In this powerful follow-up to Episode 72, solar expert Gary Phillips from Beyond Solar returns to the Cherrywood Podcast to pull back the curtain on everything you really need to know about solar panels in 2025.
Whether you're a homeowner considering a new installation or a business owner thinking of EV chargers, this episode dives deep into:
How many panels you actually need
Solar panel myths and misconceptions
Battery storage: Is it worth it?
Smart meters, grid payback, and off-peak charging
How to futureproof your property
Costs, MCS certification, and cowboy installers
New tech: micro-inverters, iBoosts, EV charger integration
Pay-as-you-go commercial charger systems
And more!
Contact Gary Phillips at:
📧 gary@beyondsolar.com
🌐 beyondsolar.com
📞 0800 048 7901
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:19 – Welcome back Gary Phillips
00:44 – Solar panel updates and key misconceptions
01:59 – Sponsors
03:03 – Understanding solar usage and household energy
05:06 – Batteries and solar panel efficiency over time
07:07 – Cleaning panels and spotting a solar scam
10:03 – Battery types, warranties, and costs
12:23 – Innovative solar financing: mortgage integration
13:51 – Real-life savings: a 73% bill drop!
15:00 – Business solutions and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
16:03 – Exporting back to the grid & Smart Export Guarantee
17:14 – What is DNO approval and why it matters
18:34 – Panel quantity, house orientation, and shade impact
19:58 – Off-peak grid charging explained
22:03 – Pitfalls of government grants and cheap installations
24:06 – Gary’s trusted solar brands and pricing
26:06 – Battery and inverter recommendations
27:57 – Where to install batteries at home
29:00 – Going off-grid and planning a complete system
31:06 – How long batteries last – real talk
34:08 – Energy usage strategies for families
36:16 – Recycling panels and batteries
38:02 – Panel costs vs myths
39:31 – Boiler room sales tactics to avoid
41:00 – Are solar panels ugly? Aesthetics and design improvements
42:58 – Tesla solar tiles – worth it?
44:38 – Damage, shade, and micro-inverters
46:02 – Proper system design using Google Earth and sun path
48:10 – Real stories: retrofits and savings
50:04 – Support and customer service insight
51:22 – What happens in a power cut? Auto switch integration
53:03 – Simon’s usage: What would a full system cost?
55:08 – Selling a house with solar: does it increase value?
1:04:00 – Real customer case study: from cold to warm
1:06:11 – Gary's biggest industry frustration
1:07:47 – Price list transparency and value for money
1:08:52 – Feed-in tariffs, grid export, and payback
1:09:43 – Dealing with system teething problems
1:11:13 – Optional extras: EV charger, iBoost, etc.
1:12:54 – Water heating with solar
1:15:04 – Common user errors and education
1:18:02 – Using your EV as battery storage
1:19:42 – Wrapping up and final thoughts
1:20:26 – Gary's contact info
1:21:46 – Bonus sponsor shout-outs
#SolarPanels #CherrywoodPodcast #BeyondSolar
Welcome to Cherrywood Podcast, your source for inspiring conversations and compelling stories. Join us as we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals from various fields, offering insights into personal growth, entrepreneurship, creativity, and more. Subscribe for positivity, authenticity, and engaging discussions.
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