NEWS

The latest news and updates from Low Carbon Hub

  • An Air Source Heat Pump installed in Oxford. Which heat pump is right for you?
    Blog

    The real cost of a heat pump 

    30 October 2025
    Heat pumps are one of the most efficient, low-carbon ways to heat your home – but what do they really cost? This guide explains installation prices, running costs, grants, and practical steps to make sure a heat pump works for your home, your comfort, and your long-term energy savings.
  • An Air Source Heat Pump installed in Oxford. Which heat pump is right for you?
    Blog

    The real cost of a heat pump 

    Heat pumps are one of the most efficient, low-carbon ways to heat your home – but what do they really cost? This guide explains installation prices, running costs, grants, and practical steps to make sure a heat pump works for your home, your comfort, and your long-term energy savings.
    30 October 2025
  • Comfortable and energy efficient living with a home retrofit
    Blog

    Your Home Retrofit Guide

    Retrofit means improving your home so it keeps heat in, stays comfortable, and costs less to run. This practical guide explains what to do first, where to find grants and trusted advice, and how to make the right improvements in the right order — helping you plan a warmer, healthier, more efficient home.
    30 October 2025
  • CTG rooftop solar panels installed
    Blog

    Rooftop vs ground-mounted solar 

    Rooftop or ground-mounted solar? It’s a question we hear often – and the answer is that we need both. Rooftop solar makes use of existing buildings and local generation, while ground-mounted solar delivers scale, lower costs, and even supports nature. Together, they form the backbone of Oxfordshire’s clean, resilient energy system.
    28 October 2025
  • A view of Ray Valley Solar park panels with foliage in the foreground.
    News

    Invest in our clean energy future

    Our Community Energy Fund remains open for investment, raising vital funds to develop more community-owned renewable energy projects across Oxfordshire. We’ve just published an updated Share Offer Document, now including the latest figures from our Annual Report and Accounts. You can read it here. Recent progress Since re-launching the Fund as an open offer in…
    22 October 2025
  • Oxfordshire row of Victorian houses
    Blog

    How to make your home more energy efficient 

    Many UK homes waste energy through poor insulation, draughts, and outdated systems. Discover how to make your home more energy efficient – from simple, low-cost fixes to long-term upgrades that cut bills, boost comfort, and help build a cleaner, fairer energy future for Oxfordshire.
    22 October 2025
  • Rooftop solar panels on house
    Blog

    Is there really such a thing as free solar panels?

    Is there really such a thing as free solar panels? With energy prices still high, many households are wondering whether solar can really be installed for free – or if those online offers are too good to be true. We explain which government-backed schemes genuinely support low-income households, who qualifies, and how to avoid misleading or fraudulent offers.
    21 October 2025
  • Blog

    How to choose a good solar installer

    As more households turn to solar to cut energy bills and carbon emissions, demand for installations is rising fast. But with so many new companies entering the market, choosing the right installer can be confusing. Our guide explains how to find a trustworthy solar installer, what to check before you sign, and how to protect yourself from common pitfalls – with insights from local experts and community experience across Oxfordshire.
    20 October 2025
  • consumer-led flexibility through smart appliances at home
    Blog

    What is Consumer-Led Flexibility and What it Means for Your Home and Business

    Consumer-Led Flexibility (CLF) is set to play a vital role in the energy transition, benefitting homes and businesses. It can help lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and make our electricity system more resilient. What exactly is consumer-led flexibility? In simple terms, consumer-led flexibility (CLF) involves shifting when you use electricity to help balance the…
    17 October 2025
  • A wide view of Ray Valley Solar park with sheep in the foreground.
    Blog

    Great British Energy: What the New Strategic Priorities Mean for Community Energy

    On 16 September 2025, the UK Government published its Statement of Strategic Priorities for Great British Energy (GBE). For community energy groups and local climate initiatives, the announcement signals fresh opportunities, but also important challenges. Communities at the Heart of the Transition GBE is a publicly-owned, operationally independent clean energy company with a clear mission:…
    13 October 2025
  • consumer-led flexibility through smart appliances at home
    Blog

    Consumer-led flexibility: our response to government

    The government recently sought views on the best way to engage people in ‘consumer-led flexibility’. This could be an important part of the energy transition. It can help people save energy, cut bills, reduce carbon emissions and ease pressure on the grid. But most people don’t yet know what it means or how to take…
    22 September 2025
  • Barbara Hammond at Ray Valley Solar.
    News

    Our impact – prosperity and perception

    See how community energy in Oxfordshire delivers returns for investors, lower bills for hosts, and lasting benefits for people and the planet.
    19 September 2025
  • Heat Pump Summit 2025 - Heat Pump on pedestal
    Blog

    Making heat pumps mainstream in the UK 

    Low Carbon Hub was out in force at Heat Pump Summit 2025 at the Blavatnik School of Government. Here are the practical takeaways to make heat pumps the obvious choice: close the electricity–gas “spark gap”, move grid checks earlier, back trusted installers, and make aftercare standard—plus why neighbour-to-neighbour proof beats myths.
    18 September 2025