My family moved into a 3-bed semi-detached property (1950s build) off the gas grid and fitted with only a solid fuel back boiler and electric storage heaters. We clearly needed to upgrade to become more energy efficient and more sustainable but the challenge was – could we retrofit? Other suppliers quoted similar prices for a Thermaflow system and an oil fired boiler with tank (both close to £10k). After discounting ground sourced heat pump options on the basis of cost and land available, I began researching air sourced heat pumps…

Warning: Don’t dismiss this technology based on complaints posted to internet discussion forums back in the 2009-12 era… the technology has matured a lot since then.

I requested a quote for an ASHP, new radiators and re-plumbing from UK Alternative Energy and one other supplier. UK Alternative Energy’s quote came in under £10k but the other supplier was more than 50% more expensive! We wondered whether a cheaper price would sacrifice the quality of the pump and service provided – but this was definitely not the case. The assessment of our property was professional and the communication about various technicalities was very clear. We were even able to visit a recent, local installation of an ASHP to see one in action and speak with a recent customer not far away. All of this enabled us to make confident decisions.

The most persuasive element in the whole equation was that once we qualified for RHI we would recoup more than 50% of the cost of installation over 7 years, guaranteed by the Government. In order to qualify for RHI payments, all we needed to do was to check our cavity wall insulation and top up insulation in our loft space. UK Alternative Energy were very informative and helpful with regard to assisting our RHI application and ensuring we passed eligibility checks. When we factored in no fuel costs and none of the fumes you would expect from an oil-based system, the decision was an easy one.

We now have an unobtrusive ASHP unit in our garden occasionally purring away almost inaudibly when you are sat within a few meters and are considering switching to a green electricity provider so that the lower amount of energy we do now use can be a lot more environmentally friendly. Our RHI payments will amount to £583 per year for 7 years paid quarterly in arrears based on the current 7.63p/kWh tariff but this should soon be increased in line with Government plans to 10p/kWh.

Note: RHI payments are based on a number of factors relating to your property including energy usage, but those above can act as a good ball park figures for a similar installation. Since the successful and professionally executed installation we have received our 5 year warranty and have enjoyed an excellent performance for both space heating and hot water through both cold spring days and warmer summer days. Operation is very straightforward with no need to know how to do anything other than program your own (wireless) thermostat. We are expecting our first RHI payment on 9th September. The my RHI website hosted by Ofgem is very easy to use and holds all the information you need to see. This was our biggest additional expense on buying our first house and it needed to be the right decision. We’re greener, we’re much better off and we’re happy we made the right choice.

I had Solar PV panels and the Tesla Powerwall installed in late November. Not the best time of year to have solar installed with low sun, shorter days and cloudy weather. Wanting to reduce our own carbon footprint, this seemed the best option. I also wanted to use a local company with experience in this field and UK Alternative Energy ticked all the boxes. They offered unbiased advice and were keen to answer questions that I had. We encountered a delay in getting the Powerwall up and running but this was soon resolved (hence 4/5).

At present I am generating just under 10% of our electricity needs with a best of 20% on one sunny day. I am hopeful that as the days get longer and sun gets higher that this will dramatically increase, with the aim of being completely off grid for part of the year. I would definitely recommend UK Alternative Energy, a local company providing a good level of service and reassurance that if I have any issues they are only a phone call away.

Thank you Lee and the team.

I was very happy with the advice and survey provided by UK Alternative Energy, we have a bungalow with east-west facing roof but the Solar PV panels were fitted to take advantage of the best angles. Also have the Immersat device to heat the hot water via the panels, since fitting it only used the gas boiler to boost the heat once. The company sorted all of the paperwork and informed the local council to comply with building regs. Looking forward to many years of service thanks.

There’s a few variables to get right to end up with a PV system that’s right for your own individual circumstances and aims. UK Alternative Energy has both the knowledge and the access to a range of different components, to design the most appropriate solution.

The service is great from start to finish, and quick too. There are good reasons why all the reviews are 5 star.

Our Airsource system is up and running. Installed without a hitch, the fitters were clean, tidy and efficient. We are very impressed with it.

Only had the system fitted end of March, and we have already received our first FIT payment. We would highly recommend UK Alternative Energy. They make sure, even at the last possible moment, that your panels are in the best place to utilise the sun. You wouldn’t of known they had been to fit the system if it wasn’t for seeing the panels on the roof. From start to finish they have been quick, professional and very helpful.

I have had the system now for 15 Months, my FIT payment for the fist year was more than I had allowed for and a welcome cash boost, my biggest gain is in the reduction of my monthly fuel bill, a saving to me of around 60% well exceeding the projected figures. From start to finish the advice was good and the installation process was professional and quick. I have no hesitation in recommending UK Alternative Energy.

Have had the panels a couple of years now. Installation was smooth and easy, with next to no disruption. The staff were very helpful and informative. The panels heat water and send surplus energy to the grid. I claim the FIT payments periodically and they are always a welcome cash boost. Would recommend wholeheartedly – buy before the tariff decreases in January!

I would heartily recommend this company if you are looking for a good supplier for renewable energy installations. Their sales people are more engineering consultants than horrible pushy sales people. They really know their stuff and were VERY helpful. They guided me through every step of the process including getting the RHI rebate from the Government. The installation was also very smooth and well managed with frequent visits from the company to make sure the work was proceeding as planned. The electrical and plumbing work was all done to a high standard with very well mannered, competent technicians. Having the company relatively local to me is also a big plus. I really cannot fault them and I’d be happy to speak directly to any prospective customers.

From start to finish UK Alternative Energy have been spot on. Answered every email or phone call promptly. Thoughtfully answered every question we had and walked us through the process of having air source heating installed. The team that did the installation were also excellent. Very professional, knowledgeable and we cannot fault their workmanship. Afterwards they’ve walked us through the process of applying for a RHI payment from Ofgem which would’ve been tricky without UK Alternative’s guidance. All in all we are thrilled to bits with our new heating and with the service we received.