Renewables

Reform Energy provides a comprehensive range of renewable energy solutions tailored for Devon's unique climate and property characteristics. Our offerings include air source heat pumps that extract thermal energy from Devon's mild air temperatures, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that generate electricity from the South West's abundant sunshine, solar thermal collectors for efficient water heating, biomass boilers utilising sustainable wood sources, and battery storage systems that maximise self-consumption of generated renewable energy. We design integrated systems that often combine multiple technologies for optimal performance and returns. Every installation begins with a thorough site assessment considering your property's specific features, energy requirements, and budget constraints. As a Devon-based company, we understand local planning requirements, building types, and weather patterns, ensuring your renewable energy system is perfectly suited to both your property and the local environment, while our MCS accreditation ensures all installations qualify for applicable government incentives.

Determining the optimal renewable technologies for your Devon property involves considering several factors that Reform Energy's experts assess during our comprehensive consultation process. We evaluate your property's orientation, available space, and structural considerations; your current energy consumption patterns and requirements; your budget and desired return on investment; your property's existing heating system and insulation levels; and local planning considerations, particularly important for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas. Based on this assessment, we provide transparent recommendations with clear explanations of expected performance, costs, and benefits. For many Devon properties, we recommend combined systems—such as solar PV with battery storage or heat pumps with solar thermal—that deliver complementary benefits. Our approach focuses on honest advice rather than promoting specific technologies, ensuring you receive recommendations genuinely suited to your circumstances, whether that's a comprehensive renewable energy system or targeted improvements that maximise value from your investment.

Devon homeowners and businesses investing in renewable energy can access several financial incentives that significantly improve project economics. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of £7,500 towards air source heat pump installations, substantially reducing initial costs. For solar PV systems, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) provides payments for electricity exported to the grid, with rates varying between energy suppliers (typically 4-12p per kWh). Many renewable installations qualify for reduced VAT rates of 5% rather than standard 20%. For businesses, the Annual Investment Allowance and Enhanced Capital Allowances offer tax benefits for renewable energy investments. Reform Energy's experts handle all paperwork associated with these incentives, ensuring you receive maximum financial support. Beyond national schemes, we help customers access local Devon initiatives including council grants for energy efficiency, community energy schemes, and local sustainability funds. During consultation, we provide comprehensive information about all applicable incentives, calculating their impact on project payback periods and long-term returns.

Renewable energy systems installed by Reform Energy require minimal maintenance when properly installed, though specific requirements vary by technology. Solar PV systems need virtually no maintenance beyond occasional panel cleaning (often naturally provided by Devon's rainfall) and an annual inspection checking electrical connections and mounting security. Solar thermal systems benefit from annual checks of fluid levels, pressure, and pump operation, with glycol replacement every 5-7 years. Air source heat pumps require annual servicing similar to conventional boilers, inspecting refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, and checking electrical connections. Biomass boilers need more regular attention, including ash removal and annual servicing. Our comprehensive installation packages include manufacturer warranties (typically 5-10 years) with options for extended coverage. Many Devon customers choose our maintenance plans that include scheduled servicing, priority emergency response, and remote system monitoring that identifies potential issues before they affect performance. Our locally-based service teams ensure rapid response to any issues, providing peace of mind that your renewable investment remains protected.

While achieving complete energy independence is technically possible for Devon properties, most Reform Energy customers opt for grid-connected systems that provide substantial but not complete self-sufficiency. The feasibility of 100% renewable supply depends on several factors including your property's energy requirements, available installation space, budget constraints, and willingness to modify consumption patterns. For electricity, solar PV with battery storage can provide 70-90% self-sufficiency for many households, with grid connection maintained for supplementary supply during extended low-generation periods typical of Devon's winter months. For heating, properly sized heat pump systems can meet 100% of requirements, though many properties retain conventional heating as backup. Our design approach focuses on optimising renewable contribution while ensuring reliable energy supply year-round. We provide realistic assessments of achievable self-sufficiency levels based on your specific circumstances, helping you balance independence objectives with practical considerations including system complexity, cost, and lifestyle impact.

