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Renewables

What Happens to Excess Solar Energy? What Happens to Excess Solar Energy?Latest NewsRenewables

What Happens to Excess Solar Energy?

Your solar panels are producing more electricity than your home needs. So where does the rest of that electricity actually go? It is a question we hear regularly, particularly from customers trying to understand how to make the best use of their solar PV system. The answer depends on how your system has been designed, whether you have battery storage and what export arrangements are in place. Excess solar energy does not simply disappear. Depending on the system, it can be stored in a battery for later use or exported to the electricity network. Therefore, understanding how these different parts…
Westcoast Electrical
August 14, 2026
Can I Install an EV Charger Before Buying an Electric Car? Can I Install an EV Charger Before Buying an Electric Car?Latest NewsRenewables

Can I Install an EV Charger Before Buying an Electric Car?

Many homeowners ask whether they can install an EV charger before buying an electric car. The simple answer is yes. In fact, many people choose to install their charger first so everything is ready when their new vehicle arrives. Whether you are waiting for a factory order, considering switching to electric in the future, or simply planning ahead, installing an EV charger early can make the transition much easier. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we regularly install EV chargers for customers across Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys, Lytham St Annes and the surrounding Lancashire area who have not…
Westcoast Electrical
August 14, 2026
Can an Air Source Heat Pump Replace My Gas Boiler? Can an Air Source Heat Pump Replace My Gas Boiler?Latest NewsRenewables

Can an Air Source Heat Pump Replace My Gas Boiler?

If you are wondering whether you can replace your gas boiler with a heat pump, you are not alone. More homeowners across Blackpool and Lancashire are looking at low carbon heating as energy prices continue to fluctuate and older boilers reach the end of their lifespan. The simple answer is yes. In many homes, an air source heat pump can successfully replace a gas boiler. However, every property is different. The size of your home, the level of insulation, your heating system and your hot water requirements all play an important role when deciding if an air source heat pump…
Westcoast Electrical
August 12, 2026
Do EV Chargers Need WiFi? Everything You Need to Know in Blackpool Do EV Chargers Need WiFi? Everything You Need to Know in BlackpoolLatest NewsRenewables

Do EV Chargers Need WiFi? Everything You Need to Know in Blackpool

Many people ask whether an EV charger WiFi connection is essential before having a charger installed. If you are considering an electric vehicle charger for your home in Blackpool, it is a sensible question. The good news is that most modern chargers will continue charging your vehicle even if your internet connection is unavailable. However, WiFi unlocks a range of smart features that make charging more convenient and efficient. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we install EV chargers throughout Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys, Lytham St Annes and the surrounding Lancashire area. During every survey, we explain how…
Westcoast Electrical
August 10, 2026
Thinking about solar for your home? Thinking about solar for your home?Latest NewsRenewables

Thinking about solar for your home?

Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for years or you’re thinking ahead to selling, we’ll design a solar system that’s right for your property, your electricity usage and your future plans. Book Your Free Solar Survey Myth vs Fact MythFactSolar panels guarantee your house will increase in value.No installer can guarantee this. Property values depend on many factors, including location, demand and the condition of the home.Buyers are not interested in homes with solar panels.Many buyers actively look for energy efficient homes that could have lower running costs.Older solar systems cannot be upgraded.Many existing systems can be upgraded…
Westcoast Electrical
August 7, 2026
What Happens if My EV Charger Loses WiFi? What Happens if My EV Charger Loses WiFi?Latest NewsRenewables

What Happens if My EV Charger Loses WiFi?

If you’ve recently had an EV charger installed or you’re thinking about getting one, you may be wondering what happens if your EV charger WiFi connection drops out. It is a common question, especially as modern chargers rely on smartphone apps and internet connectivity for many of their smart features. The good news is that, in most cases, your EV charger will still charge your vehicle even if the WiFi connection is lost. However, some of the smart functions may temporarily stop working until the charger reconnects to your home network. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we install EV…
Westcoast Electrical
August 5, 2026
Can I Install an EV Charger Outside? Can I Install an EV Charger Outside?Latest NewsRenewables

Can I Install an EV Charger Outside?

Take a look around most modern homes with an electric vehicle and you’ll probably notice one thing. The EV charger is usually installed outside. That’s because most homeowners park on a driveway rather than inside a garage. Modern EV chargers are specifically designed for outdoor installation, making them safe, practical and convenient for everyday charging. If you’re planning to install an EV charger outside, you don’t need to worry about the typical British weather. Quality chargers are built to remain outside throughout the year and include a range of safety features to protect both the charger and the user. At…
Can I Install Solar Panels on a Bungalow? Can I Install Solar Panels on a Bungalow?Latest NewsRenewables

Can I Install Solar Panels on a Bungalow?

Bungalows are often overlooked when people think about solar panels. In reality, they can be some of the best properties for a solar installation. Large roof areas, fewer storeys and straightforward access can all make them excellent candidates for renewable energy. If you’re considering solar panels on a bungalow, the most important factors aren’t the height of your home but the available roof space, the direction it faces and the condition of the roof itself. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we regularly install solar panel systems on bungalows across Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Thornton Cleveleys, Lytham St Annes and…
Why Do Solar Panels Stop Working During a Power Cut? power cutLatest NewsRenewables

Why Do Solar Panels Stop Working During a Power Cut?

It’s one of the biggest surprises for homeowners with solar panels. The sun is shining, your panels are generating electricity, yet as soon as there’s a power cut, everything stops working. Many people assume their solar panels will continue powering their home during an outage. However, solar panels stop working during a power cut for a very important reason. It’s not because your system has developed a fault. Instead, it’s a built in safety feature that protects both your home and the engineers working on the electricity network. Quick Answer Yes, most standard solar panel systems automatically switch off during…
Can Battery Storage Be Installed Outside? Can Battery Storage Be Installed Outside?Latest NewsRenewables

Can Battery Storage Be Installed Outside?

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels and battery storage, you may be wondering where the battery will actually go. One of the most common questions we hear is whether battery storage outside is possible. The simple answer is yes. Many modern battery systems are specifically designed to be installed outdoors. However, the best location will always depend on your property, the battery you choose and how you use your home. At West Coast Electrical & Renewables, we always assess each property individually. While an outdoor installation is often the right solution, there are times when installing the battery inside…