Armstrong Renewables believes in a fresh and innovative approach to renewable energy. They approach each project with an open mind, seeking unique solutions that are affordable, sustainable, and highly beneficial. Their team of experienced solar panel engineers operates in the Northeast of England.
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Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage and EV Charging
Can you tell us about the origins of your company and the key services you offer? How did you venture into the field of renewable energy, specifically battery energy storage systems?
We set up in January 2014 to install solar PV and EV chargers. Managing Director Dom Armstrong came from a family roofing background that had previously installed Solar PV. As the technology progressed, installing battery energy storage systems naturally followed, including the AlphaESS Smile range.
Please provide some information around the size
of company and your team?
There are five full-time staff members: two directors, an office manager, a roofer, and an apprentice electrician. We use another team of roofers, two electricians, scaffolders, and structural engineers on a weekly subcontracting basis.
In which geographical areas do you primarily operate, and what would you say are people’s attitudes, both home and commercial, to renewable energy?
We operate solely in the Northeast, from the Scottish borders to the North Yorkshire border, including NE, SR, DH, DL, and TS postcodes. Our Commercial companies tend to be pro-renewables, especially when they understand the savings they can make, and even more so if they are accessing some form of grant!
Domestically, people are naturally curious and often are encouraged by friends or relatives discussing their systems' benefits. Post lockdown, we were swamped. Money that would have been spent on holidays and nights out was used to install solar PV and battery storage systems. People are a bit more cautious and need more convincing on the long-term savings now that things are almost back to normal.
What motivated your decision to partner with AlphaESS UK for battery energy storage solutions? How has this partnership enhanced the value you provide to your customers?
We were keen to start installing home battery storage; we tried a few different brands around ten years ago and were never too happy with how they looked. Once, we tried AlphaESS UK systems; they were simple to install and looked great, and the technical teams were outstanding. Now that our confidence in the product has grown, we usually suggest the AlphaESS range on all jobs unless the customer has already chosen another (and even then, we'll recommend AlphaESS). Our installers are now confident in the product, as we are as a business.
From your experience, what sets AlphaESS products apart from other energy storage solutions in the market? Can you share a particularly interesting and successful installation story involving an AlphaESS system?
AlphaESS systems look good and work great. I have a customer in Ouston, Ken, who is such a good bloke that I've taken potential customers to his house before to show them his AlphaESS system. He's so optimistic about the benefits he's had that he practically persuades the potential customer there and then. I wish I could take every potential client there, but it would be asking too much!!!
How do you stay informed about the latest developments in the energy sector, and how do these trends impact your business strategies and the solutions you offer?
We keep informed through a variety of sources, including MCS, AlphaESS UK Installer Hub, our electricians, Easy MCS, and NAPIT. The latest recommendations regarding siting for batteries–do's and don'ts are very vague; in this instance, we've had discussions with NAPIT and MCS to get as much clarity as possible. Some solutions can be more expensive for the client and put people off (i.e., a customer may ask, "Why can't I have a battery in my loft?" etc). So it is best to keep abreast of all new developments.
What advice would you give to someone considering integrating battery energy storage into their home or business? How does AlphaESS facilitate this transition?
Whether or not you already have solar PV, it's straightforward, and the benefits can be rewarding. Not only can you store excess energy that you don't use throughout the day, and release it at night, but if you have a variable tariff, you can charge the batteries off-peak during the winter months (when the panels are less effective) and discharge them throughout peak price times, saving more money. Depending on your demand, certain energy companies will buy and sell energy from you, offering more financial gains. AlphaESS range facilitates this by having a first-class product readily available from suppliers like Waxman Energy, who are an excellent supplier to work with.
Can the UK hit its Net Zero targets? If you were energy minister for the UK, what would you be doing?
Yes, especially if a new Government looks more favourably on renewables. I'd encourage wind farms, solar projects and tidal bay energy. We are an island nation with lots of natural resources. I'd also be looking at hydrogen energy and alternative ways of heating homes (I'm pretty sure this is already happening in the private sector, although it's not my area of expertise). We are going in the right direction as a country, but more can be done.
Looking ahead, how do you see renewable energy and battery energy storage evolving in the UK’s energy landscape? What are your company’s plans for growth and adaptation in this changing environment?
It's vital to reduce our country's carbon footprint so that battery storage potential is further maximised. Businesses are beginning to understand the financial benefits of battery storage, too, and with a (potential) new Government that could be more encouraging of battery and renewable usage, the future is bright. We intend to steadily build our workforce and capacity as the workload increases, hopefully, to twice our size in five years.
What message would you like to give to other installers or companies considering a partnership with AlphaESS UK?
AlphaESS UK products and technical support staff are great, too. The new regulations mean that AlphaESS batteries are our favourites at the moment. They are ideal for outdoor usage and garages, now that loft space is frowned upon!