Project Overview

Location: Farnborough, Hampshire
System Size: 6.86 kWp solar PV
Solar Panels: 14 × AIKO Neostar 490 W panels
Battery Storage: 9.04 kWh Sigenergy SigenStor
Energy Controller: Sigenergy SigenStor 6 kW Single Phase
System Type: DC-coupled solar and battery storage
Metering: Sigenergy ID Meter
Services: System design, DNO application, installation, commissioning and certification

Steve contacted us through our website having already done a considerable amount of research into the type of system he wanted. His priority was to maximise the available space on his L-shaped roof and, as he intends to remain in the property long term, make the best possible use of solar generation with a view to running a heat pump in the future.

The Challenge

The homeowner wanted to invest in solar panels and battery storage to make better use of renewable energy generated at the property.

Having obtained three quotations, one of the key differences between the proposed systems was how effectively the available roof space would be used. Interestingly, all three installers had proposed the same solar panels, but the suggested layouts were very different.

On one of the larger roof areas, other proposals accommodated only six or eight panels, whereas our design enabled ten to be installed. On another section of the roof, we were able to accommodate four panels where alternative designs had allowed for just two.

For Steve, the priority wasn't simply finding the lowest-priced quotation, but achieving the best long-term value. With costs such as scaffolding and installation already forming part of the project, maximising the available roof space meant getting more generation potential from the overall investment.

The Solution

UK Green Energy Installations worked with Steve during the design process to explore different panel-placement options rather than relying on a standard roof layout. By looking carefully at each usable roof area, we developed a design that maximised the available space while remaining practical and compliant.

The final design incorporated 14 AIKO Neostar 490 W solar panels, providing a total installed solar capacity of 6.86 kWp.

The solar array was combined with a 9.04 kWh Sigenergy SigenStor battery and 6 kW single-phase SigenStor Energy Controller, providing an integrated DC-coupled solar and battery storage solution.

A Sigenergy ID Meter was also incorporated into the installation, allowing the SigenStor system to monitor household electricity consumption, solar generation and energy flows.

UKGEI managed the project from design and DNO application through to installation, commissioning and certification.

The Results

By taking a more considered approach to the design, UKGEI was able to provide a solar and battery system that made better use of the available roof space and delivered greater value for the homeowner.

The completed installation provides 6.86 kWp of solar generation alongside 9.04 kWh of battery storage, allowing surplus solar electricity to be stored for use when the home needs it rather than relying solely on electricity from the grid.

Steve also highlighted the intuitive nature of the Sigenergy system and the quality of the finished installation.

His decision to choose UKGEI was further supported by feedback from neighbouring business Houston Cox, where our team had previously completed a large commercial solar PV installation.