Small changes, smarter choices and a few new re-solar-olutions
The start of a new year often comes with good intentions: spend a little less, feel a little healthier and make choices that have a more positive impact. Increasingly, those intentions also include living more sustainably – not perfectly, but more thoughtfully.
Becoming greener doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. For most households, it’s about a series of practical steps that reduce waste, lower energy use and make everyday life a bit more efficient. For some, that might also mean exploring a few new re-solar-utions along the way.
Here are a few ideas worth considering for 2026.
Use less energy (and generate more of your own)
A good place to start is understanding how your home uses electricity. Simple measures like LED lighting, better insulation and smarter heating controls can all reduce consumption without affecting comfort.
For households ready to take the next step, solar panels offer a long-term way to cut reliance on the grid by generating clean electricity at home. A well-designed system takes roof orientation, shading and usage patterns into account, helping to maximise the benefit from every daylight hour, even outside of summer.
Adding battery storage is becoming an increasingly popular re-solar-olution. Batteries allow excess solar energy to be stored and used later in the day, increasing self-consumption and reducing the amount of electricity bought back from the grid. In winter, they can also work alongside smart tariffs to help manage energy costs more predictably.
Rethink how you power your transport
Transport is another area where small changes can add up. Electric vehicles are now a realistic option for many households, and when paired with a home EV charger they offer convenience as well as lower running costs.
Charging at home means starting each day with a full battery, and for homes with solar, it opens up the opportunity to power journeys using electricity generated on-site.
Buy thoughtfully and waste less
Not every green resolution involves new technology. Often, the most effective changes are about how we consume and dispose of everyday items. Repairing rather than replacing, buying second-hand and supporting local repair initiatives (such as the Green Wedmore Repair Cafe or local Men’s Sheds) all help reduce waste and extend the life of products that might otherwise be thrown away.
After Christmas in particular, many homes end up with unwanted gifts that get stored in cupboards “just in case” and eventually end up being thrown out. Passing these items on instead, through resale platforms, charity shops, regifting or community swap groups, keeps them in use and reduces unnecessary waste. It’s a simple habit change that clears space at home while giving items a second life.
Choosing quality over convenience, and reuse over replacement, is one of the easiest ways to make everyday living a little greener without sacrificing comfort or enjoyment.
Choose changes that last
The resolutions that tend to stick are the ones that make practical and financial sense. Whether it’s reducing energy bills, cutting emissions or planning improvements to your home over time, the most effective changes are those that continue to pay back long after January.
If exploring renewable energy forms part of your new re-solar-olutions for 2026, Sunlit Solar is always happy to offer clear, no-pressure advice, alongside support for making your home work more efficiently year-round.
Phone: 01458 834 936
Email: info@sunlit-solar.co.uk
Website: www.sunlit-solar.co.uk