Bringing Solar Power Home: A Journey to Energy Independence in Kent

So far in 2024, Hometree has grown from a successful repair and maintenance company into a leading facilitator of sustainable finance and installations. This expansion means we now  exist at all stages of a customers’ renewable energy journey, from the provision of interest free financing, through the installation experience and into life-time peace-of-mind maintenance.

For many of us working at Hometree this means we’ve had a lot of learning, listening and understanding to do. In our ongoing quest to bring sustainable energy solutions to millions of homes across the UK, the team at Hometree is committed to understanding the real-world impact of our services.

As part of this mission, two of us recently had the opportunity to visit a solar panel installation in picturesque Kent. This experience provided us with invaluable insights into the installation process, the technology behind solar energy and the motivations of homeowners seeking to embrace renewable energy.

The Setting

On an early wet Wednesday in July, we arrived at a charming property nestled in the Kent countryside. The homeowner, Tom, greeted us warmly and shared his vision for energy independence. His property, complete with a detached garage and gardens was an ideal candidate for solar power. The installation involved ten solar panels on the garage roof, complemented by a Tesla inverter and two Tesla Powerwall batteries neatly housed within the garage. 

Inside the kitchen of the main house, electricians were busy installing additional units, preparing the home for a future powered by clean energy. Tom’s motivation for going solar was a blend of environmental responsibility and economic foresight, driven by the birth of his grandchildren and a desire to contribute positively to the planet.

The Journey to Solar Power

Tom explained how his journey to solar energy began with a recommendation from a trusted local electrician, who referred him to Hometree’s recently acquired installer – The Little Green Energy Company (TLGEC). Tom felt confident in the recommendation, valuing the in-person site survey that TLGEC offered over others who attempted assessments based solely on Google Earth images. This personal touch made a significant difference, especially when TLGEC’s team suggested the garage as the optimal location rather than the main house because of the main building’s steep roof pitch and complex array of dormers; important details that only an person assessment can determine properly. 

While discussing the decision-making process, Tom expressed his satisfaction with TLGEC’s professionalism and how smoothly the installation had gone. His questions had been answered at every stage and Hometree and TLGEC had delivered what they promised. Managing and delivering on expectation was key to a smooth process.

Building a Greener Future

As the rain gave way to sunshine, we wrapped up our visit. It was clear to both of us that word-of-mouth recommendations remain a powerful driver in the renewable energy market. Homeowners like Tom often rely on trusted contacts and personal experiences when making decisions about sustainable solutions. We learned, our role at Hometree is not only to provide top-tier products and services but also to be a source of reliable information and support throughout our customers’ green energy journey.

We also learned that homeowners don’t want to be left high and dry after an installation. Information about tariffs, maintenance, optimisation, monitoring, cleaning and repairs is sadly lacking with some installers. Homeowners want the same company that installs the technology to have a hand in helping the homeowner make the best use of it for the next few decades. This is where Hometree is well placed to offer life-time services and support for total peace-of-mind.

Tom’s story is a testament to the growing interest in sustainable living and the impact solar power can have on both the environment and personal finances. As we continue to support families in their transition to renewable energy, each installation brings us closer to a future where clean energy is the norm.

Thank you, Tom, for welcoming us into your home and sharing your journey with solar power. 

To learn more about our interest-free solar plan and start your energy independence journey, click here.