In this powerful follow-up to Episode 72, solar expert Gary Phillips from Beyond Solar returns to the Cherrywood Podcast to pull back the curtain on everything you really need to know about solar panels in 2025.

Whether you're a homeowner considering a new installation or a business owner thinking of EV chargers, this episode dives deep into:

How many panels you actually need

Solar panel myths and misconceptions

Battery storage: Is it worth it?

Smart meters, grid payback, and off-peak charging

How to futureproof your property

Costs, MCS certification, and cowboy installers

New tech: micro-inverters, iBoosts, EV charger integration

Pay-as-you-go commercial charger systems

And more!

Contact Gary Phillips at:

📧 gary@beyondsolar.com

🌐 beyondsolar.com

📞 0800 048 7901

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:19 – Welcome back Gary Phillips

00:44 – Solar panel updates and key misconceptions

01:59 – Sponsors

03:03 – Understanding solar usage and household energy

05:06 – Batteries and solar panel efficiency over time

07:07 – Cleaning panels and spotting a solar scam

10:03 – Battery types, warranties, and costs

12:23 – Innovative solar financing: mortgage integration

13:51 – Real-life savings: a 73% bill drop!

15:00 – Business solutions and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)

16:03 – Exporting back to the grid & Smart Export Guarantee

17:14 – What is DNO approval and why it matters

18:34 – Panel quantity, house orientation, and shade impact

19:58 – Off-peak grid charging explained

22:03 – Pitfalls of government grants and cheap installations

24:06 – Gary’s trusted solar brands and pricing

26:06 – Battery and inverter recommendations

27:57 – Where to install batteries at home

29:00 – Going off-grid and planning a complete system

31:06 – How long batteries last – real talk

34:08 – Energy usage strategies for families

36:16 – Recycling panels and batteries

38:02 – Panel costs vs myths

39:31 – Boiler room sales tactics to avoid

41:00 – Are solar panels ugly? Aesthetics and design improvements

42:58 – Tesla solar tiles – worth it?

44:38 – Damage, shade, and micro-inverters

46:02 – Proper system design using Google Earth and sun path

48:10 – Real stories: retrofits and savings

50:04 – Support and customer service insight

51:22 – What happens in a power cut? Auto switch integration

53:03 – Simon’s usage: What would a full system cost?

55:08 – Selling a house with solar: does it increase value?

1:04:00 – Real customer case study: from cold to warm

1:06:11 – Gary's biggest industry frustration

1:07:47 – Price list transparency and value for money

1:08:52 – Feed-in tariffs, grid export, and payback

1:09:43 – Dealing with system teething problems

1:11:13 – Optional extras: EV charger, iBoost, etc.

1:12:54 – Water heating with solar

1:15:04 – Common user errors and education

1:18:02 – Using your EV as battery storage

1:19:42 – Wrapping up and final thoughts

1:20:26 – Gary's contact info

1:21:46 – Bonus sponsor shout-outs

#SolarPanels #CherrywoodPodcast #BeyondSolar

Welcome to Cherrywood Podcast, your source for inspiring conversations and compelling stories. Join us as we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals from various fields, offering insights into personal growth, entrepreneurship, creativity, and more. Subscribe for positivity, authenticity, and engaging discussions.

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