“A bespoke multi-roof solar design maximising generation across available roof space.”
This challenging residential installation in Lewisham required a carefully designed solar and battery solution to work across several roof orientations and roof types. The property featured a combination of flat roofs, a pitched dormer and a flat dormer, making system design and panel placement especially important for achieving maximum performance.
SolarTherm UK designed and installed a tailored 6.30kWp solar PV system using high performance Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar panels, combined with a substantial 10kWh Voltsmile battery storage system to help the homeowner maximise self-consumption and reduce grid reliance.
System Overview
- System Size: 6.30kWp
- Solar Panels: 14x Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W panels
- Battery Storage: 10kWh Voltsmile battery system
- Roof Type: multiple orientation roof with 1 flat dormer, 1 pitched dormer and 2 flat roofs
Projected Performance and Savings
- Estimated Year 1 Savings: £1,305
- Estimated Payback Period: 7 years
- Estimated 30 Year Savings: £97,463
The Challenge
The property’s roof layout presented several design considerations. With multiple roof orientations and varying roof angles, achieving optimal solar generation required a bespoke panel layout rather than a standard installation approach.
The project involved integrating panels across:
- Flat roof sections
- A pitched dormer roof
- Additional dormer structures with differing orientations
Careful string design and panel positioning were essential to ensure consistent generation throughout the day while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the property.
The Solution
SolarTherm UK designed a customised solar array using premium Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W panels, selected for their excellent efficiency, sleek appearance and strong low light performance.
By distributing the system strategically across the various roof areas, the installation captures sunlight across multiple points of the day, helping to improve overall generation consistency.
The addition of a 10kWh Voltsmile battery system allows excess daytime solar energy to be stored for evening and overnight use, significantly increasing the homeowner’s energy independence and reducing electricity import costs.
Installation Benefits
- Reduced Electricity Bills: the system is forecast to save approximately £1,305 in the first year alone, helping protect the homeowner against rising energy costs
- Long Term Financial Return: with projected savings of £97,463 over 30 years, the installation provides substantial long term value alongside environmental benefits
- Intelligent Use of Complex Roof Space: the bespoke system design maximises generation potential across several roof orientations and roof types that would often be underutilised
- Increased Energy Independence: the large capacity Voltsmile battery enables the property to store surplus solar generation for use during peak evening demand periods
Result
The Lewisham installation demonstrates how a carefully engineered solar and battery system can successfully overcome the challenges of a complex roof structure. Through intelligent panel placement and high efficiency technology, the homeowner now benefits from lower energy bills, improved self-sufficiency and strong long term savings.
