge guard will pop off the next time the door gets slammed shut.

Recently, a worker at a Toyota Logistics Center in New Jersey was struggling to find that balance. So they put on a HoloLens 2, Microsoft’s mixed reality headset, opened a holographic window and called a colleague in California for help. They were instantly looking through the eyes of someone on the opposite side of the country.

Here’s the trick, their coworker said: Listen for this sound. And they struck the piece at just the right angle, producing a distinct tone and a clear visual that the colleague could see and hear as if they were right next to each other.

That sound of success is now helping other Toyota workers install door edge guards. The clip was recorded on a HoloLens 2 and captured in the step-by-step holographic instructions in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guides, giving all workers the benefit of that wisdom.

For Kleiner, that story shows how HoloLens 2 is a tool perfectly in tune with kaizen, a core Toyota principle of continuous improvement. And it explains why the device has sped out of Toyota’s innovation labs and into its everyday workplace. Workers at six U.S. Toyota Logistics Centers use HoloLens 2 for hands-free training, guidance and collaboration. The headsets will roll out soon to sites in Canada and Mexico, Kleiner said, with more expansion planned.

“The killer metric for Toyota is speed,” Kleiner said. “The faster we can train people and solve problems, the faster we can get a product to market. That’s why we want to overcome location, we want to overcome time, and we want people to move faster and share knowledge. HoloLens has enabled us to do all that.”

Over the past year, Microsoft has made significant investments in the HoloLens 2 platform in response to accelerating adoption from enterprise customers like Toyota, from new updates enabling immersive collaboration to solutions that allow companies to scale and manage a fleet of devices. 

Microsoft is delivering the cloud-powered productivity and collaboration tools that deskbound workers have long had at their fingertips to the frontline worker. No matter where they are, HoloLens 2 users can summon an array of holographic windows with a Teams call or chat, a Power BI dashboard, a Word document, a PDF or video, their OneDrive folder, or their calendar and operate in an immersive, 3D experience.

“We’re truly delivering Windows in mixed reality,” said Alysa Taylor, Microsoft corporate vice president for Azure and Industry.

Those capabilities help explain why businesses like Toyota have moved beyond just kicking the tires on the metaverse.

The industrial metaverse that Toyota and others are exploring is a fundamentally new way for humans and AI to work together to design, build, operate and optimize their physical systems, Taylor said. With Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365 and mixed reality offerings that bridge the digital and physical, customers can build digital twins of a factory floor or warehouse and simulate manufacturing or supply chain processes in the cloud. That allows them to refine those processes in the industrial metaverse – whether to boost operational efficiency or shrink their environmental footprint – before committing them to physical form.

We’re truly delivering Windows in mixed reality.

Mixed reality is a key technology of Microsoft’s industrial metaverse solutions, Taylor said. HoloLens 2 delivers those solutions all the way to frontline workers who work with their hands and can’t be tethered to a computer or keyboard. Since its launch, Microsoft has incorporated customer feedback and invested in making the devices truly work on the frontlines – from longer lasting batteries to designs that fit over safety glasses to updates that make it easy for a fleet of devices to be managed by a customer’s IT department.

“Frontline workers form the backbone of many of the world’s largest industries, yet they’ve been largely underserved by technology,” Taylor said. “So much knowledge and information is in the cloud, but how does that deskless worker in the field or on the factory floor access that digital world?”

Microsoft’s answer is HoloLens 2 and its Dynamics Mixed Reality suite of apps. With Azure cloud services doing much of the heavy lifting, they can take digital information and integrate it into the user’s physical world. That holographic experience helps them learn industrial processes faster or support colleagues around the globe with expert advice as if they were in the same room, without the expense or environmental impact of long-distance travel.

“These employees don’t have desks; giving them a laptop just won’t work,” Toyota’s Kleiner said. “We want HoloLens to be our screens for our frontline workers. When they’re wearing a HoloLens, they now have a screen that gives them all the digital tools they need.”

Reference: 

1.  https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/innovation/hololens-2-industrial-metaverse/ 

How can you earn money from your solar panels?

Published
January 26th, 2023

Homeowners with solar panels are making money by selling their unused energy – and you should too.

Large energy suppliers in the UK are obliged to pay households for renewable energy they export to the National Grid, under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

The Smart Export Guarantee is a government-backed initiative that compels large energy suppliers to pay homeowners for renewable energy they send back to the National Grid.

If you produce energy with solar panels, wind turbines, micro combined heat and power, hydro, or anaerobic digestion, you can request payments from one of more than a dozen companies.

This scheme is hugely beneficial to homeowners looking to save money with solar. SEG began in January 2020 as a replacement for the defunct Feed-in Tariff (FiT), but works differently – mainly because it puts the responsibility on consumers to choose the best rate.

It’s especially profitable for anyone with solar panels, because unless you have a solar battery, you’ll likely export half of your power back to the Grid – so why not get paid for it?

How much you could earn?

Octopus offers the best SEG rate, paying out 15p for every kWh of renewable electricity a household sends to the Grid.

This is only available to its own customers, though – it pays other households 4.1p per kWh. Octopus’s Christina Hess explained to The Eco Experts that this was because “it takes a lot of effort to set up an export tariff – the process is therefore quite costly for us.

“However, if a customer also imports electricity from us, we’re more likely to make a margin (please note that due to the current grid set up of network admin, levies and distribution costs it’s usually net negative for us to offer any kind of export tariff).

“This means that we are able to offer a better rate to customers who export and import electricity through us.”

You should also check out Octopus’s Agile Outgoing tariff, which pays you according to shifting wholesale prices.

This tariff has hovered around 20p per kWh over the past 12 months – a fantastic rate – and went above £2 per kWh at one point, according to Energy Stats UK.

Is the Smart Export Guarantee good enough?

The Smart Export Guarantee is a positive development, but goes nowhere near far enough to reward solar households or encourage prospective buyers.

The best Smart Export Guarantee tariff is Octopus’s 15p per kWh offering, while the standard rate consumers pay for electricity is currently 34p per kWh.

That means the Smart Export Guarantee allows companies to buy electricity from you for, at most, less than half of the price they charge you.

Octopus’s 15p rate is at least much higher than the Feed-in Tariff’s last export rate, which was 3.8p per kWh when it ended in 2019.

The government rightly stepped in to ensure your unused solar power isn’t sent to the Grid for free, but solar panel owners are still being massively underpaid for the electricity they generate.

What supplier should I choose? 

You can choose any supplier for your SEG tariff.

It doesn’t have to be the supplier that provides you with electricity – so we advise you to find the best rate, and go for it.

Will the Smart Export Guarantee increase?

The Eco Experts contacted all 15 suppliers which provide an SEG tariff, and just two told us they were planning on increasing their rates.

So Energy, which currently offers a 5p per kWh rate, and EDF – which pays just 1.5p per kWh, as we mentioned above – were the only suppliers to commit to a higher tariff.

EDF has made good on this promise – though its tariff for non-customers is still appallingly low – but So Energy hasn’t followed through yet.

And regardless, more suppliers need to raise their rates.

Energy companies currently pay households 13% of what their solar energy is worth. That’s outrageous.

You should still sign up for an SEG tariff, because otherwise you’re leaving free money on the table – but your solar power is worth more than this.

Reference: 

1. https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/solar-panels/smart-export-guarantee
2. https://www.energy-stats.uk/octopus-agile/