Phil's Home

Overview

• Location: Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire

• Date of Installation: September 2024

• Type: Residential

• Roof Layout: South-West and North-East

• Panel Count: 16 Aiko Neostar 2S 455W All Black ABC N-Type Mono Solar Panels

• System Size: 7.28 kWp

System Overview

The proposed solar PV system consists of:

Solar Panels

• 16 Aiko Neostar 2S 455W All Black ABC N-Type Mono Solar Panels

  • High efficiency, 22.8% conversion rate

  • Model: AIKO-A455-MAH54Mb

  • Power Output: 455 watts per panel

  • Dimensions: 1134 x 1757 mm

Inverter

• Fox ESS KH 7kW 1ph Hybrid Inverter

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

  • AC Power Output: 7,000 watts

  • Trackers: 3

Battery Storage

• 4 Fox ESS EP11 10.36kWh Li-ion Batteries

  • Total Storage Capacity: 41.4 kWh

  • Stores excess solar energy for nighttime use

Mounting System

• Fastensol Pitched Roof Mounting System

  • Fully MCS accredited

  • Designed for pitched roofs

Performance Estimates

Annual Energy Generation

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

• Total Generation approximately: 4,700 kWh per year

• Orientation & Inclination:

  • South-West Roof: 63° orientation, 41° pitch

  • North-East Roof: -117° orientation, 39° pitch

• Shade Factor: 0.89 on South-West, 0.81 on North-East

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 approximately: 1,232 kWh

• Stored and used via battery approximately: 1,389 kWh

• Exported to the grid approximately: 5,967 kWh

• Grid Electricity Independence (PV Only): 42%

• Grid Electricity Independence (PV + Battery): 58%

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Eligibility

The installation qualifies 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 (https://www.ofgem.gov.uk).

Environmental Impact

The system contributes significantly to reducing the property’s carbon footprint:

• Annual CO₂ Savings approximately: 1,000 kg

• Equivalent to:

  • 3,600 miles driven by a diesel car

  • 46 trees absorbing CO₂ 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

• Total System Cost: £18,968 (including VAT at 0%)

• Estimated First-Year Savings approximately: £1,000

• Estimated Payback Period: 10 years

• Projected Net Present Value (25 Years): £20,210

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does shading affect system performance?

Shading factors for this installation range from 0.81 to 0.89, meaning there are moderate losses due to shading. Industry-standard models were used to estimate these effects.

What is the expected performance over time?

While solar panels degrade slightly over time, the estimated energy output remains strong due to high-efficiency technology.

Can excess electricity be sold back to the grid?

Yes, the system qualifies for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), allowing surplus energy to be exported for payments.

Installation

The system was installed by Chiltern Solar Limited and certified under:

• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme)

• RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)

• NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)

The installation was completed 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