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Meet West Coast Electrical, based in the North West of England. Learn how owners Scott Walker and Luke Farrer have created a successful business providing quality and accredited electrical services to the domestic and commercial markets.

Company
West Coast Electrical
Location
North West England
Email
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Website
www.westcoastelectrical.uk

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 started off in May 2021 as an Electrical installation company and had been installing 100s of EV chargers and slowly getting into renewables as the attention surrounding it had started to rise. We began installing Solar PV and battery systems in 2021 as a business - although Scott had previously worked on Solar PV in 2011/2012. We started to focus on solar PV and battery storage as our core business, and we saw our organic enquiries grow.

We then came across AlphaESS, and that is when our genuine interest in battery storage retrofitting started. We knew we had found the manufacturer we enjoyed working with. To date, we have installed AlphaESS domestic ESS: Smile B5, S5, and G3 Units.

Please provide some information around the size
of company and your team?

We are currently a team of five. Luke and Scott are the company owners with 30 years of combined experience in the electrical industry; we also have three other staff members who are all involved in either the installation of renewables, including an apprentice or dealing with the admin and paperwork for our installs.

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 primarily in the North West of England, including Cumbria, although we do cover further afield for existing commercial clients, travelling to Bristol, Birmingham, and Yorkshire.

We have seen a definite change in people's attitudes towards the renewable sector. We feel this has been driven largely by the huge increase in energy costs. These cost increases have now made home battery storage and Solar PV a valuable investment in someone's property.

    Could you describe your typical customer? How do you tailor your services to meet the diverse needs of residential, commercial, and industrial clients?

    Our typical customer is not necessarily price-driven. We offer a quality over quantity install, focusing on using reputable manufacturers with good warranties and good company ethics. We sell our service based on working with our customers instead of working for them, with zero-pressure sales and a friendly approach to ensure our customers get the right product for them and are happy for many years to come.
     
    Most of the customers who come to us have already done their research on systems. They tend to be more knowledgeable but are looking for guidance on the correct installation.

    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 have dealt with many of the industry's "leading brands," and no company comes close to AlphaESS in all areas. Their customer service, both pre-sale and post-commission, is second to none. We fully trust the product and the people we deal with at AlphaESS UK. The systems are easy to install, fast to commission, and completely hassle-free.

    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?

    I can't pinpoint one particular install; every install we have carried out has been simple and painless. The kit looks great, works exactly as it should, and is super reliable. Should we ever need assistance or advice, there is always someone there to answer the phone or to chat with. You don't get the same level of service and support from other ESS manufacturers.

    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 tend to be big users of LinkedIn which has been invaluable for us in growing in the market and getting connected with the right people and companies, We speak daily with other installers around the country to ensure we are staying up to date with the latest trends and changes. We also attend multiple trade shows throughout the year, such as Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham.

    What advice would you give to someone considering integrating battery energy storage into their home or business? How does AlphaESS facilitate this transition?

    Our advice is that if you want to save money on your energy bills and become less "grid-dependent," go for it! Do your research on your installation company, check reviews, ask to see photos of installations, and make sure you don't rush into the first company you speak to.

    Can the UK hit its Net Zero targets? If you were energy minister for the UK, what would you be doing?

    It's a tough ask as the UK hasn't always been proactive, which means there is a lot of catching up to do. I would look to make every new build property have an ESS system installed along with Solar PV.

    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?

    I see the battery energy storage market growing, with Solar PV installs slowing. The recent discussions on battery storage regulation in the latest PAS document may hamper install rates slightly. However, we are more than happy to install AlphaESS products externally, so the majority of installs can still go ahead!

    What message would you like to give to other installers or companies considering a partnership with AlphaESS UK?

    Please do it! AlphaESS UK are the best company we have dealt with in the battery energy storage industry!