​Choosing the right installers
A guide for Shipbourne and Plaxtol
As part of our CASP Home Energy Project, we’re identifying installers and coordinators involved in delivering energy efficiency and green technology (Solar PV and/or Heat Pump) projects locally with the aim of forming a directory of options for residents to consider when planning home upgrade work. This page lists the options identified to date and provides advice to help you find the right installer for your project. We've also provided links to the Energy Saving Trust and Centre for Sustainable Energy's pages on various generation and energy efficiency measures below.
If you would like to speak to someone locally who has had similar work done, do get in touch. Or, if you’re an installer delivering these solutions locally, we’d love to hear from you via our contact page - click here for link.
Finding the right installer:
There are two routes to understanding the work required and finding an installer you’re comfortable with for your project, depending on how involved you wish to be in the process:
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1. Via a third party organisation – for those seeking independent advice as to the measures and contractors for them.
Working with an independent organisation can be help ensure you receive a competitive offer for works done (as multiple quotes will be sought on your behalf), and can provide useful independent guidance as to what’s best for your home. This could be reassuring if you’re intimidated by the complex jargon and array of options to be considered when planning retrofit work. Some organisations also offer an oversight service to ensure the works are done to a high standard.
We’re currently aware of two organisations offering this service, Thermly and Ecofurb (see below), though we do not yet have sufficient experience to make firm recommendations.
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2. Seeking quotes yourself
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We hope our Home Energy Project will help equip our community with the knowledge necessary to understand what measures would be best suited to homes in our area, and will be updating our website as the project progresses.
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If you’re already confident in what measures your home needs, and keen to get into the detail as to the options and costs of your particular project, you may wish to deal with installers yourself. We shall be collating a list of local installers that you may wish to contact to discuss your requirements - see below. We advise that you speak to more than one contractor (ideally three) to ensure good value and that the options available have been properly considered. We’ve provided links to resources below which may help equip you with the correct questions to ask when dealing with an installer.
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Remember, a good installer should listen to you to help understand your needs, not pressure you into working with them. We recommend you ensure that any contractor has a good level of experience before working with them. CASP can provide independent advice to help get you on the right track, but will not recommend who to work with or what options to progress.​​
Third Party Organisations that can help
We are aware of the following organizations that can support the design of your project, find installers on your behalf, and provide ongoing support to ensure the project is delivered to a high standard.
Thermly
For Solar PV and Heat Pumps
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Thermly is an online platform that helps you undertake initial work in assessing what sort of system is right for you. Following this, Thermly seek proposals from three trusted installers on your behalf, support with decision making, and provide ongoing support throughout the installation process.
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Thermly take a commission from installers to provide their service.
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For more information visit https://www.thermly.co.uk/
Ecofurb
Whole House energy saving measures including Solar PV and Heat Pumps
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Ecofurb offer a home improvement plan (at cost – see website) covering all aspects of building energy performance to recommend suitable measures for your home. The plan includes a ‘retrofit co-ordinator’ service which includes gathering quotes from trusted installers across various improvement measures, support in decision making, and oversight of the installation process to ensure standards are met.
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For more information visit: https://ecofurb.com/
Local Installers
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Below are the local installers we've identified so far. Get in touch if your firm offers green technology and home energy improvements and you are interested in featuring on this list.
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Solar PV (Electrical) Panel Installers:
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Based in Plaxtol, Sevenoaks TN15 0QU
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Family-run installers specialising in solar panel installation, battery storage and EV charging.
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Based in Hildenborough, Tonbridge, TN11 9HT
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Experts in a range of domestic electric services including accredited solar PV installations.
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Air source heat pump installers:
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Based in Borough Green, TN15 8DG
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MCS accredited installer of Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal Systems.
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Based in Sevenoaks, TN15 6ES
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Heating system installers working across South London and North Kent.
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Guidance Notes
Both the Energy Saving Trust and the Centre of Sustainable Energy have helpful guidance notes covering various energy improvement measures you may be considering for your home, links to which we've provided below.
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If you are considering installing a solar PV array or air source heat pump, we advise that you only deal with installers certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). If you are considering energy efficiency upgrades, we advise you consult the guidance notes as to the appropriate certification schemes for each measure.​​​
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation founded in 1992 working to reduce fuel poverty, lower fuel bills and promote healthier homes and cleaner air.
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Visit the site for guidance on a range of home energy improvement recommendations here, or use the links below to access their guidance on various measures you may be considering for your home.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy are an independent national charity formed in 1979 which provides practical knowledge and experience to empower people to change the way they think and act about energy.
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Visit the site for guidance on a range of home energy improvement recommendations here, or use the links below to access their guidance on various measures you may be considering for your home.