What to Ask Before Choosing a Renewable Installer

When it comes to solar panels, heat pumps, or battery storage, the installer you choose can make or break your investment. Unfortunately, the rapid growth in demand for renewable systems has led to a rise in inexperienced or unqualified installers especially in high-value property projects where budgets are larger and expectations are higher.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 7 essential questions to ask before hiring a renewable energy installer so you can avoid costly mistakes and get the expert service your home deserves.

Why It Matters

Installing renewables in high-end homes, barn conversions, or self-builds isn’t the same as doing a basic solar job on a new estate house. These projects require technical knowledge, aesthetic sensitivity, and careful planning to ensure performance, comfort, and visual harmony.

Choosing the wrong installer can lead to:

  • Poorly sized or inefficient systems

  • Damage to your property’s appearance or structure

  • Expensive rework or future system failure

  • Warranty issues or non-compliance with regulations

Here's 7 Key Questions to Ask Any Renewable Installer

1. Are You MCS-Certified?

Why it matters:
MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is the baseline for renewable energy installations in the UK. It ensures the installer follows proper procedures and that you remain eligible for any government grants or incentives (like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme or SEG payments).

Custom Renewables is proud to be MCS-Certified.

2. Can You Show Me Case Studies or Projects Similar to Mine?

Why it matters:
Self-builds, barn conversions, and heritage homes come with unique challenges — complex rooflines, thick stone walls, or planning restrictions. You want an installer with proven experience in properties like yours, not just new-build estates.

Custom Renewables can offer photos, client testimonials, and before-and-after shots of real installs. You can find case studies in the knowledge hub section of our website. We are also happy to organise site visits for customers to see examples of our previous work.

3. Do You Offer a Bespoke Design Based on My Property’s Needs?

Why it matters:
A "one-size-fits-all" system won’t cut it in a high-end home. You need a tailored design based on:

  • Energy usage patterns

  • Orientation and shading

  • Architectural integration

  • Long-term energy goals

Custom Renewables will carry out a full site survey, load assessment, and heat loss calculation before quoting your project. We design a bespoke system based on the individual requirements of each customer.

4. What Brands and Warranties Do You Use?

Why it matters:
Not all solar panels, batteries, or heat pumps are created equal. Some cheap systems have shorter lifespans or limited support. Be sure your installer uses premium, trusted brands and offers solid warranties (ideally 5–10 years or more).

Pro tip: Ask if they're an approved installer for those brands — it often extends warranty and support options.

Custom Renewables only use reputable, reliable brands that are at the top of their game within the industry. We are proud to be approved installers for Veissmann, Valliant and Nibe.

5. Do You Provide Ongoing Support and Maintenance?

Why it matters:
Even the best systems need periodic checks or occasional troubleshooting. You want an installer who will be around for the long haul, not someone who disappears after the job is done.

What to ask:

  • Do you offer maintenance packages?

  • Can I monitor my system remotely?

  • What’s your response time if I have an issue.

Customer Renewables are always on hand to deal with any issues should they arise. We also offer a comprehensive Maintenance and Service Plan with every heat pump installation. Our plan is designed to provide a dependable, professional, and cost-effective service. It ensures that your heat pump operates at its peak performance throughout the year.

6. How Do You Handle Aesthetics and Design Integration?

Why it matters:
In premium homes, visual impact is just as important as performance. Will your panels clash with slate tiles? Is the heat pump going to be visible from the driveway? Will ducting or cabling spoil the interior?

A high-end installer should work with your architect, builder, or interior designer to blend form and function seamlessly.

At Custom Renewables we are frequently working alongside other contractors to bring the very best results to our clients. We have our own team of contractors that we can recommend or happy to work with contractors as appointed by our customers.

7. Can You Explain the Payback and Performance Expectations Clearly?

Why it matters:
You need realistic, transparent numbers — not sales hype. A good installer will provide:

  • Estimated annual savings

  • System performance projections (kWh/year)

  • Payback period based on your actual usage

Beware of companies that overpromise returns or dodge clear data.

Custom Renewables will always provide you with an estimate of the numbers you can expect from your installation. You can also check out the performance of some of our previous customers systems here

Final Thoughts: Invest in Expertise, Not Just Equipment

Renewable energy systems can add real value to your home — in comfort, efficiency, and property resale — but only when installed correctly, sensitively, and intelligently. Don’t settle for generic solutions or slick sales pitches.

At Custom Renewables we specialise in bespoke renewable energy systems for high-end homes, barn conversions, and self-builds. Our team combines technical expertise with architectural awareness — so you get clean energy without compromising your home’s character or performance.

Thinking about a project? Contact us here for a free consultation or property assessment today.

by Dean Barton

5 Renewable Energy Mistakes in Luxury Homes

In this article, we share the top 5 mistakes homeowners and builders make when integrating renewable energy systems into luxury homes. We've also included tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re designing a self-build, renovating a barn conversion, or upgrading your current home, these insights can save you time, money, and stress.

Installing renewable energy systems like solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage in high-end homes is a smart, forward-thinking investment. But premium properties often come with complex requirements. This can include unique layouts, heritage restrictions, or high energy demands meaning even small planning mistakes can lead to underperformance or costly rework.

1. Overlooking Early Design Integration

Mistake:
Treating renewable systems as an afterthought during design or renovation planning.

Why It Matters:
High-end homes often have custom layouts and structural challenges (e.g. vaulted ceilings, limited roof access). Without early-stage coordination between your architect, builder, and renewable specialist, the result can be poor system placement or limited performance.

