Updates, projects and insights from the Broden team.
If you've been keeping an eye on the news, you'll know that the energy regulator Ofgem recently announced that the UK energy price cap is on the rise again. Simply put, for most households that means higher bills.
Broden was delighted to partner with Muirhall Energy to help Fairview School become more sustainable and restore an outdoor space — providing pupils with the opportunity to expand their learning.
If you've been keeping an eye on the news, you'll know that the energy regulator Ofgem recently announced that the UK energy price cap is on the rise again. Simply put, for most households that means higher bills.
The energy price cap, set by Ofgem, limits how much suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity but it doesn't cap your total bill. So, if prices go up and you're using the same (or more) energy, your costs will rise. And with ongoing pressure from global energy markets, these increases are becoming less of a one-off and more of a pattern.
Solar panels (or solar PV systems) generate electricity during daylight hours. Even in Scotland — yes, the land of the dreich and damp — they can cover a meaningful chunk of a typical home's electricity use across the year. In simple terms, that means you buy less electricity from your supplier, you're less exposed to rising prices, and you can potentially earn a bit back by exporting unused energy. It's not about going fully off-grid. It's about reducing how much you need to rely on it.
So, what happens when the sun sets? That's where battery storage can make a real difference. Instead of sending unused solar energy back to the grid during the day, you can store it and use it later — usually in the evening when your energy use is highest. For homeowners, that means using more of the energy you generate yourself, avoiding peak-time electricity costs, and having more control over when and how you use energy.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few things are becoming clearer. As energy prices rise, the value of generating and storing your own electricity increases. What might have seemed like a long-term investment a few years ago is now something more homeowners are seriously considering in the near term. It depends on a number of factors like your roof, your household energy usage, and what your budget is, but the general trend is that these systems are becoming more accessible and more relevant.
At the end of the day, solar panels and battery storage aren't about completely cutting ties with the grid. They're about giving you some control over how you use your energy. With prices continuing to shift due to geopolitics out with our control, having the ability to generate and manage at least part of your own electricity can make your household costs a lot more predictable and a lot less stressful. To find out more about solar installations or battery storage, or to get a quote, contact us on 01738 718369 or use our contact form on the homepage.
Broden was delighted to partner with Muirhall Energy to help Fairview School become more sustainable and restore an outdoor space — providing pupils with the opportunity to expand their learning.
The collaboration saw the two companies join forces to restore an off-grid solar panel and battery storage system that was first installed at the school in 2009. The upgraded system powers an external workshop building in the playground and enables it to have lighting and power throughout the year.
Broden approached Muirhall Energy in early 2025 with the proposal to work together on the project. Muirhall provided £3,200 funding for the materials needed to carry out the refurbishment, while Broden donated labour to install the new system and has committed to maintaining it at no cost to the school for the first year.
Leigh Verdot, Headteacher at Fairview School, said: "All at Fairview School would like to thank Muirhall and Broden for their support with this project. The solar panels have not been working for a while now so it is really great to have the woodwork shed up and working again for our young people to use. Our pupils will take great delight in being able to develop their creative skills again!"
Ian Holden, Company Director at Broden Ltd, said: "We're proud to have worked with Muirhall Energy to restore Fairview School's solar system. The project gives pupils power for their outdoor learning space again and shows the positive impact renewable energy can have in our community."
Andrew Marshall, Project Manager at Muirhall Energy, added: "We are delighted to support Fairview School in creating a more sustainable environment for its pupils. Broden is really enthusiastic about delivering this project and we welcomed the opportunity to combine resources and expertise to make a tangible difference for the school." Team members from Broden and Muirhall attended the school on Thursday 21st August to celebrate the project completion.