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The ECO4 scheme has brought a wave of government-backed green energy improvements to households across Wales. For many, it’s a great opportunity: free insulation, heat pumps, and even small solar panel systems. But what happens after the installation? And are you really set up to make the most of it?
A Good Start – But Often Not the Full Picture
The ECO4 installations often provide a decent solar setup. But here’s what we’re seeing time and time again:
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No export registration: Many solar panel systems aren’t properly registered with the DNO or energy supplier. That means you can’t get paid for excess electricity you export back to the grid.
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No battery storage offered: This limits your ability to store power for evening use – one of the biggest benefits of solar.
For a scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions, this is a missed opportunity.
The Real Opportunity: Retrofitting and Registering
To truly unlock the value of your ECO4 system, we’ve been helping customers take a few extra steps:
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Battery retrofits: Adding battery storage to your system can drastically improve your self-use and reduce your bills.
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Re-registering systems: If your panels weren’t properly registered, we can guide you through re-registration so you can access export tariffs and start earning from your solar.
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Expanding panel systems: In many cases, small ECO4 arrays can be expanded to provide more meaningful generation.
These upgrades make a difference. With proper registration and battery storage, ECO4 recipients can store energy for evening use, earn money from exported electricity, and even run their homes more independently.
Installation and Handover: Still Room for Improvement
A recurring frustration is the handover process. Many customers report:
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Lack of guidance on how to use or monitor their new systems.
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Missing paperwork or certificates that are essential for insurance, registration, or future modifications.
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No clear next steps after the install team leaves.
We believe ECO4 can go further by improving this transition from installation to active, informed use.
The Takeaway: ECO4 Is a Strong Start – Make It Last
ECO4 is a great start to improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel bills in Welsh homes. But with a few tweaks and add-ons, it can become much more than a free upgrade—it can be a foundation for long-term savings and energy independence.
If you’ve had an ECO4 install and want help registering, retrofitting, or just understanding your system, we’re here to help.
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