Helping a Kent Homeowner Take Control of Their Energy Costs
A homeowner in Tonbridge, Kent wanted to make better use of renewable energy, reduce their reliance on the grid and protect themselves against rising electricity costs. SolarTherm UK designed and installed a 6.58 kWp solar PV system, paired with a 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS battery to maximise the amount of solar energy available for use at home.
The System
The installation comprises:
- 14x Aiko Neostar 2S 470W solar panels
- 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS battery storage
The Aiko Neostar 2S panels provide high efficiency solar generation, while the Hanchu ESS battery stores surplus electricity generated during the day. This energy can then be used when solar generation is lower, helping the household increase its self-consumption and reduce the amount of electricity it needs to purchase from the grid.
Impressive Predicted Financial Returns
With energy costs continuing to be a concern for homeowners, the financial performance of this system was a key consideration.
The installation is predicted to deliver:
- Predicted Year 1 Savings: £1,735
- Potential Payback Period: 6 years
- Estimated Savings over 30 Years: £155,471
The combination of solar generation and battery storage is designed to help the homeowner make greater use of the electricity their panels produce, rather than exporting excess generation and buying electricity back from the grid later.
Solar and Battery Storage Working Together
During daylight hours, the 14 Aiko panels generate electricity for the home. When generation exceeds immediate household demand, surplus energy can be stored in the 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS battery.
The stored energy can then be used during periods when the panels are producing less electricity, including evenings and other times of low solar generation. This approach helps maximise the value of the home’s solar investment while reducing dependence on expensive grid electricity.
A Long Term Investment in Home Energy
With a predicted 30 year saving of £155,471, this Tonbridge installation demonstrates the potential of combining high efficiency solar panels with appropriately sized battery storage.
For homeowners considering solar in Kent, the right system isn’t simply about installing as many panels as possible. System size, panel efficiency, battery capacity, household consumption and energy usage patterns all play an important role in achieving strong long term returns.
