FAQ — Greystones Energy | Care Home Energy Questions Answered

Question 1

What does Greystones Energy actually do?

Accepted Answer

We are a specialist energy consultancy working exclusively with UK care homes. We assess your current energy setup, identify where you are overspending or underperforming, and then manage the entire process of implementing the right solutions — from solar PV and LED lighting to smart metering and compliance reporting. We are fully independent, which means we are not tied to any installer or manufacturer. Our only job is to find what is right for your home.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a free energy review. We will look at your current bills, your building, and your energy usage patterns. There is no obligation and no cost. From there, we will give you a clear picture of where savings are available and what the options are. You can book a call via our Calendly link or fill in the contact form and we will be in touch within one working day.

Question 3

Do you work with single care homes or larger groups?

Accepted Answer

Both. We work with owner-operators running a single home as well as regional and national care groups managing multiple sites. For multi-site operators, we can coordinate assessments and installations across all locations and provide consolidated reporting.

Question 4

Are you tied to any particular suppliers or installers?

Accepted Answer

No. This is one of the most important things that sets us apart. We are completely independent. We work with a vetted network of trusted installation partners across the UK, and we select the right partner for each project based on quality, price, and suitability — not on commercial relationships or commissions.

Question 5

How much does your service cost?

Accepted Answer

The initial energy review is completely free. For ongoing consultancy and project management, our fees depend on the scope of work. In many cases, our fees are covered by the savings generated, meaning the service pays for itself. We will always be transparent about costs upfront before any work begins.

Question 6

What is the green finance option?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange 100% green energy finance for qualifying projects, with no deposit required. This means you can install solar panels, LED lighting, or other energy-saving measures with no upfront capital outlay. Repayments are typically structured so that the monthly saving on your energy bill exceeds the finance repayment from day one.

Question 7

How quickly will we see a return on investment?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the measures installed, but most of our clients see payback periods of between two and seven years for capital investments. LED lighting upgrades typically pay back within two to three years. Solar PV with battery storage is usually four to seven years. With green finance, you can be cash-positive from month one.

Question 8

Are there any grants available for care homes?

Accepted Answer

There are various government and local authority schemes that care homes may be eligible for, including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and Salix Finance for certain types of work. We will identify any applicable funding as part of your free review and help you apply where relevant.

Question 9

What energy-saving measures do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover six main areas: Solar PV and battery storage, LED lighting and controls, real-time smart metering, far infrared heating, smart heating controls, and compliance and reporting (including ESOS and SECR). We assess which combination is right for your specific building and usage profile.

Question 10

Can you help with ESOS and SECR compliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle all aspects of Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) compliance and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) for care homes that are required to report. We manage the assessment, the reporting, and the submission, so you can focus on running your home.

Question 11

What is far infrared heating and is it suitable for care homes?

Accepted Answer

Far infrared heating works by warming objects and people directly rather than heating the air. It is highly efficient, produces no draughts, and creates a gentle, even warmth that is particularly well-suited to care home environments where resident comfort is paramount. It can significantly reduce heating costs compared to conventional radiator systems.

Question 12

How does smart metering help a care home?

Accepted Answer

Real-time smart metering gives you visibility of exactly where and when energy is being used across your building. This makes it much easier to identify waste, spot equipment faults early, and demonstrate energy performance to regulators and owners. Many of our clients are surprised by what the data reveals — and the savings that follow.

Question 13

How long does a project typically take?

Accepted Answer

It varies by project. A free energy review takes around one to two hours on site. LED lighting upgrades for a typical care home can be completed in one to three days. Solar PV installations usually take three to five days. We always work around your residents and staff to minimise disruption.

Question 14

Will there be disruption to residents during installation?

Accepted Answer

Minimising disruption to residents is a priority for us and for our installation partners. We plan all works carefully, schedule noisy or disruptive tasks during quieter periods, and ensure that communal areas and resident rooms are always accessible. Our partners have extensive experience working in occupied care home environments.

Question 15

Do you manage the whole project or just advise?

Accepted Answer

We manage the whole process. From the initial assessment and supplier selection through to installation, commissioning, and aftercare. You have a single point of contact throughout. We do not hand you a report and leave you to figure it out — we stay involved until the project is complete and the savings are being realised.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Costs and finance

Our services

The process

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