In Clacton-on-Sea, Jonathan and Kathleen Wright aren’t early adopters. Like many homeowners, they spent years weighing up whether solar panels were worth it.
Now, with panels on their roof and a battery storing their energy, they say the decision feels both practical and long overdue.
“We’d been thinking about solar for about ten years,” Jonathan explains. “It always made sense from an energy and environmental point of view. But like a lot of people, we kept putting it off.”
What changed?
For the Wrights, it wasn’t one single moment. It was a combination of rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainability in their day-to-day lives.
Jonathan runs a butchery business, where energy bills have surged in recent years.
“Our costs nearly tripled,” he says. “That really brought it home. You start asking what you can actually do about it.”
At the same time, the couple had already begun making more environmentally conscious choices in their business, such as switching to recyclable materials.
“Moving to solar at home just felt like the next step,” he adds. “It wasn’t just about saving money. It was about doing something practical.”
A recommendation that made the difference
The Wrights first heard about Switch Together through family.
“My daughter-in-law’s family had already gone through the scheme,” Jonathan says. “So when we saw it come up again, we felt more confident applying.”
That sense of trust mattered. Installing solar panels is a big investment, and for the Wrights, the council-backed scheme helped remove some of the uncertainty.
“When you’re spending that kind of money, you want reassurance,” Jonathan explains. “Knowing it was backed by the council made it feel more secure. It gave us confidence that everything had been properly vetted.”
Installation Overview
Once they decided to go ahead, the process moved quickly.
Their bungalow, with a south-west facing roof, was well suited to solar. The final system included 10 panels and a 6.9 kWh battery to store excess energy.
From the Wrights’ perspective, the installation itself was refreshingly simple.
“It was all handled for us,” Jonathan says. “We didn’t have to chase anything or figure things out ourselves. It was quick, straightforward, and hassle-free.”
Even the look of the panels exceeded expectations.
“They’re really neat,” he adds. “Honestly, you barely notice them.”
10 Solar Panels: Optimally positioned to capture maximum sunlight.
Battery Storage Capacity: 6.9 kWh to store surplus solar energy.
Cables were run from the solar panels on the bungalow roof, through the roof into the battery and inverter in the loft, and down through the bedroom ceiling into the cupboard.
The Wrights commend the efficient and seamless installation process, noting the professionalism of the installers.
A: “The installation was quick and simple, and we didn't have to jump through any hoops or do anything. It was all done for us, and we didn't have to worry about anything. The whole process was quick and hassle-free.”
The sleek design of the panels and the efficient installation process added to the appeal. “I’m really pleased with how my panels look – they’re really smart." Jonathan shares.
Since the system was switched on, the Wrights have already seen a shift in how they use energy at home.
“We hardly need to buy electricity from the grid now,” Jonathan says. “Especially with the battery, you can store what you generate and use it later.”
Annual Electricity Consumption: Estimated at 2,500 kWh
Estimated electricity generation from solar PV system: 3,577 kWh.
Grid electricity independence / Self-sufficiency (PV Only): 27%
Annual Savings: Significant savings were predicted, with over £500 saved in the first year and an impressive electricity generation of 3,577 kWh.
Their system is expected to generate around 3,577 kWh a year, compared to their household usage of roughly 2,500 kWh. That puts them in a strong position to rely more on their own energy.
They’re also seeing financial benefits, with estimated savings of over £500 in the first year.
But for them, it’s not just about the numbers.
“It’s doing exactly what we expected,” Jonathan says. “We weren’t expecting miracles. But it’s a solid step in the right direction.”
Since installing solar, the Wrights have become more aware of how they use energy day to day.
“We’ve made a few simple changes,” Jonathan says. “LED bulbs, more efficient appliances, using things like the air fryer and slow cooker.”
They also say the panels have become more of a positive talking point than a visual concern.
“We hardly notice them, and neither do the neighbours,” he says. “If anything, people are curious. It starts conversations.”
The Wrights see solar as part of a longer-term shift rather than a one-off upgrade.
They’re already considering future options like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging.
“It’s about building on what we’ve started,” Jonathan explains. “Becoming more self-sufficient over time.”
For anyone still on the fence, Jonathan’s advice is simple: understand what you’re signing up for, but don’t overthink it.
“Go into it with your eyes open,” he says. “It’s a long-term investment. But if you can afford it, it’s worth it.”
He’s already recommended the scheme to friends, neighbours, and family.
“We’ve spoken to people across the road, and they’re interested,” he says. “And I’ve told family about it too. Once you’ve done it, you realise it’s actually quite straightforward.”
For the Wrights, solar hasn’t transformed everything overnight. But it has given them more control over their energy, lower bills, and a way to make their home a bit more future-ready.
And for many homeowners, that’s exactly the point.