Golden Valley, Herefordshire

As a previous owner of a solar PV system, it was a high priority for our client, Andrew, to decide whether he wanted another one when he moved to a newly built 3-bed bungalow. Andrew had already experienced the benefits of generating “free” electricity and opted to go one step further with an integrated system complete with storage batteries. The plan is for this to be the couple’s forever home, enabling them to take a long-term view.

“I wanted a local solar installer, with a proven track-record, who could be on hand if I needed help,” said Andrew.  “I decided on SolarEdge kit, which has a reputation for being well designed and reliable, backed with a long warrantee.”

After evaluating three different installers, Andrew settled on Hereford-based Solarkinetics who had many years’ experience with SolarEdge. The solar PV system comprises 21 x REC Alpha Pure R 420W solar panels, a 6kW SolarEdge Home Hub inverter, SolarEdge EV charger and 2 x SolarEdge 10kW Energy Bank storage batteries (initially one battery was installed).

The batteries are integrated with a SolarEdge backup module, with 5kW of electricity reserved for use in the event of a power cut. Because each of the system components are designed by the same company they work together seamlessly, for example allowing the system to charge the batteries on a cheap tariff overnight and charge up the electric car at the same time.

The 8.82kWp of solar provides the power the home needs from Spring to Autumn including charging the electric car, and running the electric cooking and washing appliances; any excess power is exported to the Grid. On really sunny days, there’s even spare energy to run the aircon if the house gets too hot, or in reverse to heat it on cool days.

“Solarkinetics has provided a knowledgeable and prompt service, and when I did have an issue, they came out the next day to resolve it,“ continued Andrew. “The company weren’t pushy to sell us lots battery capacity at the outset, rather they considered it sensible for us to see how much we would need and add it later if appropriate. In fact, we soon worked out that doubling battery capacity meant we could store enough electricity for our daily usage, giving us access to low cost power even during the shortest days of winter. Adding a second battery proved easy with the SolarEdge system.”

The bungalow has a combi gas boiler for the central heating. However, using the PV system installed by Solarkinetics (together with electric appliances) and by installing thermal blinds to reduce heat loss and a smart wall thermostat that modulates the boiler output, when in use, gas usage and its impact on the environment is reduced to a minimum.