Installing quality renewable energy systems typically enhances Devon property values, with studies indicating premium values of 4-10% for homes with well-designed renewable installations. Solar PV systems add particular value, especially when combined with battery storage that maximises self-consumption benefits. Properties with efficient, renewable heating systems like air source heat pumps increasingly command premium prices as energy costs and environmental considerations become more important to buyers. Beyond direct value increases, renewable systems significantly improve EPC ratings—a key consideration for many purchasers and now essential for rental properties. Reform Energy's installations are designed with aesthetic sensitivity, particularly important in Devon's many conservation areas and period properties. Our systems include comprehensive documentation and warranties that transfer to new owners, providing reassurance for potential purchasers. Estate agents across Devon report that properties with quality renewable energy systems typically attract more viewings and sell faster than comparable properties without such installations, reflecting growing market recognition of their long-term value.

Renewable energy systems installed by Reform Energy are designed for excellent longevity in Devon's climate conditions. Solar PV panels typically carry 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80% of original output after this period, though actual lifespans often exceed 30+ years with minimal degradation. The inverters that convert solar DC electricity to usable AC power generally last 10-15 years and may require replacement during the system's lifetime. Air source heat pumps typically operate effectively for 15-20 years, comparable to quality conventional boilers. Solar thermal collectors have expected lifespans of 20-25 years, with occasional replacement of pumps and glycol fluid. Battery storage systems typically last 10-15 years with gradual capacity reduction over time. Reform Energy's installations use premium components selected for durability in the South West's maritime climate, with particular attention to mounting systems that withstand Devon's occasionally severe weather conditions. All our systems include comprehensive warranties with options for extended coverage, ensuring your renewable energy investment delivers reliable performance throughout its expected operational life.

Reform Energy specialises in designing integrated renewable systems that combine complementary technologies for Devon properties, delivering enhanced performance and returns compared to single-technology approaches. Popular combinations include solar PV with battery storage (increasing self-consumption from approximately 30% to 70-80%); air source heat pumps powered by solar PV (reducing operating costs and carbon footprint); solar thermal working alongside conventional boilers or heat pumps (providing free hot water during summer months); and smart energy management systems that optimise interaction between multiple technologies. These integrated approaches maximise renewable contribution while ensuring reliable energy supply year-round. Our design process considers how different technologies interact, sizing components appropriately and implementing intelligent controls that prioritise the most efficient energy source at any given time. For Devon's larger properties with higher energy demands, these combined systems often deliver the best balance of investment return, carbon reduction, and energy security, with our designs carefully tailored to your property's specific requirements and your personal priorities.

Reform Energy maintains exceptional installation standards through several quality assurance mechanisms. As MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited installers, we follow rigorous technical standards with regular independent auditing of our work. Our installation teams comprise qualified professionals with specific renewable technology certifications and extensive experience working with Devon's diverse property types, from contemporary eco-homes to traditional cob cottages and listed buildings. We employ detailed design processes including site-specific system modelling, structural assessments, and performance projections based on local climate data. During installation, project managers oversee every aspect, conducting stage inspections and comprehensive testing before handover. All installations include detailed documentation, operational training, and aftercare support. We're members of respected trade associations including the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage. Our directly employed installation teams (rather than subcontractors) ensure consistent quality standards, while our local presence means rapid response to any post-installation queries. This commitment to quality is reflected in our exceptional customer satisfaction ratings and high referral rates across Devon.

Reform Energy provides comprehensive aftercare for our Devon renewable energy customers, ensuring your system delivers optimal performance throughout its operational life. Our support begins with thorough handover training, ensuring you understand system operation, monitoring, and basic maintenance requirements. All installations include detailed documentation and user guides specific to your system. Our aftercare packages include annual service visits maintaining system efficiency and warranty compliance, remote performance monitoring identifying potential issues before they affect operation, priority emergency response with typical attendance within 24 hours for Devon properties, and periodic system health checks reviewing performance against projections. For technologies like heat pumps that benefit from occasional optimisation, we provide seasonal adjustments ensuring efficient operation year-round. Our local customer support team remains available for operational queries, while our technical specialists can provide guidance on system expansion or integration of additional technologies as your needs evolve. This comprehensive approach ensures your renewable energy investment continues delivering maximum financial and environmental benefits throughout its operational lifespan.