The SolarTherm UK technical team recently spoke with homeowner Mr Martin to hear about his solar PV installation, why he decided to invest in solar and how his system has performed so far. Mr Martin shares his thoughts on the installation process, his experience with SolarTherm UK and his advice for others looking to begin their solar journey.
Why Mr Martin Chose SolarTherm UK
When refurbishing his new home and replacing the roof, Mr Martin decided it was the perfect opportunity to futureproof the property with solar panels.
“I was redoing the roof and refurbishing the house, so saw solar as a good thing to invest in ready for when I pass the house on. I thought it was the right thing to do.”
After seeking two quotes, Mr Martin chose SolarTherm UK – not because we were the cheapest, but because of trust, confidence and the product offering.
“I knew Matt, the senior electrician. Your quote was the more expensive one, but I felt more comfortable with your approach – and you offered an in-roof system, which the other company didn’t.”
The System
Mr Martin’s property was fitted with:
- 8 x 410W full black solar panels
- Growatt inverter
The in-roof system not only delivered clean energy but also enhanced the overall aesthetic of the roof, giving a sleek and modern finish.
Installation Experience
Mr Martin was particularly impressed with the aftercare and the thoughtful approach of the SolarTherm UK installation team.
“The aftercare stood out. The team installed the kit so it was accessible but not intrusive. They worked with me to put the components where it was convenient for me, not them.”
System Performance and Savings
Since installation, Mr Martin has been pleasantly surprised by how well the system has performed. In July 2025, he spent just £20.40 on imported electricity, of which £14.01 was the standing charge. In the same period, he earned £35.12 by exporting electricity back to the grid. This performance shows that his system is not only covering his needs but is also generating a net positive return through export earnings.
Mr Martin hadn’t moved into the property when we installed his solar back in 2023, we based his initial predictions on what we believed his system will produce and save. We have now been able to do some new calculations based on the usage and his solar generation and found Mr Martin will see a return on investment of less than 8 years from installation and save £46,669.34 over the 30-year lifetime of his solar PV panels.
What Mr Martin Learned
Like many new solar adopters, Mr Martin discovered the importance of including battery storage early on.
“I wish I’d had a battery installed straight away – I ended up having one retrofitted after a year.”
Advice for Those Just Starting Out
Mr Martin encourages other homeowners to shop around but stresses the importance of choosing a company that provides solid aftercare and tailored solutions.
“It’s quite competitive – shop around but find a good company with aftercare. That’s what makes the difference.”
Looking Ahead
Mr Martin is very happy with his system and has already recommended SolarTherm UK to friends.
“I’m very pleased overall and wish I had had my battery installed by SolarTherm UK too. I’ve (had to) learned how to get the battery working best for my property with my existing system.”
Mr Martin had a negative experience with another company who retrofitted his battery, experiencing poor customer service and aftercare, leaving him with a system that he had to learn to use himself, without assistance. At SolarTherm UK, our experienced installers show you how to use your solar PV system and operate it to maximise savings and energy independence.
Mr Martin’s solar PV is set to deliver both financial savings and long-term energy independence for years to come.
Start Your Solar Journey Today
You can use SolarTherm UK’s free solar calculator to see your potential savings with a solar PV system or contact us for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored for your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – we let the figures speak for themselves.
