Project Overview
We recently completed this 7.60 kWp solar PV and battery storage installation in Folkestone, Kent, helping the homeowner take greater control of their energy use while reducing their reliance on electricity from the grid.
The property had a particularly high annual electricity consumption of approximately 24,500 kWh, based on the customer’s electricity usage at their previous address. To help meet their substantial energy demand, we installed 14 high efficiency Aiko Neostar 475W solar panels, paired with a Tesla Powerwall 3, Gateway and expansion pack.
The installation is expected to generate approximately 6,983 kWh of clean, renewable electricity each year, providing significant savings on the household’s electricity bills and helping to reduce its carbon footprint.
As the customer already had scaffolding in place while other work was being carried out on the property, we were able to complete the solar installation without needing to arrange separate scaffolding.
High Efficiency Aiko Solar Panels
The system features 14 Aiko Neostar 475W solar panels, providing a total installed capacity of 7.60 kWp. Aiko’s Neostar panels use advanced high efficiency cell technology to maximise electricity generation from the available roof space. This makes them particularly well suited to properties where the homeowner wants to achieve strong generation from a relatively compact solar array.
With an estimated annual generation of 6,983 kWh, the new system will provide a substantial source of renewable electricity throughout the year.
Tesla Powerwall 3 Battery Storage
To complement the solar PV system we installed a Tesla Powerwall 3 with Gateway and an expansion pack for additional battery storage. The battery allows excess electricity generated by the solar panels to be stored rather than exported to the grid. This stored energy can then be used when solar generation is lower, such as during the evening or overnight.
For a property with annual electricity consumption of an estimated 24,500 kWh, battery storage provides an important opportunity to increase the amount of generated solar energy that can be used within the home.
The Tesla Gateway also forms an integral part of the Powerwall system, managing the connection between the battery, property and electricity grid.
Bird Protection Mesh
As part of the installation, we fitted bird protection mesh around the solar panels. Bird protection helps prevent birds from accessing the space beneath the panels, reducing the risk of nesting, debris accumulation and potential damage to the installation. It also helps keep the area around the panels cleaner and better protected over the long term.
Installation and Certification
The customer already had scaffolding in place as they were having additional work carried out on the property. We were therefore ablee to make use of the existing scaffold for the solar installation, avoiding the need for separate scaffolding arrangements.
As with all of our MCS installations, we also took care of the necessary paperwork and certification, including the G99 application, MCS certification and electrical certificates.
This means the customer received a fully installed, tested, commissioned and certified solar PV and battery storage system.
Projected Energy and Financial Savings
The 7.60 kWp solar PV system is expected to generate approximately 6,983 kWh of electricity per year. Based on the customer’s expected energy use and system projections, the installation is predicted to deliver £1,796 in savings during the first year.
The system has an estimated payback period of approximately 11 years, after which the customer can continue to benefit from reduced electricity costs for many years. Modern solar PV systems are built to last a minimum of 30 years, with many going on to generate efficiently for up to 40 years.
Over a projected 30 year period, the installation is expected to provide approximately £141,354 in total savings.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
In addition to reducing electricity costs, the Folkestone installation will help the homeowner reduce their environmental impact by generating clean electricity directly from sunlight.
The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1.39 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Over 30 years, this equates to an estimated total reduction of 41.89 tonnes of CO₂.
That’s equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting approximately 66 trees every year, helping the homeowner make a meaningful contribution towards reducing their carbon footprint.
System Summary
| Location | Folkestone, Kent |
| System size | 7.60 kWp |
| Solar panels | 14x Aiko Neostar 475W |
| Battery storage | Tesla Powerwall 3 |
| System upgrades | Tesla Gateway and battery expansion pack |
| Estimated solar generation | 6,983 kWh |
| Predicted year 1 savings | £1,796 |
| Estimated payback period | 11 years |
| Predicted 30 year savings | £141,354 |
| Annual CO₂ reduction | 1.39 tonnes |
| 30 year CO₂ reduction | 41.89 tonnes |
| Equivalent to trees planted | 66 trees planted per year |
A Complete Solar and Battery Solution
This Folkestone project demonstrates how combining high efficiency solar panels with substantial battery storage can provide an effective renewable energy solution for a property with expected high electricity consumption.
The 7.60 kWp Aiko solar array provides an estimated 6,983 kWh of renewable electricity each year, while the Tesla Powerwall 3 and expansion pack provide the storage capacity needed to make greater use of the electricity generated by the system.
With projected first year savings of £1,796, an estimated 11 year payback period and more than £141,000 in predicted savings over 30 years, the installation represents a long term investment in both energy independence and lower household energy costs.
If you’re considering solar panels and battery storage for your home in Folkestone, Dover, Hythe or across Kent or the wider South East, SolarTherm UK can help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