Solution:
Involve a renewable energy expert during the initial design phase. We can recommend orientation tweaks, mechanical space planning, and smart tech integration that blends function with aesthetics.

2. Underestimating Energy Load Requirements

Mistake:
Installing systems that don’t match the true heating, cooling, or power demands of the property.

Why It Matters:
Luxury homes typically have larger footprints, more occupants, and high-load features (underfloor heating, EV chargers, air con). A system designed for a standard home just won’t cut it.

Solution:
We always carry out a detailed energy usage and heat loss assessment to size your solar array, heat pump, and battery storage properly — ensuring comfort and efficiency year-round.

3. Choosing Style Over System Performance

Mistake:
Prioritising visual appearance over technical performance (e.g. hidden panels, poorly oriented roof installs).

Why It Matters:
It’s understandable to want a clean, minimalist look — but compromising on orientation, tilt, or ventilation can severely impact output.

Solution:
We offer design-conscious solutions that balance aesthetics with performance — such as integrated solar tiles, discrete ducting routes, and tailored panel placement that works with your home’s architecture.

4. Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance & Access

Mistake:
Failing to plan for easy access or serviceability of key systems like heat pumps, batteries, or inverters.

Why It Matters:
You don't want to dismantle cladding or drill through solid oak flooring just to change a filter or troubleshoot a system fault.

Solution:
We ensure all systems are strategically placed for serviceability, with smart monitoring tools for predictive maintenance. This ensures that your tech stays hidden, but accessible when needed.

5. Not Taking Advantage of Smart Home Integration

Mistake:
Installing standalone systems with no central control or automation.

Why It Matters:
Modern renewables work best when integrated. For example, solar energy can charge your EV or run your air con during peak sun hours but only with a smart controller or energy management system.

Solution:
We specialise in smart energy ecosystems — linking your solar, battery, heat pump, and air conditioning into a unified system you can control from your phone, wherever you are.

Final Thoughts: Precision Planning = Luxury-Level Results

Renewable energy systems in luxury homes are an investment — not just in sustainability, but in comfort, control, and long-term efficiency. Avoiding the common pitfalls above means fewer compromises, fewer surprises, and far better results.

At Custom Renewables, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners future-proof their properties with tailored, intelligent renewable solutions. If you're building a new property, renovating, or just exploring options, contact us for a bespoke consultation.

by Dean Barton

Big Changes to Air Source Heat Pump Rules (May 2025)

Starting 29th May 2025, major updates to planning laws in England will make it significantly easier to install an air source heat pump at your home. These changes remove key barriers and are part of the government’s Warm Homes Plan to scale up the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating systems.

The new rules support the UK’s goal of installing 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028, and they simplify the process for homeowners, landlords, and renewable energy installers.

What’s Changing? Permitted Development Rules for ASHPs

The updated planning policy introduces several important benefits for anyone considering air source heat pump installation:

No More 1-Metre Boundary Rule

You’ll no longer need to keep your heat pump 1 metre from the property boundary making it far easier to install systems on smaller plots or terraced homes.

Larger Units Now Permitted

The maximum size allowed under permitted development increases from 0.6m³ to 1.5m³, meaning you can install a more powerful ASHP without extra red tape.

Two Heat Pumps for Detached Homes

Detached houses can now have up to two air source heat pumps under the new rules — ideal for larger homes or setups with cascade systems for better efficiency.

Cooling Systems Now Included

Air-to-air heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling are now covered by permitted development rights, recognising changing climate needs.

Updated Noise Compliance: MCS 020

Installations must follow the latest MCS 020 noise standard, helping ensure minimal disruption for neighbours and a smooth path to certification.

These changes are outlined in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2025.

Why It Matters for Homeowners & Installers

More Properties Can Switch to Renewables

Scrapping the boundary rule enables thousands of extra households to adopt clean heating without needing planning approval.

Faster, More Affordable Installs

Avoiding the planning process means quicker installation timelines and reduced upfront costs for homeowners.

No Need to Compromise on Performance

The new size allowance ensures that even larger, energy-hungry homes can benefit from efficient heat pump systems.

Year-Round Comfort

With air-to-air heat pumps now included, homeowners get both winter warmth and summer cooling from a single renewable system.

Easier Compliance for Installers

The alignment with MCS 020 and simplified planning routes makes life easier for MCS-certified heat pump installers, speeding up project pipelines.

What is Permitted Development for Heat Pumps?

Permitted development allows certain home improvements to be made without full planning permission, provided they meet key criteria. Under the new ASHP rules:

  • You can install a unit up to 1.5m³ (or two for detached homes)

  • Installations must comply with updated noise standards

  • No planning permission is needed unless your property is:

    • Listed

    • In a conservation area

    • A flat or non-standard dwelling

What About Flats or Semi-Detached Homes?

  • Terraced/Semi-detached Homes: Now allowed 1 unit up to 1.5m³

  • Flats: Still limited to one unit, up to 0.6m³ per flat

  • Special Cases: Always check with your local council for listed buildings or protected zones

MCS 020: New Standards for Noise

To comply with MCS 020, installers must:

  • Conduct a noise assessment during installation

  • Ensure the ASHP stays within strict decibel limits at property boundaries

This reduces noise complaints and supports smoother project approvals.

At Customer Renewables, we work closely with every client to discuss their individual requirements. We make sure that the Heat Pump installed is the right choice for their home as well as meeting planning laws.

If you are considering a Heat pump for your property and would like some further information, you can contact us here.

by Dean Barton