Skip to main content
Tag

Solar PV Systems

Can I Add Solar to a New Build or Extension? New build property with solar panels installed on the roof, highlighting renewable energy integration during construction.Latest NewsRenewables

Can I Add Solar to a New Build or Extension?

Planning a new build or extension is the perfect opportunity to future-proof your home. If you’re wondering whether you can add solar for a new build or extension, the answer is yes and it’s often easier and more cost-effective than retrofitting later on. By factoring solar into your project from the start, you can design an energy-efficient home that’s ready for the future. Why Plan Solar with a New Build or Extension? When building from scratch or extending your property, everything is up for consideration. That includes roof layout, electrical setup and energy goals. Installing solar panels during construction gives…
Westcoast Electrical
November 10, 2025
Do I Need Solar and Battery Storage for an EV Charger? Hypervolt Home 3 Pro EV charger installed at a residential property in Blackpool, supplied by West Coast ElectricalLatest NewsRenewables

Do I Need Solar and Battery Storage for an EV Charger?

More people across the UK are switching to electric vehicles. As a result, the conversation is shifting to the best ways to charge them. Many people ask us: do I need solar and battery storage for an EV charger? The short answer is no, but these technologies can be fantastic additions to your setup -depending on your lifestyle and energy habits. At West Coast Electrical, we install EV chargers across Blackpool and Lancashire. We work with top brands including Hypervolt, Ohme, Zappi, Easee and Andersen. We also install solar panels and battery storage systems. That puts us in a great…
Westcoast Electrical
November 5, 2025
Charging Smarter with the Right EV Charger Latest NewsRenewables

Charging Smarter with the Right EV Charger

Smart energy use is becoming more important for households across the UK. EV chargers that work with smart tariffs help manage charging times. Therefore, they can reduce your electricity bills. These systems automatically take advantage of off-peak rates, helping you get more value from your home energy setup. At West Coast Electrical, we supply and install EV chargers that work with smart tariffs in Blackpool and the surrounding areas. In addition, we work with trusted brands like Hypervolt and Ohme to deliver future-ready charging solutions that fit your lifestyle and property. We can help you design a setup that fits…
Westcoast Electrical
November 3, 2025
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)? Solar panels installed on a residential roof under, symbolising smart export of renewable energy under the SEG schemeLatest NewsRenewables

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

If you’ve been looking into solar panels for your home, you may have come across the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Introduced in January 2020, the SEG is a government-backed scheme that allows households and businesses in the UK to earn money for exporting surplus renewable electricity back to the National Grid. The government introduced the SEG to replace the old Feed-in Tariff (FiT), with a similar purpose of paying homeowners for any renewable electricity they don’t use. When you generate solar energy but don’t use all of it, your supplier can pay you for every extra kilowatt hour (kWh) you…
Westcoast Electrical
October 20, 2025
Tesla Powerwall vs AlphaESS Side-by-side comparison of Tesla Powerwall 3 and AlphaESS SMILE-G3 solar battery systemsLatest NewsRenewables

Tesla Powerwall vs AlphaESS

As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow across Lancashire, more homeowners are exploring solar battery storage as a way to get the most from their solar panels. Whether you’re generating your own energy already or planning a new solar PV system, pairing it with a battery can help reduce reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills. Two of the most popular solar battery brands are Tesla Powerwall and AlphaESS. Both are excellent products with proven reliability - but they offer slightly different features, designs and benefits. Why Add a Solar Battery? Solar batteries allow you to…
Westcoast Electrical
October 8, 2025
What Are Tier 1 Solar Panels? Tier 1 solar panels installed in Blackpool, shown with a pyramid graphic to represent top-tier solar panel classificationLatest NewsRenewables

What Are Tier 1 Solar Panels?

When it comes to choosing a solar system, if you’re researching solar panels in Blackpool, you’ve likely come across the term “Tier 1” but what does it actually mean? Tier 1 solar panels aren’t a type or model; they’re a classification used by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) to rank solar manufacturers based on financial stability and reliability. Overall, what does this mean for you? To clarify why it matters, how it’s defined and why West Coast Electrical only uses Tier 1 solar panels on every installation across Blackpool and the wider North West. What Does “Tier 1” Really Mean?…
Westcoast Electrical
October 6, 2025
Should I Get Solar Panels in Autumn? Autumn leaves on solar panel, symbolising seasonal solar energy useLatest NewsRenewables

Should I Get Solar Panels in Autumn?

As we move into autumn, many homeowners are looking for ways to manage rising energy use. We’ve been asked recently, “Should I get solar panels in autumn?” - and the answer is YES!West Coast Electrical Solar panels work on daylight, not heat There’s a common myth that solar panels only work well in summer. In reality, solar PV systems generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight or heat. While brighter days do help improve performance, even on cloudy autumn days, your system will still produce energy. Autumn is an ideal time to install your panels. By getting them in before…
Westcoast Electrical
October 3, 2025
Electrician in Blackpool Qualified electrician working on a residential project in BlackpoolLatest News

Electrician in Blackpool

Domestic, Commercial & Renewable Electrical Services Across Blackpool and the North West If you’re searching for a trusted, local electrician in Blackpool, West Coast Electrical provides a full range of domestic, commercial and renewable energy services. Our qualified team of NICEIC Domestic Installers has worked on hundreds of properties across Lancashire and the wider North West. From small fixes to larger projects, we offer a high standard of service, expert knowledge, and a friendly, professional approach. We’re MCS certified and RECC accredited for renewable energy installations, and TrustMark registered for added peace of mind. Whether it’s a consumer unit upgrade,…
Westcoast Electrical
October 1, 2025
Flat Roof Solar Installation Flat roof solar panel installation using Esdec mounting system in the North WestLatest NewsRenewables

Flat Roof Solar Installation

Solar panels work well on flat roofs when installers design the system with the roof’s structure in mind. At West Coast Electrical, we specialise in tailored solar solutions across Lancashire and the North West, being based in Blackpool. This includes flat roof solar installation systems for both homes and commercial buildings. We recently completed a system in Blackpool using 18 x 455W DMEGC solar panels on an Esdec Flat Fix Fusion mounting kit, paired with an AlphaESS inverter and heated batteries. We planned this solar setup with a compact, tidy finish in mind. The system complies with MCS guidelines and…
Westcoast Electrical
September 29, 2025
How Does Solar Battery Storage Work how solar battery storage works with a solar PV system in the UKLatest NewsRenewables

How Does Solar Battery Storage Work

Solar battery storage is becoming an essential part of renewable energy systems across Poulton-le-Fylde, Thornton-Cleveleys, Blackpool, and Lytham St Annes. With more homes installing solar panels, it makes sense to also store the energy you generate for when it’s needed most. Whether you’re looking to reduce grid reliance, protect yourself from price changes, or just get more from your solar investment, understanding how battery storage works is a great place to start. What Is Solar Battery Storage? A solar battery stores excess electricity produced by your solar panels during the day. Rather than exporting unused energy to the grid, the…
Westcoast Electrical
September 24, 2025