By Mark Stevenson, Managing Director, Bright Spark Energy
More than a project
I’m not simply advising customers on renewable energy – I’m making the same decisions for my own eighteenth-century farmhouse in West Sussex. Every challenge has reinforced that successful heritage projects require patience, creativity and respect for the original building.
Building an invisible energy system
My goal is not to create a house covered in technology. It’s to create a beautiful period farmhouse where the technology almost disappears. Hidden cable routes, discreet equipment locations and carefully selected products ensure the character remains centre stage.
The technology
The project will include a ground-mounted solar array, Sigenergy modular battery storage with whole home backup, smart energy management, EV charging, intelligent lighting, air source heat pumps, sympathetic air conditioning and future expansion capability. Depending on the application we also use Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge optimisers and Enphase microinverters for customers’ homes.
Lessons from living it
Working with conservation officers, planners, heritage builders and roofing specialists has taught me that every decision matters. Starting with the building rather than the equipment always leads to a better outcome.
How it changes Bright Spark Energy
Because I’m living through the process, our customers benefit from genuine experience rather than theory. We understand planning concerns, installation challenges, hidden costs and how to achieve exceptional results without compromising heritage. There’s more on that in our guide to whether your roof is suitable for solar, which covers listed and heritage properties.
A home that demonstrates our philosophy
When complete, the farmhouse will quietly combine historic architecture with modern engineering: renewable generation, battery storage, whole home backup, intelligent heating and cooling, EV charging and seamless energy management. Visitors will see a beautiful eighteenth-century home – they won’t see the technology that powers it.
Let’s talk
If you’re restoring a listed building, country estate or period property anywhere in Sussex, Hampshire or the South Downs National Park, I’d be delighted to share what I’ve learnt and help design a renewable energy system that respects your home’s history while preparing it for the future. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a chat.
