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At OVO Solar & Heating South Coast, Jamie Chalmers and his experienced team provide professional, reliable solar panel and heat pump installations tailored to local homes and businesses.
Local experts, backed by OVO – a name trusted by millions – and driven by local pride, they’ve completed over 300 solar installations and more than 30 heat pump systems in areas including Warsash, Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Bournemouth, and Chichester. Thinking about solar or heat pumps for your home?
Get in touch with our South Coast team today for a free, no-obligation survey and personalised quote. Or, read on to learn more about your local South Coast team - straight from Jamie.
Who are OVO Solar & Heating South Coast?
Hi folks, Jamie here. At OVO Solar & Heating South Coast, we're more than just renewable energy specialists. We're a close-knit team with deep roots in the community and a genuine passion for what we do.
We’ve built a strong team full of personality and local pride. Most of us are passionate football fans, with some lively (but good-natured!) rivalry between our Southampton supporters and the few brave souls cheering for Portsmouth. There’s plenty of banter when match days come around, but we always come together when it counts.
Our Marketing Manager, Yasmin, is a brilliant example of the team’s community-first mindset. She volunteers regularly with housing shelters and churches in Bournemouth, supporting vulnerable people across the South Coast. Yas recently launched a company-wide initiative where each team member donates one hour per week to a local charity or cause, adding up to 52 hours of community support per person, per year.
It’s initiatives like this that reflect who we are: a team that cares about delivering excellent service and giving back to the communities we serve. At OVO Solar & Heating South Coast, we’re not just helping people go green by bringing low carbon tech into homes, we’re here to make a meaningful difference, one project and one person at a time.
Why choose OVO Solar & Heating South Coast?
With over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector, I've spent the last 3 years specialising in solar panel installations and the last 2 focusing on heat pumps. My mission is simple – help South Coast residents lower their energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort.
Being local means understanding the people, the homes, and the pride behind every job. It’s about being accountable and doing it right.
We tailor every installation to your property’s needs. If you’re curious whether solar or a heat pump is right for you, reach out today for a free survey and advice from our expert local team.
Areas we cover: your local solar and heat pump installers on the South Coast
At OVO Solar & Heating South Coast, we’re proud to offer our services to a wide range of communities along the beautiful South Coast of England.
Whether you're based in a busy city or a quiet coastal village, our team delivers expert solar panel and heat pump installations tailored to your property, energy needs, and long-term goals.
We know that every home and business is different, so we take the time to understand the unique requirements of each customer. No matter where you're located, you’ll receive the same professional service, honest advice, and high-quality workmanship we're known for.
We regularly carry out installations across the South Coast, including but not limited to:
BH (Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch) - Coastal homes, townhouses, and new builds
SO (Southampton and surroundings) - Our home base, where we’ve helped hundreds of customers
PO (Portsmouth, Gosport, Havant, Chichester) - From terraced homes to community centres
DT (Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport) - Covering both coastal and inland Dorset homes
RH (Redhill, Horsham) - Expanding into the West Sussex region with tailored installs
BN (Brighton, Hove, Worthing) - Delivering energy-efficient systems for eco-conscious homeowners
RG (Reading, Basingstoke, Newbury) - Supporting Berkshire homes with low-carbon solutions
SL (Slough, Windsor) - Installing smart heating and solar systems in urban and suburban homes
SP (Salisbury, Andover) - Local knowledge helps us support rural Wiltshire homes
GU (Guildford, Farnborough, Woking) - Helping Surrey homes transition to renewables
If you're based anywhere along the South Coast and looking for reliable, experienced solar installers or heat pump specialists, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're local, we care, and we’re ready to help.
Featured installation: solar panels for a semi-pro rugby club
One standout project involved fitting solar panels at a busy semi-professional rugby club. It was a unique and rewarding job, not just because of the scale, but due to the logistical challenge of working around a busy, live environment. The clubhouse was in constant use with training sessions, matches, and community events taking place throughout the install period.
We had to carefully plan every stage of the project to ensure there was no disruption to the team’s activities or to the clubhouse facilities. It really highlighted our ability to be flexible, communicative, and respectful of the spaces we work in and it was great to deliver a sustainable energy solution for a well-loved local club.
If you have a unique or community-focused project in mind, get in touch with us to see how we can help you install renewable energy with minimal disruption.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about solar panels on the South Coast
Will solar panels actually save me money?
Solar panels can provide substantial long-term savings. While there’s an initial upfront cost, a well-designed system can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills and protect you against rising energy prices.
Over time, most homeowners see a strong return on investment. The exact savings will depend on factors like your energy usage, roof orientation, and whether you add battery storage, but in many cases, solar panels pay for themselves within several years.
We take time to model your expected savings during our survey so you know exactly what to expect before making a commitment.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
This is one of the most important factors we assess. We carry out a full technical survey to evaluate your roof’s size, orientation, pitch, shading, and structural condition. South-facing roofs tend to offer the best performance, but even east- and west-facing roofs or partially shaded ones can still work with the right system design.
If we find that your property isn't suitable for solar, we’ll be upfront about it. Our priority is to ensure that any system we install is genuinely worthwhile and tailored to your specific home.
