Real World Energy Insights

What could the latest developments in solar and storage actually mean for your business or home?

Fresh from Solar & Storage Live, Andrew and James pick out the trends they think are worth paying attention to – from new opportunities for solar and battery storage to the growing connection between our homes, cars and energy systems.

Not everything on show will be ready for the mainstream tomorrow, but there are more ways than ever to generate, store and make better use of energy. So what’s worth looking at now, and what should you simply be keeping an eye on?

Chapters

00:00 – Energy news and getting started with solar
03:51 – Solar & Storage Live: bigger than ever
05:41 – Ground mount solar and carports
09:20 – Data centres and energy demand
11:17 – Batteries and smarter energy use
15:57 – EV charging and connected homes
18:41 – Lightweight panels and solar innovation
21:58 – Our key takeaways

Plug-in solar went live across Great Britain on 27 August 2026, following changes that allow approved systems with an output of up to 800W to connect directly to a suitable household socket without professional installation.

We assess the technology, the first products entering the market, who could benefit, and the financial, practical and regulatory limitations including the current exclusion of plug-in battery storage. UK government announcement

Voltage Optimisation is one of the energy industry's best kept secrets. In this episode of Real World Energy Insights, Andrew and James break down what it is, how it works, the benefits businesses can expect, who it's right for, and how it can work alongside solar to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency.

A practical, no-jargon walkthrough of how businesses can go from thinking about solar to getting it installed. In this episode, we guide you through the five steps, from understanding your energy usage to installation, so you can make informed, confident decisions.