Across Dorset, England, more than 50 households are welcoming visitors to demonstrate how cleaner, less expensive living can work day to day.
Here's what to know
Weymouth resident Alan Muncaster is among the participants in Dorset Climate Action Network's Greener Homes event, and he shared with BBC News how his "very basic" bungalow became like new.
First, selling extra electricity from his solar panels meant he came out even on his energy bills this year, and other savvy home upgrades helped make that possible.
"We put in whole-house ventilation with heat recovery, insulation, solar panels," Muncaster said, adding that his bungalow was cold, damp, and had "poor air quality" prior to the refresh.
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In 2021, he added battery storage and additional solar panels to his existing system, and then an air-source heat pump in 2024 was a final step in a transition away from gas. Now, his home has qualified for a top "A" rating under Energy Performance Certificate guidelines.
What can be done?
Muncaster improved his house in stages rather than all at once. Among the changes, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy over time. If you're ready to begin a home transformation, EnergySage offers free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
In Dorset, people can also speak directly with homeowners about the improvements they chose and the effect those changes had on energy use, waste, and household budgets. The first events took place Oct. 17 and 18, and the next slate is scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25.
"When we started this 16 years ago, there was nobody you could talk to or employ to tell you what to do, so I've done a lot of research," Muncaster told BBC News.
For U.S. homeowners inspired by examples like Muncaster's, EnergySage's solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state level, as well as details on local solar panel incentives. Together, these resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. To explore home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates, check out EnergySage.
Where can I learn more?
Solar and other energy-efficient home upgrades can lower bills in real life.
• One homeowner said the impact of rooftop solar took his breath away after sky-high electricity bills.
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• In North Lincolnshire, England, a free solar panel scheme reached a milestone that could lower bills.
• Experts said solar panels impact your home's value alongside lowering utility costs for buyers.
• EnergySage's COO said solar panel costs hinge on several interconnected factors homeowners should compare.
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