Solar & Battery Installation, Tanfield.

9.6kW Solar PV Array Connected to a Fox ESS 8kW Hybrid Inverter (3-Phase) Connected to a 16.4kWh Fox ESS Battery Storage System.

This installation differed from your typical domestic solar installation. Due to the large property size, it had a 3-phase electrical supply, and the client had a sizeable energy bill he was keen to reduce. This meant we had to quote for commercial-grade, 3-phase equipment. We also needed to ensure sufficient output from the panels, to cover the client's high usage. Therefore, we quoted and installed 24 x 400W Risen Solar PV panels onto his slate roof. Also, to minimise the shading from the mature trees and the main roof (on the extension roof), it was discussed with the client to install the panel arrays slightly off-centre, thus maximising output.

Slate roof installations are always more difficult and time-consuming than regular tiles. Still, it is not something we shy away from. To correctly install the system on the client's slate roof, we had to install flashings around each hook, ensuring a water-tight installation and preventing future issues.

The 9.6kW Solar PV array is connected to a Fox ESS 8kW Hybrid inverter (3-phase), which connects to a substantial 16.4kWh Fox ESS battery storage system. Having a large amount of storage was essential for this client, to not only store the solar energy but also to fully take advantage of cheap off-peak rates via grid charging the batteries. As he is with Octopus, it means in winter; when there is little solar gain in the UK, he can now charge his batteries at only 9p pkWh and then use this energy during the day rather than importing energy at peak rate.