This archive brings together practical, experience-led articles from The Backyard Farmer, covering gardening, DIY, indoor growing, foraging, reviews, and sustainable living. Each post is written with real-world use in mind — focusing on working with nature, building practical skills, and making sustainable choices more accessible.
Yes, solar panels can supply a large share of a UK home’s electricity and may even generate as many kilowatt-hours over a year as the property consumes. But that does not mean the house can run entirely from solar at all times. If you’re asking
An on-grid solar system, also called grid-connected or grid-tied solar, generates electricity for your home while remaining connected to the electricity network. Your home uses solar energy when it is available, the grid supplies any shortfall, and surplus electricity can be exported or stored in
Plug-in solar panels are now legal in Great Britain under a new route introduced on 27 August 2026, allowing compliant small systems to feed electricity into a suitable household socket. Rules still apply around equipment, electrics, mounting and registration, so this guide covers what you
Yes. Sunstore Solar is a legitimate UK solar supplier specialising in off-grid systems, solar kits and leisure-vehicle installations. The business has been operating since 2011, has a physical base in West Sussex and provides UK-based sales and technical support. Sunstore is particularly well suited to
The Sunstore 4800W Deluxe is a substantial 48V off-grid solar package for buyers who want strong daytime generation without immediately paying for a much larger battery bank. With a listed 4.8kW solar array and 2.7kWh of storage, it is better understood as a solar-heavy system
The Sunstore 100W Deluxe is a straightforward fixed-panel solar kit for campervans, caravans and motorhomes. It is designed to maintain one leisure battery and support modest 12V use, with the panel, controller, mounting hardware, cabling and roof-entry equipment supplied in one package. The main caveat
Introduction Are rising energy bills straining your budget? Upgrading to a smart thermostat like the Nest can save you up to 15% on cooling and 12% on heating annually. With energy costs climbing and environmental concerns growing, more homeowners are turning to smart devices to
Introduction Smart thermostats are revolutionizing home energy management by integrating advanced technology with intuitive features, delivering remarkable benefits for homeowners. As these innovative devices become increasingly popular, homeowners are recognizing their ability to: Upgrading to a smart thermostat allows you to achieve precise temperature control,
Introduction: How to Install a Nest Thermostat Nest thermostats have transformed how we manage home heating and cooling by offering: Whether your goal is to: a Nest thermostat is an ideal solution. Why Proper Installation Matters Installing a Nest thermostat may seem challenging initially, but
Introduction The Nest thermostat is a groundbreaking device in smart home technology, designed to deliver unmatched convenience, energy efficiency, and advanced features. As one of the market leaders in smart thermostats, it offers: Whether you are: a Nest thermostat can transform how you control your
Introduction Composting toilets are a sustainable, water-saving alternative to traditional toilets, ideal for off-grid living, RVs, cabins, and tiny homes. However, one of the biggest concerns for users is managing composting toilet odor control. With the right techniques and materials, keeping your composting toilet odor-free
Introduction Composting toilets are an eco-friendly, water-saving solution for waste management, perfect for off-grid living, RVs, and tiny homes. They also help reduce reliance on traditional sewage systems, making them an excellent choice for sustainable living. However, proper composting toilet maintenance is essential to keep