https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/ UK solar and battery news with plain-English commentary, for Herne Bay, Kent homes. en-gb Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/record-sunny-year-gave-uk-solar-20-terawatt-hours-so-size-on-less.html https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/record-sunny-year-gave-uk-solar-20-terawatt-hours-so-size-on-less.html Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Market DESNZ's annual energy digest says 2025 was the sunniest year in its series and solar output jumped 34%. The swing from the year before is the reason to be careful with yield figures. https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/heat-pump-grant-levels-confirmed-and-how-they-sit-with-solar.html https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/heat-pump-grant-levels-confirmed-and-how-they-sit-with-solar.html Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Policy The Boiler Upgrade Scheme notice lists 7,500 pounds for an air-to-water heat pump in a home on the gas grid, 2,500 pounds for air-to-air, and 9,000 pounds in some off-gas cases. https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/garden-solar-height-and-size-limits-in-the-2026-planning-order.html https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/garden-solar-height-and-size-limits-in-the-2026-planning-order.html Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Rules The order in force since 27 August 2026 sets height, distance and size limits for stand-alone solar in a house's garden, and a prior approval step in some conservation areas. https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/falling-electricity-prices-and-what-they-do-to-solar-payback.html https://hernebaysolarbattery.co.uk/news/falling-electricity-prices-and-what-they-do-to-solar-payback.html Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0100 Bills DESNZ reports domestic electricity prices 8.2% lower in real terms in April to June 2026. Cheaper power makes each unit your panels supply worth less, which stretches payback.