SolarTherm UK completed this residential solar panel and battery storage installation in Sidcup, helping the homeowner generate renewable electricity, reduce reliance on energy from the grid and make greater use of the solar energy produced by their property.
The system combines 10 high efficiency Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W solar panels with a 5.12 kWh Voltsmile V5 battery, providing a total solar generation capacity of 4.50 kWp.
The Solar PV System
The installation consists of:
- 10x Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W solar panels
- 5.12 kWh Voltsmile V5 battery storage
The Aiko panels were selected for their high efficiency and modern N-Type technology, making effective use of the available roof space while providing reliable energy generation.
The addition of the Voltsmile V5 battery allows surplus electricity generated during periods of strong sunlight to be stored rather than exported to the grid. This stored energy can then be used later when the solar panels are producing less electricity, helping to increase the property’s self-consumption.
Reducing an Already Low Electricity Bill
One of the interesting aspects of this Sidcup installation is the property’s relatively low electricity annual consumption of around 3,056 kWh.
Before the solar and battery system was installed, the homeowner’s annual electricity cost was less than £1,000. With comparatively low energy usage, there is naturally less electricity for the solar PV system to offset against grid purchases.
This is an important consideration when looking at the financial return from a solar installation. The larger the proportion of a home’s electricity demand that can be replaced by self-generated solar energy, the greater the potential bill savings. Conversely, households with lower electricity consumption can see a longer payback period because there is less grid electricity being displaced.
| Predicted year 1 savings | £858 |
| Estimated payback period | 13 years |
| Predicted 30 year savings | £49,682 |
For this Sidcup property, the system has a predicted first year saving of £858, representing a significant reduction against the property’s previous annual electricity cost. The £858 first year predicted saving equates to approximately 92% of the property’s previous £932 annual electricity cost, demonstrating the potential impact of the system despite the home’s relatively low energy consumption.
**Actual electricity bills will vary depending on energy usage, tariffs, solar generation, export payments and household behaviour.
Why Is the Payback Period 13 Years?
The 13 year predicted payback period reflects the property’s lower than average electricity consumption rather than indicating poor system performance.
Solar PV systems generate electricity regardless of whether a home has high or low energy consumption. However, a household with lower electricity demand has fewer opportunities to use that generated electricity instead of purchasing power from the grid.
The battery helps address this by allowing surplus solar generation to be stored and used later, increasing the property’s use of its own renewable electricity. Battery storage is particularly useful where household demand does not perfectly coincide daylight solar generation.
This makes the Sidcup project a good example of why solar payback calculations should be based on the individual property’s electricity consumption rather than comparing systems solely by size or headline savings.
Long Term Financial Benefits
Although the initial payback period is longer than some higher consumption properties, the system is expected to continue delivering financial benefits well beyond its payback point.
Based on the installations projections, over a 30 year period, the installation is expected to provide almost £50,000 in cumulative savings. This estimated savings is based on current energy consumption levels, and will only increase if the homeowner’s energy consumption increases.
Making Better Use of Renewable Energy
The combination of solar panels and battery storage gives the homeowner greater control over how their electricity is generated and used. During daylight hours, the Aiko panels can generate electricity for the home. When generation exceeds immediate demand, surplus electricity can be stored in the Voltsmile V5 battery and used later rather than relying entirely on electricity from the grid.
This is particularly valuable because using solar energy within the home generally provides greater value than exporting the same electricity, making self-consumption an important factor in solar economics.
Solar Panels Installation in Sidcup
This Sidcup installation demonstrates that solar PV and battery storage can still provide a strong long term investment for homes even when they have relatively low electricity consumption.
With a 4.50 kWp Aiko solar PV system, 5.12 kWh Voltsmile V5 battery and £49,682 in predicted 30 year savings, the homeowner can generate more of their own renewable electricity while reducing their reliance on the grid.
The property’s lower electricity usage results in a 13 year predicted payback period, but the system is still forecast to deliver substantial long term savings over its lifetime.
Considering Solar Panels and Battery Storage for Your Home in Sidcup?
Contact SolarTherm UK 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.
