Solar Panels
Expert guides and articles on solar panels from the D&R Energy team, based in Portishead.
All articlesSolar Panels for 1930s Semi-Detached Houses: A Complete Guide
The 1930s semi-detached is the most common housing type in the South West — and one of the best suited to solar panels. This guide covers optimal system sizing, typical roof angles, real-world savings, and what to expect from a D&R Energy installation on your 1930s home.
Off-Grid Solar for Somerset Rural Properties: A Complete Guide
Somerset has one of the highest proportions of off-gas-grid properties in England. For homes heated by oil or LPG, solar plus battery plus heat pump is the transformative combination that can eliminate fossil fuel dependence entirely. This guide explains how.
Solar Panels and EPC Ratings: How They Affect Your Property Value
Solar panels can improve your EPC rating by one to two bands, potentially adding £15,000–£25,000 to your property's value and unlocking access to grant funding. This guide explains the relationship between solar, EPC, and property value in plain English.
Community Energy in Bristol & Somerset: How It Works and Who to Join
Bristol and Somerset have some of the most active community energy movements in England. Groups like Bristol Energy Cooperative, Frome's FRECo, and Glastonbury's Avalon Community Energy are powering local homes and businesses with renewable energy.
Best Smart Tariffs for Solar and Battery Owners in 2026
Choosing the right electricity tariff can add £200–£600 per year to your solar and battery savings. This guide compares the best smart tariffs for 2026 — Octopus Agile, Flux, Go, and Intelligent — and explains which works best for different home setups.
How Solar Together West of England Works: A Homeowner's Guide
Solar Together is a council-backed group buying scheme that has helped thousands of West of England homeowners get solar panels at 30–37% below retail prices. This guide explains how it works, who is eligible, and what to expect from the process.
Solar Panels for New Build Homes: Do You Need More?
Many new build homes now come with solar panels pre-installed. But are they enough? This guide explains the Future Homes Standard, why new build solar is often undersized, and how to upgrade your system with battery storage and a Zappi EV charger.
Solar Panels for Landlords: The EPC Deadline Guide 2026
Landlords with properties rated EPC D or below face compliance costs ahead of proposed MEES improvements. Solar panels are often the most cost-effective way to achieve EPC C, improve tenant appeal, and generate a 7–12% annual return.
Solar Panels in Conservation Areas: A Guide for Bath & Cheltenham
Solar panels are possible in conservation areas — including Bath's UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cheltenham's 2,500+ listed buildings — but there are specific rules to navigate. This guide explains Permitted Development limits, when you need planning permission, and how D&R Energy designs installations to meet conservation officer requirements.
Solar Panels on Victorian Terraces: A Bristol Guide 2026
Over 32% of Bristol homes are Victorian terraces. Solar panels are increasingly common on these properties, but they come with specific planning considerations, roof access challenges, and design requirements. This guide covers everything Bristol Victorian terrace owners need to know.
Solar Panels on Flat Roofs: A Complete UK Guide 2026
Flat roof solar is entirely viable and increasingly popular — especially for commercial buildings. This guide covers mounting options, optimal tilt angles, planning considerations, and how flat roof output compares to pitched roof installations.
Solar & Battery Across the South West
Wherever you are in the region, our MCS-certified team covers commercial solar Weston super-Mare, solar panels Clevedon, commercial solar installers, commercial solar Clevedon, EV charger installation, commercial solar Yate and solar panels Weston-super-Mare.