What happens if I move house after installing solar panels?
Many customers ask this, and the answer is encouraging. Solar panels can sometimes increase the value of your property, especially for buyers who are looking to reduce future energy costs and lower their environmental impact. Most homeowners choose to leave the system in place when selling, as it becomes a strong selling point.
In some cases, the presence of solar panels can help properties sell faster, particularly in energy-conscious areas like Southampton, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth.
Will I still have power during a power cut?
Not necessarily, and this is a common misconception. Standard solar panel systems are designed to shut down automatically during a power cut. This is a built-in safety feature to protect engineers working on the grid.
However, if you install battery storage with a backup system, you can maintain power during outages. We always discuss battery options with our customers and help you decide whether it’s worth adding based on your lifestyle, usage patterns, and budget.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about heat pumps on the South Coast
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Yes, absolutely. This is the biggest myth we hear. Modern air source heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in cold climates, including temperatures well below freezing. They’re used across countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, where winters are far colder than what we experience in the UK.
Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air, even when it’s cold, and transferring it into your home. The technology is highly efficient and is designed for year-round use, including during our British winters.
Will a heat pump keep my home warm enough in winter?
Yes. A properly designed and installed heat pump system will keep your home consistently warm, even on the coldest days. During the design phase, we size the system specifically for your property, making sure it matches your home’s insulation, layout, and heating needs.
One key difference from traditional gas boilers is how heat pumps deliver warmth. Instead of short, intense bursts of heat, a heat pump provides a gentle, constant flow of warmth, which maintains a steady temperature without sudden ups and downs. Most of our customers actually report improved comfort after switching.
Are heat pumps as effective as a gas boiler?
They are, just in a different way. Heat pumps don’t heat your home by rapidly blasting hot air like some older boilers. Instead, they operate more efficiently by delivering a slower, steady heat, which many people find more comfortable.
Because they operate at lower temperatures for longer periods, your rooms stay at a stable, cosy level of warmth, rather than fluctuating between too hot and too cold. When correctly installed and used, a heat pump can absolutely match or outperform the comfort levels of a boiler system, especially in well-insulated homes.
Will you help me understand how to use the system properly?
Yes. We take the time to walk every customer through how their system works, from the controls to the heating schedule, so you feel confident using it day to day. We also provide real-world examples from other local homeowners who’ve made the switch, so you can see what to expect.
If you’re wondering if a heat pump would work for your home, ask us for a free home assessment to find out.
How do you explain the benefits of switching to renewable energy to someone considering it for the first time?
When someone’s considering renewable energy for the first time, we focus on 3 key benefits: long-term savings, energy independence, and environmental impact.
Savings: While there’s an upfront cost, solar panels and heat pumps can significantly reduce energy bills over time. With energy prices continuing to rise, it’s a smart investment in the future. OVO also offer very competitive tariffs and add ons for solar and heat pumps, which add to the savings.
Energy independence: You’re less reliant on the grid, which means more control over your energy use and costs. If you add battery storage, you can store your own power and use it when energy is most expensive.
Environmental impact: Switching to renewables reduces your carbon footprint. For many of our customers, this is just as important as the financial side. They want to do their bit for the planet without compromising on comfort or reliability. We always make sure to keep things clear and tailored to each person’s situation. Whether it’s a homeowner, a landlord, or a business, we take time to explain the options, the returns, and what to expect so they can make an informed decision with confidence.
What does it mean to carry the OVO Solar & Heating South Coast name?
Being a part of OVO isn’t just about carrying a trusted name, it’s about being part of a bigger mission to build a cleaner, greener future. For us here at OVO Solar & Heating South Coast, it means we get to combine the power of a national brand with the personal touch of a local, community-focused team that knows this region inside out.
National support, local care
We’re an experienced team based right here on the South Coast who have been helping households in the area for years. With OVO behind us, we’ve got access to industry-leading training, technology, and products. That backing allows us to consistently deliver high standards, use tried-and-tested systems, and provide customers with the kind of reassurance that only comes from working with an established national brand.
That means our customers get the best of both worlds: the confidence of working with a household name and the personalised, flexible service of a local business that truly cares.
Shared values, stronger service
What really makes this partnership work is the shared mindset. OVO’s values of doing things the right way, treating people with respect, and helping households make smarter energy choices match perfectly with ours.
We’re not just here to install solar panels or heat pumps; we’re here to help people feel confident about switching to renewables. Having OVO’s support helps us grow, yes, but more importantly, it helps us take better care of our customers. That includes everything from reliable systems and expert installation to ongoing technical support (and a bit of emotional support now and again too!).
Focused on what matters most
Ultimately, the partnership means we can focus on what really matters: helping more people across Southampton, Portsmouth, Warsash, Bournemouth, and beyond reduce their energy bills, cut their carbon footprint, and take control of their future.
We’re incredibly proud to be part of the OVO family and even prouder to be delivering that service right here, in the communities we know and love.
Now serving homeowners in: BH, SO, PO, DT, RH, BN, RG, SL, SP & GU postcodes - including Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton, Reading, Guildford, and more. Get a free survey or quote.