Revisiting the Barnet Installation That’s Exceeding Expectations
The SolarTherm UK technical team are currently revisiting past systems and asking clients what they think of their PV installs and of course checking the performance returns. Here we roll back in a telephone call to one of our 2023 customers Mr & Mrs Ball to see how they are getting on, whether their system is meeting their expectations, their thoughts almost three years on and highlight the results.
Our Son completed the initial research on solar and said we could save some money if we went solar, it was back in 2022 when energy prices were high. We did the math, met with one of your consultants who was very good and answered all our questions and decided to take the plunge – with a bigger system than originally planned.
“Too many solar companies are selling one-size-fits-all solar systems” says Mr Ball, from his Barnet home. They came to SolarTherm UK where they got a bespoke designed solar PV system and battery storage system made for their property’s roof type and orientation and tailored to their energy needs. After many hours of internet research into solar companies, Mr & Mrs Ball decided SolarTherm UK was the firm for them which followed with an initial meeting with our consultant and concluded reading our reviews.
The Ball’s had 16 x 400w (6.4kWp) full black solar PV modules installed, along with a SolarEdge inverter and optimisers to each panel. To add to that, a 9.6kWh Voltsmile battery system. SolarEdge optimisers alongside the multi strung panels mean that even on days where some panels experience shading or decreased generation, the panels in sunlight are generating to their maximum potential and not limited by those in shade.
Mr Ball is an avid data analyser and has been tracking his solar production and savings since installation. We asked him whether they have learned anything since their solar install and Mr Ball replied that they have installed the software onto an old tablet allowing them to monitor their usage and generation in real time. They are that impressed with their solar PV system they are now researching into a smart thermostat to help reduce their costs further and see if they can run their hot water from their solar. For more information on smart thermostats and how they can help you save even more check out our article here.
Mr and Mrs Ball’s system was switched on in January 2023 and since then has produced on average 5.57kWh per year. So far, their system has produced 15.67MWh, 9.02MWh of which has been stored in their battery, which otherwise would have been exported to the grid. Even with the battery storage, Mr and Mrs Ball have exported 4.72MWh giving them an average of £236 per year in earnings through the Smart Export Guarantee (*based on an export rate of 15p per kWh).
Installation was really easy, the guys arrived on time, showed us what they were going to do and then started. They were really professional and tidy and answered any questions we had.
Now the system is up and running, we can see by comparing electricity bills prior to installation and more recent that their monthly energy usage has decreased from 7828kWh to 3951kWh, a grid reduction of 49.52%. In terms of electricity bill savings, that’s £181.52 per month down to just £53.08 per month!
Mr and Mrs Ball had a pre-solar spend per year of £2178 and since their solar installation are spending just £637.72 (not including the standing charge).
In August 2022, we estimated their savings would be approximately £1253.66 per year and as of August 2025, they are saving £1507.74 per year.
Energy Performance Validation Scheme (EPVS) figures now suggest that their system will finish paying for itself within 10 years of installation.
The estimated return on investment is 280.46% over the 30 year lifespan of the solar panels, giving net savings of £62,797 over its lifetime.
Mr and Mrs Ball have been so happy with their installation that they have recommended us to friends, family and colleagues by talking about their experience. We have pointed them in the direction of our Referral Scheme, so if anyone they recommend have an install undertaken by SolarTherm UK they will receive £250.00 as a goodwill gesture.
We ended the call asking Mr Ball if there was any advice he’d like to pass onto homeowners looking to start their solar journey
Do your research first, there’s a lot of numbers that come and get thrown around and a lot of technologies available. Do your homework, there’s lots of free sites and government sites that will help. Avoid one size fits all companies.
You can use SolarTherm UK’s solar calculator to see your potential savings with a solar PV system or contact us for your free bespoke quote and design, tailored to you, your usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – we let the figures speak for themselves.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
