After a recent visit to one of our customers in the picturesque village of Tendring, Essex, Mr and Mrs Allen updated us on their experience with their solar installation, and their time working with SolarTherm UK.
We returned to upgrade their solar PV and battery system with EPS (Emergency Power Supply), giving them a reliable source of power in the event of a power cut. EPS ensures that both their Florist business and on site Airbnb will have power to run essential appliances even if the grid fails.
In February 2025, we installed 24 solar panels and a 10.24 kWh Voltsmile W1 battery. This 9.84kWp system was designed to generate around 6,761.56 kWh per year and save over 16,800 kg of carbon emissions over its 30-year lifespan.
“We were looking to reduce costs and reduce our reliance on the grid. Running our business from our home was resulting in high energy bills.”
After consulting with several companies, the Allens chose SolarTherm UK due to the competitive price and 0% finance option. We asked them if they had any advice for others considering solar, and Mr Allen shared:
“Make sure you have all your information to hand, and that the advice you are given is consistent, companies will inflate estimates to get you to sign.”
As a Gold Member of EPVS, our energy production estimates are independently verified by a third party for accuracy. In many cases, our systems outperform expectations — saving customers even more than projected.
In the eight months since installation, the Allens’ system has exceeded expectations, producing 8.3MWh (SolarTherm UK estimated their system would produce 6.7MWh per year). They’ve already exported 3.69MWh back to the grid — earning an estimated £553.50 through the Smart Export Guarantee (based on a 15p per kWh rate).
Our forecasts predicted £1,490.92 in savings during year one, with a six-year payback period and an impressive 786% return on investment. Over its lifetime, the system is expected to save approximately £104,309, accounting for basic inflation and periodic inverter and battery replacements every ten years.
While their installation is still in its early stages, we’re thrilled to see how their system continues to perform over time and look forward to future updates. When asked if there was anything he wished he’d known before installation, Mr Allen added:
“I wish I’d known about anti-islanding and back up power. We wanted back up power for the house as we live in a rural area and have our small businesses running from the property.”
The Allens’ experience is a great example of how solar energy can deliver both financial savings and energy security – particularly for rural homes and businesses. Their upgraded system with EPS not only supports their daily operations but also provides peace of mind during outages. At SolarTherm UK, we’re proud to help homeowners like the Allens’ take control of their energy future with trusted, high-performing solar solutions.
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.
