Question 1

Is POP only for homeowners? Can I get solar if I don't own my home?

Accepted Answer

Our current focus is owner-occupied homes, but that doesn't rule everything out. If you rent, the direct route of owning your own system isn't available without your landlord's involvement. The best first step is talking to your landlord, since there are financial incentives for them too, including EPC improvements. We're also open to discussing other kinds of projects, from community buildings and schools to flat blocks, as we think homes are the most impactful place to start while policy catches up.

Question 2

How does POP choose the kit they install?

Accepted Answer

Amongst the team at POP, we have decades of experience in renewable energy. Over this time we've spent a lot of time reviewing and hands-on testing which tech really is best - not only in performance, but sustainability and affordability.

Question 3

How much does it cost to install a renewable energy system?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary by technology and system size. A solar and battery system typically runs between £7,500 and £12,500, with most self-funded households paying it back in 4-12 years. A heat pump typically costs around £10,000, though the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant (£9,000 if you use heating oil) usually covers around three-quarters of that. There's also a zero rate of VAT on solar, battery and other energy-saving installations, in place until 31 March 2027.

Question 4

How quickly will I see savings after installation?

Accepted Answer

You will see savings as soon as your system is switched on. With solar, generating your own power on your rooftop means importing a lot less from the grid, and that shows up on your bill from day one. A solar and battery installation is usually done within two days, so most households are seeing savings within the same week their install finishes. Heat pumps take a little longer to fit, usually up to a week, but the savings start the moment it's running and heating your home.

Question 5

How does POP support households who can't afford solar upfront?

Accepted Answer

One of the goals of our crowdfund is to develop a financing vehicle that makes no-or-low-upfront cost solar a possibility. We have piloted this approach in our Preston Park project with BHESCo, where a community-funded share offer funded solar panels, which BHESCo owns whilst the household pays for the electricity at a much reduced rate.

Question 6

What are flexible energy tariffs? How do they work?

Accepted Answer

On a flexible energy tariff, the price of electricity changes throughout the day. This means it's cheaper when there's a lot of renewable energy on the grid, but costs rise during peak times. Households with batteries can charge during cheap periods, and use that (or even export it back to the grid for a profit!) during expensive peak periods. Our tariff guide goes into more depth on how this works.

Question 7

What types of renewable energy solutions does POP offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer solar panels, battery storage, air source heat pumps and EV chargers, either on their own or combined to build a system that fits your home and your goals.

Question 8

What are my options for funding a renewables system?

Accepted Answer

There are a few pathways, depending on what works best for you. If you have the means to invest, self-funding is the simplest way to start saving on bills straight away, typically paying back in 4-12 years with savings continuing for 25 years or more. Several mortgage lenders offer financing help too: Nationwide offers interest-free additional borrowing of £5,000-£20,000 over 2 or 5 years for eligible green improvements, Halifax and Lloyds offer £1,000 cashback for solar and battery installations, Barclays offers £500 cashback via the Greener Home Reward, and Skipton, Coventry, Leeds and Co-Operative Bank offer discounted green borrowing. For heat pumps specifically, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 grants (£9,000 if you currently use heating oil), available until 31 March 2027. We're also developing a community subscription model through a locally-owned cooperative, which would let households get a system installed at low or no upfront cost and pay it back monthly over time, with the money staying in a local fund to lend within the community. If your priority is waiting for government subsidies or loans, the Warm Homes Plan's consumer loan scheme and any future street-level programmes could be significant, though timelines aren't yet confirmed. The funding landscape changes frequently, so your best bet is to request an estimate and let our team walk you through what's currently available to you.

Question 9

How are some other installers offering cheaper prices?

Accepted Answer

Usually not because of the kit. Panels, batteries and inverters are traded on global markets, so the wholesale cost is broadly similar whether an installer buys ten systems a year or fifty, and there isn't much room for bulk discounts. It's also common in sales for companies to inflate an original price, then offer a large discount so the customer feels they've got a deal, even though we haven't looked at anyone else's pricebook or reviewed comparable quotes to know that for sure. Around half of what you pay covers people: design time, surveying, scaffolding, electrical certification, health and safety compliance, and ongoing customer care (including extra calculations for flat roofs). That's where the real differences show up. A lower quote usually means less time spent on design or survey work, or a faster, more rushed install, which isn't always obvious until problems appear years later.

Solar, battery & heat pump installers across the UK

What renewable technology does POP offer?

Solar Panels

Heat Pumps

Battery

EV Charger

The POP Difference

Trusted installers: MCS accredited, certified B Corp

Flexible & friendly: people-first design for all homes

Survey to switch-on in as little as two weeks

How POP Energy is building community-first energy

Where we work

How we work

Frequently Asked Questions