The Renewable Energy Hub

What The Renewable Energy Hub does

The Renewable Energy Hub, operated by Ecolocker Ltd, is a UK-based online platform that connects homeowners, businesses, schools, and government buyers with vetted, MCS-certified renewable energy installation companies. Founded in 2012 by Edward Richardson and Richard Burdett-Gardiner and headquartered in Axminster, Devon, the company has operated for 14+ years as a free-to-use consumer resource, generating revenue through nominal referral and listing fees paid by installation partners. Its core asset is a directory of 900+ installation companies searchable by postcode and technology, supplemented by a postcode-based quote-matching service that routes consumer enquiries to up to three local installers.

The platform's product surface is built on a web-based content and directory architecture. Functional components include a searchable installer directory, a geographic installer map covering all UK counties, a Solar PV Calculator that estimates system size and bill savings, a community forum for peer-to-peer Q&A, and dedicated information hubs covering solar PV, heat pumps, EV charging, biomass, wind, insulation, heat recovery, and adjacent technologies. Editorial content on UK government schemes such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, ECO4, Smart Export Guarantee, and Warm Homes Plan functions as both consumer education and SEO-driven acquisition surface. The technology stack is conventional web content and forms-based, with no public API, no SDK, and no disclosed AI/ML components.

The business model is a two-sided affiliate marketplace: free for consumers, monetised through installer referral fees and directory listings. Distribution is digital-first and self-serve via the website, with a parallel expert consultation channel for enterprise/commercial buyers. Marketing relies on content marketing, SEO, organic social (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube), and earned media through government and press references. The company has remained privately held by its co-founders with no disclosed funding rounds, operates with a 1-10 person team, and serves only the UK market.

Name

The Renewable Energy Hub

Legal name

Ecolocker Ltd

Website

https://renewableenergyhub.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Renewable Energy Hub is a UK online platform that connects homeowners and businesses with vetted MCS-certified installers of solar panels, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies, monetising through installer referral fees across a 900+ partner directory.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Renewable Energy Information and Installer Marketplace

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Distributed Storage (Behind-the-Meter Batteries) (EUAMAJAE), Incentives, Grants & Program Administration (Auctions, Tenders, IRA/ITC/PTC Advisory) (EUAMAAAJ)

Keywords

• Renewable energy directory
• Solar panel installation
• Heat pump services
• Installer matching platform
• Energy efficiency information

Headquarters

HQ city

Axminster

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

1. Installer referral fees: The company charges installation companies nominal fees to connect with potential customers through their platform. The service is free for consumers seeking quotes and information about renewable energy solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Renewable Energy Hub is a free UK web platform that connects homeowners, businesses, schools, and government entities with vetted MCS-certified renewable energy installation companies. Consumers enter their postcode and selected technology (solar panels, heat pumps, EV charging, biomass, wind, etc.) and receive up to three quotes from approved local installers. The platform monetises by charging installation companies nominal referral fees, while offering supporting tools such as a UK Solar PV Calculator, an Installer Map, and an active Renewable Energy Forum.

Product overview

The Renewable Energy Hub operates as a UK renewable energy comparison and information platform. Its core offering is a directory of over 900 vetted, MCS-certified installation companies covering solar panels, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies. The platform provides free quotation matching services connecting homeowners and businesses with approved installers, supported by comprehensive informational guides on solar PV, heat pumps, and adjacent technologies. Key tools include a Solar PV Calculator for estimating system costs and savings, a community forum for peer discussions, and curated grant guidance for schemes like the SEG, ECO4, and Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The ecosystem is anchored by the installer directory and matching service, with the information hub and calculator serving as educational and lead-generation resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduce reliance on the grid and cut energy bills while earning money through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) Certified InstallerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe platform connects consumers exclusively with MCS certified installation companies. MCS certification ensures installers meet industry standards, protects warranties, and maintains eligibility for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and SEG.
• UK GovernmentflagshipOthersReferenced by the UK and Scottish Government as a trusted resource for renewable energy information.
• The IndependentminorOthersMajor UK press outlet that has referenced The Renewable Energy Hub as a trusted information source.
• The GuardianminorOthersMajor UK press outlet that has referenced The Renewable Energy Hub as a trusted information source.
• ECO4 Scheme PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe platform promotes government energy efficiency schemes including ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation 4) which helps lower-income households access solar panel installations.
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe platform informs consumers about the Boiler Upgrade Scheme government grant for heat pump installations.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) SupplierscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe platform provides information about SEG tariffs from various energy suppliers including Octopus Energy, OVO Energy, British Gas, EDF, E.On Next, and others.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• EnergySage: US-based solar and energy shopping marketplace connecting consumers with vetted installers via quote comparison. Closest comparable business model to The Renewable Energy Hub, just operating in the US residential solar market.
• Selectra: UK price comparison platform extending into heat pumps and renewable installations with consumer-facing educational content and partner installer referrals. Directly comparable lead-gen and content model in the UK.
• GreenMatch: UK energy comparison platform covering solar, heat pumps, insulation, and other renewables. Operates a quote-matching service with installer referrals — almost identical model and geography to The Renewable Energy Hub.
• SolarReviews: US consumer solar comparison and review platform offering installer directory, articles, and quote matching. Comparable in its mix of educational content and lead-generation for installers.

Regional players

• EcoHome Expert: UK-focused eco home information platform covering renewable installations and energy efficiency. Comparable content-led, UK-centric approach to homeowner education on sustainable technology.

Emerging players

• SpritEnergy: UK renewable energy comparison platform focused on helping consumers find installation quotes. Similar lead-generation model for UK residential and small commercial renewables.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheRenEnergyHub
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCvq-r0Wdz-u9PGMWHJ-T-fg
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheRenewableEnergyHub
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ecolocker-ltd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Renewable Energy Hub