A Sustainable Reinvention: Case Study Inside a Refurbishment Powered by Renewables

Introduction

On a bright and sunny Sunday, we had the pleasure of visiting our clients, Peter and Karen, at their stunning riverside home to chat about their experience with our renewable energy solutions. Their property features an impressive array of sustainable technologies, including a heat pump, sixteen solar panels, Tesla Powerwalls, and a full MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system.

Although their home isn't a new build, it underwent a complete reconstruction—making their setup a retrofit rather than a fresh installation. Retrofitting can present a few more challenges, especially when it comes to accommodating pipework and ventilation systems, but Peter and Karen assured us that the process was smoother than expected and well worth the effort.

Since making the switch to renewables, they’ve noticed a significant shift—not just in their energy consumption, but in their day-to-day lifestyle. They’re thrilled with the results, and we were excited to hear more. So, let’s dive into their story and find out exactly how their journey with sustainable living has unfolded.

The house before the project began:

The refurbished house:

How Sustainable Tech Powers Peter and Karen’s Home

We asked Peter and Karen to walk us through the renewable setup in their home—and it’s an impressive one. Sixteen 400W solar panels are installed on their south-facing roof, which provides the best sun exposure throughout the day. Karen pointed out that, although tall cedar trees across the road begin casting shade from around 3 p.m., they’ve still been pleasantly surprised by how much energy the panels continue to generate even in partial shade.

Their home also features underfloor heating paired with porcelain tiles in the main living area—something Karen especially loves. She described the feeling of walking barefoot on warm floors during chilly winter mornings as nothing short of luxurious.

One challenge they did mention was managing the temperature evenly throughout the house. They advised future homeowners to carefully consider the placement of thermostats. Unlike traditional radiators that heat up quickly, underfloor systems take time to warm and cool. It’s not a system you can simply switch on and off for instant results, so thoughtful planning makes a big difference.

What did Peter and Karen have to consider before installing renewables?

Peter shared that one of the more challenging aspects of their retrofit was accommodating the pipework. While it wasn’t a major inconvenience, he emphasised that it’s something homeowners should definitely factor in—especially when installing systems like MVHR, which require space throughout the house for ducting and ventilation.

When it came to positioning their heat pump, they decided to discreetly place it around the side of the house near the patio. Not only does this keep it out of sight, but Peter noted a surprising bonus: during hot summer days, the unit gives off a gentle breeze, acting almost like an air conditioner and making the patio a more comfortable spot to relax.

How Green Energy Changed Peter and Karen’s Habits—and Their Energy Bills

This was Peter and Karen’s first experience with renewable energy, and it’s safe to say they’ve embraced it wholeheartedly. Their home is now powered in part by two Tesla Powerwalls, which they charge overnight on a lower electricity tariff—making it the most cost-effective way to store energy.

In the winter months, when their solar panels generate less energy (around 10% of their total use), the Powerwalls really prove their value. The stored energy is held until peak hours—typically around 4 p.m.—and then automatically kicks in to power the home. As a result, they haven’t needed to tap into expensive peak-rate electricity since November.

We also asked how switching to renewable energy has shifted their mindset. They shared that it's made them more conscious of how and when they use electricity and avoid running appliances like the dishwasher at certain times unless absolutely necessary. Instead they rely on a smart combination of solar panels, battery storage, and their heat pump to optimise usage.

Peter was particularly impressed by how easy it is to monitor and manage the system using the Tesla app. From his phone, he can track energy generation, storage, and usage in real time, no matter where he is. He also noted how low-maintenance the solar PV system has been. Other than the occasional panel clean—usually only needed due to nearby tree pollen and costing around £60—the system requires virtually no upkeep, especially when compared to the substantial savings it offers over time.

What is a MVHR system and how did it improve the overall comfort and air quality?

One of the standout additions Peter and Karen chose for their home was a new MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) system. Since this technology is still unfamiliar to many, we asked them to share how it works and what adjustments they made to incorporate it into daily life.

Peter kindly walked us through the system’s functionality. In simple terms, an MVHR system continuously circulates fresh, filtered air throughout the home while recovering heat from outgoing air. This means the home stays well-ventilated without ever needing to open a window—a feature that quickly became essential given their location.

Living near a busy main road and not far from Heathrow Airport, Peter and Karen were understandably concerned about noise and air pollution. With the MVHR system, they enjoy clean, fresh air indoors—without the intrusion of traffic noise or fumes.

Karen admitted she was initially unsure about the idea of not opening windows, having been used to it in their previous home. But the transition was easier than expected. She told us that the air inside the house now feels noticeably fresh and clean, thanks to the system’s ability to continuously filter and redistribute air—moving warmth into cooler spaces and improving overall energy efficiency.

One of Karen’s initial concerns was how the system would handle kitchen and bathroom odours without the traditional open-window solution. To her surprise, the MVHR system managed this exceptionally well—better, in fact, than throwing open a window.

Why did you pick Your Energy Your Way?  What makes us a good installer, and what was your experience with us?

To wrap up our interview, we asked Peter and Karen to share their thoughts on their experience working with us on their home project. Their response was overwhelmingly positive—they said they wouldn’t hesitate to work with us again and would gladly recommend us to others. From start to finish, the entire process ran seamlessly. Every step was clearly explained, which they especially appreciated as they were new to our systems.

Karen also highlighted something that stood out to her: the solar panel installation team was made up entirely of women. She found it inspiring and encouraging, noting that it’s rare to see women represented in such a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Overall, Peter and Karen described the experience as flawless. Communication was smooth, and everything—from the initial consultation to the final installation—unfolded with clockwork precision.