One of Totnes Energy's directors, Andrew Collenette, sailed around the world on a small boat using solar electricity, solar hot water, wind turbines, water turbines and a large battery as the only source of energy. Seeing the damage to the planet on this journey inspired him to join the environmental group, Transition Chichester, on his return.
Andrew soon realised that the low impact way of life on a boat could easily be transferred to living in a house. Andrew's passion for the environment and his experience as a Chartered Accountant lead to Azeco Limited, which installed it's first solar system in 2009. Since then Azeco Limited, trading as Totnes Energy, has diversified into off-grid solar solutions and battery back-up solar systems.
Andrew soon realised that the low impact way of life on a boat could easily be transferred to living in a house. Andrew's passion for the environment and his experience as a Chartered Accountant lead to Azeco Limited, which installed it's first solar system in 2009. Since then Azeco Limited, trading as Totnes Energy, has diversified into off-grid solar solutions and battery back-up solar systems.
Services
We are Tesla Powerwall Accredited and installed the first non-test Tesla Powerwall battery in the UK. We were one of the first companies to offer the Panasonic high efficiency solar panels. We lead the industry in offering solar energy solutions that are impacted by shade through the use of quad tracking inverters, optimisers, microinverters and now Maxim smart modules - the latest solar panel innovation.
Solar electricity panels are also known as solar photovoltaic, solar PV or simply "solar panels". These panels generate electricity that can be used in your home. If the electricity is not used, it is automatically sent to the grid. The electricity can be stored in batteries or in hot water cylinders (using an immersion heater).
National Grid blames future rises in the cost of electricity on the number of coal-fired power stations being closed plus the cost of subsidising wind farms. By generating you own electricity you are less reliant on buying electricity from the grid. Lock yourself into a fixed price with solar. We are a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer and installed the first non-test battery in the UK.
The Panasonic panels have corners cut out from the aluminium frame. This allows the water to drain from the panels meaning there is no minimum pitch in the warranty for Panasonic panels. Pools of water on the glass make the glass turn white and over time causes a reduction in performance. Also water pooling encourages algae growth, which would require regular cleaning.
The time a company has been in business is important, since it brings cumulative knowledge and experience. However, companies such as Seraphim were set up only eight years ago by leading individuals in the solar industry. Sometimes new companies have access to the very latest manufacturing plant, increasing the quality control and the latest techniques of panel production.
Reviews (3)
Mary Light
Dec 13, 2015
Report
Miles Bernie
Oct 10, 2015
Report
We found Totnes Energy to be excellent to work with. They provided us with clear and impartial advice and the team worked very hard to help us meet a very challenging installation deadline. We are really pleased with the install and the ongoing results and would certainly recommend using this company. Since the PV install we have been considering a number of options around how best to focus our excess generated power on heating our hot water. Totnes Energy have been really helpful explaining possible options and helped us understand what solutions are currently available and what might be available
Julie Caldwell
Aug 11, 2015
Report
Totnes Energy have done a superb job fitting a 15 panel system to our challenging roof shape. The team were highly professional, hard working and very helpful & friendly. We have obtained a high quality system at an extremely competitive price and can't fault the workmanship or service. The whole process was made effortless with Andrew's assistance helping us through all the technical aspects.
We would not hesitate to highly recommend Totnes Energy. Thanks for a great job.
We would not hesitate to highly recommend Totnes Energy. Thanks for a great job.
