With hybrid working figures peaking to their highest levels on record, Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, discusses why EV drivers who have switched to working from home could be looking at a payback period of less than six years if they choose to invest in solar panels.
According to insight from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 38% of the UK workforce now enjoy either a part-hybrid or totally remote role. While sceptics have suggested that this trend will begin to fall in-line with retreating COVID-19 cases, a recent survey from Tracking Happiness found that workers are reportedly happier and more productive than ever thanks to their newfound flexibility. As such, if anything, remote working rates are expected to rise further over the coming years.
While this scenario would have been considered almost unthinkable prior to the pandemic, multiple lockdowns have demonstrated that a significant percentage of roles can be successfully delivered remotely, resulting in a more engaged workforce and offering a number of commercial benefits too. Indeed, alongside better performance, greater engagement and increased staff retention, organisations offering remote options are said to have a 21% higher profitability margin.
But alongside professional flexibility, there are additional – financial – benefits available for electric car drivers who work from home and choose to invest in solar panels. Indeed, thanks to the latest developments in eco-smart home energy management technology, householders can not only slash their energy bills, but also significantly reduce the payback period of their investment into renewables.
Savvy saving – investing in solar
When it comes to self-generated renewable energy, solar PV is a reliable and efficient solution with a realistic price tag and minimal maintenance requirements. As the technology has continued to evolve and improve, it has become highly popular with homeowners nationwide.
To tackle the seemingly looming energy crisis, data from Solar Energy UK reveals that more than 12,000 photovoltaic (PV) installations were undertaken in July – an increase of almost 200% year-on-year. In addition, installers nationwide have been reporting enquiry surges of more than 1,000%.
But while solar panels will invariably help to reduce the grid electricity consumption of any household, typically only 45% of self-generated renewable energy is consumed. Indeed, while most household energy is used in the mornings and evenings, most renewable energy is generated during the middle of the day. Unless you have a comprehensive battery set-up, it’s most likely that you’ll export sustainable power at periods of low consumption and buy it back at a more expensive rate when you really need it.
In the past, this scenario has somewhat dissuaded domestic investment into renewable self-generation. However, the latest developments in eco-smart home energy technology have changed things.
At myenergi, we’re renowned worldwide for developing pioneering eco-smart energy solutions that maximise the efficiency of self-generated supply. We help users to harness the true benefits of self-generation through market-leading smart technologies, reducing their carbon footprint and helping them to take complete control of their energy spend.
We’re best known for designing the market’s first eco-smart electric vehicle charging device – zappi – a future-proofed solution that, alongside operating as a mains-connected charging device that automatically optimises around your energy tariff to enable charging at both cheaper and greener times from the grid, seamlessly integrates with renewable tech to harness self-generated energy.
The ability for remote workers to effectively ‘soak up’ excess solar during the day gives zappi users the opportunity to charge for free – quick, simple, zero emissions motoring. While charging your car through mains supply is still far cheaper and more environmentally friendly than running a petrol or diesel car, doing it with renewable energy can take EV charging completely off grid – reducing annual bills for electric motoring by upwards of £500 per annum!
For those who don’t work at home, solar is still a great investment if paired with myenergi’s eddi. The clever diverter diverts surplus renewable energy to domestic heating systems, such as an immersion, storage or space system, to provide users with 100% renewable heat and hot water. It can even be paired with a domestic battery device to store self-generated energy for use during the evenings.
In result? A smart home with minimal grid demand, powered by completely free renewable energy.
Embracing the future
Remote working is clearly here to stay. The benefits, for both employers and employees, are countless and the positive impacts of a more controlled work/life balance speak for themselves.
But rather than rely on grid supply, remote workers with solar panels should consider harnessing the benefits of eco-smart energy management to maximise the opportunities available. At myenergi, we’re proud to provide innovative ways for homeowners to embrace sustainability while also cutting costs and reducing payback periods through our pioneering product line-up.
It might sound obvious, but maximising consumption of self-generated renewable energy is key to taking total control of your home energy use. It’s a great opportunity and one to seize with both hands.
