Resources for producers
We’ve created a guide for TV producers of DIY and home renovation shows to help your contributors make energy-efficient choices that will future-proof their homes and lower their energy bills in the process.
Heat pumps
Visit a heat pump
Use this website to book a visit to see a heat pump in action by searching this database for hosts in a variety of locations, and booking a visit near you. At your visit you’ll be able to see first-hand how heat pumps work, and to have your questions answered by someone who owns one. Hearing directly from heat pump owners can be really helpful in understanding how they work in real terms, and getting access to information you wouldn’t otherwise find online.
Talk to an expert
Complete this online form so that NIBE can put you in contact with one of their Pro Installers to discuss your project.
Test drive a heat pump online
This augmented reality tool allows you to see what different heat pump equipment would look like in your own space, as part of a set, or on a location. Using a smartphone or tablet you can scan a QR code, tap on the link and go through to camera mode to view a pump or tank in your space. The image of the pump/tank can be rotated, resized, pushed forward or pulled back to give you a range of potential scenarios.
Manufacturers
Useful filming locations
Aira
- Aira Academy Sheffield – Heat pump training centre
- Aira North-West Hub – Heat pump training centre
Contact: gabriella.irvine@airahome.com
Mitsubishi Electric
- Mitsubishi Electric heat pump factory – Largest manufacturing site of heat pumps in the UK
- Mitsubishi Electric Hatfield heat pump installer training centre
- Mitsubishi Electric Manchester heat pump installer training centre
Contact: achilleas.georgiou@meuk.mee.com
George Clarke visits Mitsubishi Electric’s Hatfield heat pump installer training centre
YouTube
Solar panels
Solar panels: a comprehensive guide
The Energy Saving Trust is a great place to find out more about solar panels. Here you can learn about how solar panels work, where and how they can be installed, what the benefits are and what grants might be available – as well as reading case studies from those with first-hand experience.
How do solar panels work?
This short video from Good Energy explains the science behind solar panels and how they work.
Solar panel calculator
Use this solar panel calculator to check estimated costs, savings and even how many solar panels you would require for your home.
Manufacturers
Home batteries
Storing energy
This article from the Energy Saving Trust outlines the benefits of a home energy storage system; whether that be electric batteries, heat batteries or thermal stores.
Solar panel battery storage
This review from Which? explains the partnership between a home storage battery and solar panels, covering a number of practical FAQs including cost, size and suitability for different kinds of homes.
Manufacturers
Home storage batteries are most commonly installed alongside solar panels. Here are some examples of manufacturers whose home battery systems, designed to work with solar panels, have rated highly among customers:
EV Chargers
Low carbon travel: Charging electric vehicles
This comprehensive guide from the Energy Saving Trust will take you through the different types of EV chargers (both public and home), installation costs and funding, energy tariffs and how to get the best driving range out of your battery.
A guide to EV charging
This blogpost from Octopus Energy covers a range of topics associated with EV charging, from EV charging types and speeds, to public charging etiquette.
Manufacturers
The Fully Charged Show: Electric Vehicles
Robert Llewellyn talks through the practicalities of EV charging
YouTube
Induction hobs
Stanford report on gas stoves
This study from Stanford looks at the emissions of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants from gas stoves in the home. Researchers found that natural gas stoves emit far more methane than first thought – even while the stove is off – and, shockingly, that the methane leaking from gas-burning stoves in US homes produces CO2 emissions equivalent to those from about 500,000 gasoline-powered cars.
Which? Best induction hobs 2024
This Which? article outlines the best induction hobs, based on their lab testing – as well as providing lots of useful information on what pots and pans are suitable for an induction hob, how induction hobs work, how to clean them and even recommendations to consider if you have a pacemaker.
Manufacturers
How an induction stovetop works
Source: Why Natural Gas Stoves are Harmful to Our Health and Climate, TIME
How do smart meters work?
This short video outlines how smart meters work, their benefits and potential problems, and what to expect from your energy bills once a smart meter is installed.
YouTube
Smart meters
Smart meters explained
Here is an article from the Energy Saving Trust, covering all sorts of topics including how to get a smart meter (whether you own or rent your home), how much they cost, how they work and their various benefits when it comes to energy consumption and tackling the climate emergency.
5 smart meter myths busted
In this blog post, Good Energy addresses some of the most common misconceptions around smart meters, and signposts readers to where they can find out more.
Manufacturers
Energy suppliers in the UK are legally bound to meet a government target to move about 75% of homes onto smart meters by the end of 2025. Householders are not obligated to get a smart meter, but those who would like one can arrange this via their supplier.
The following is a list of green energy suppliers, and those who are 100% renewable or otherwise own and invest directly in wind and solar farms etc:
The inclusion of any links to manufacturers on this page does not imply any approval, recommendation or endorsement of them or their products.