Solar, batteries, tariffs and heating
Our UK home combines a 7.6kW solar array, Tesla Powerwall 3, Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump and EDF import, export and smart charging. We publish the generation, costs, savings and compromises rather than relying on headline claims.
Start with why we moved from Octopus to EDF, or see the complete equipment picture on Our Setup.
Wi-Fi, UniFi and two connected homes
A smart home is only as dependable as its network. We replaced Vodafone’s router with a UniFi Dream Router 7, added a wired access point and connected our UK and French networks through VPNs.
Automations that solve an actual problem
We use Home Assistant to connect the Powerwall, EV charging, solar, sensors and household devices. The focus is not automation for its own sake. It is reducing wasted energy, protecting expensive equipment and making the home easier to live with.
Our articles show the logic, what went wrong and what we changed, without pretending every first attempt was elegant.
Everyday control without unnecessary complexity
Apple Home remains an important everyday interface in both properties. Philips Hue, Aqara, Meross, Eufy and Home Assistant all play different roles, and we are interested in the point where convenience becomes needless complication.
The best smart-home feature is usually the one that quietly works without asking for attention.
Cars, charging and real running costs
We run a Peugeot e-308 and e-208, charge at home through a Hypervolt Pro 3 and regularly drive between the UK and Normandy. That gives us a useful view of everyday range, home charging, public charging and the difference between brochure figures and lived experience.