Hugh's Home

Overview

Location: Kings Langley, Hertfordshire
Date of Installation: September 2024
Type: Residential
Roof Layout: South-East, South-West, and East
Panel Count: 23 Trina Vertex S+ 445W N-Type Full Black Solar Panels
System Size: 10.235 kWp

System Overview

The proposed solar PV system consisted of:

23 Trina Vertex S+ 445W N-Type Full Black Solar Panels

• High efficiency dual-glass design

• Model: TSM-445NEG9R.25

• Total generation capacity: 10.235 kWp
  

1 Fox ESS KH 9kW 1ph Hybrid Inverter

• Converts DC electricity from the solar panels into usable AC electricity

• Maximum AC output: 9000 watts
  

4 Fox ESS EQ4800 4.66kWh Li-ion Battery Storage

• Primary unit: 4.660 kWh

• Three secondary units: 4.660 kWh each

• Total storage capacity: 18.64 kWh
  

Fastensol Pitched Roof Mounting System

• Fully MCS accredited

• Designed for various roof types

Performance Estimates

Annual Energy Generation

Using meteorological data and industry-standard calculations, the system's expected output was estimated as:

• Total Generation approximately: 8,700 kWh per year

This estimate was based on the system's location, orientation, and shading factors, using a sunpath diagram to model annual sunlight exposure.

Consumption & Grid Export

An energy consumption analysis was conducted based on an average household usage of 2,948 kWh per year. The expected distribution of generated electricity was:

• Self-consumed directly from solar: 1,232 kWh

• Stored and used via battery: 1,389 kWh

• Exported to the grid: 5,967 kWh

• Losses: 58 kWh

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Eligibility

The installation qualified for SEG payments, allowing excess electricity exported to the grid to be sold back to an electricity supplier. More information on SEG eligibility and applications can be found at Ofgem.

Environmental Impact

The system contributed significantly to reducing the property’s carbon footprint by approximately:

• Annual CO₂ savings: 1,800 kg

• Equivalent to:

  • 6,500 miles driven by a diesel car

  • CO₂ absorption of 80 trees annually

Disclaimer: These calculations are based on estimated system output and standard carbon emission factors provided in the UK Government’s 'Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024'. Actual results may vary due to differences in household energy use, weather conditions, and grid carbon intensity.

Performance and Financial Projections

Investment & Expected Savings

The total cost of the installed system was £16,330.42 (including VAT at 0%). The estimated payback period is approximately 7 years, with an estimated first year saving of approximately £970.00*

Disclaimer: Payback periods are estimated based on current electricity prices and SEG rates. Future price changes, electricity consumption habits, and system performance may affect the actual payback timeline.

Live Monitoring and Updates

• Real-time monitoring of performance available.

• Performance tracking via sunpath diagrams and shading calculations.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the shading affect the system?

• The shading factor for this installation ranges from 0.92 to 1.00, ensuring minimal energy losses due to obstructions.

What is the expected performance over time?

• While solar panels experience slight degradation, the expected energy output remains high due to the efficient technology used in this system.

Can excess electricity be sold back to the grid?

• Yes. The system qualifies for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), allowing surplus energy to be fed back into the national grid for payments.

  
  

Installation

The system was installed by a trained installation team certified by MCS, RECC, and NAPIT and completed within a short period with minimal disruption to the household.

*the above illustration is based on a unit cost of electricity of 24.5p/kWh and a SEG rate of 15p/kWh