We recently completed a solar PV and battery storage installation for a homeowner in Basildon, Essex, helping them generate more of their own renewable electricity, reduce their reliance on the grid and significantly lower their household energy bills.
The installation combines 14 high efficiency Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W solar panels with a 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS battery storage system, providing a total solar capacity of 6.30 kWp.
The system was designed around the property’s estimated annual electricity consumption of approximately 4,248 kWh, with the solar array expected to generate around 5,129 kWh of clean electricity every year.
The Solar PV System
The homeowner chose a 6.30 kWp solar PV system consisting of:
- 14x Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W solar panels
- 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS battery storage
- Bird protection mesh
The Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar panels combine high power output with modern N-Type cell technology, making them well suited to homeowners looking to maximise solar generation from their available roof space.
The addition of a 9.4 kWh battery allows surplus solar electricity generated during the day to be stored and used later, helping the homeowner make greater use of their own renewable energy rather than exporting excess electricity to the grid.



Designed Around the Home’s Energy Consumption
Before installation, the property’s annual electricity consumption was estimated at approximately 4,248 kWh, based on information taken from the homeowner’s electricity bill.
SolarTherm UK calculated that the new solar PV system could generate approximately 5,129 kWh of electricity per year. This means the system is expected to generate more electricity annually than the property’s current estimated consumption. However, because solar generation varies throughout the day and across the seasons, the battery plays an important role in helping to maximise the amount of generated electricity that can be used within the home.
By storing excess daytime generation, the Hanchu ESS battery can help shift solar energy into the evening and other periods when household electricity demand is higher.
Bird Protection
As part of the installation, bird protection mesh was fitted around the solar panels. Solar panels can create an attractive sheltered space for birds, particularly pigeons, which can potentially lead to nesting and fouling underneath the panels. The mesh creates a physical barrier around the array while maintaining the appearance and performance of the installation.
Including bird protection at the time of installation provides the homeowner with additional peace of mind and helps protect the solar PV system from potential bird related issues. While bird protection can be retrofitted to an existing system, it is financially more beneficial to install bird protection alongside the original installation.
Projected Financial Benefits
The Basildon installation is predicted to provide significant long term financial benefits. The system has an estimated Year 1 saving of £1,103, with a projected payback period of approximately 8 years.
Over the minimum 30 year lifespan of the system, the installation is predicted to deliver approximately £89,710 in total savings.
These figures demonstrate the potential for soalr PV and battery storage to provide substantial long term savings, particularly as the system continues generating electricity for many years beyond its initial payback period.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Alongside reducing electricity costs, the installation will help the homeowner reduce their household’s carbon footprint. The system is predicted to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1.02 tonnes of CO₂ every year.
Over the expected 30 year lifetime of the system, this equates to a projected reduction of approximately 30.77 tonnes of CO₂. The annual carbon savings is equivalent to planting approximately 48 trees every year, demonstrating the wider environmental benefit of generating clean, renewable electricity at home.
System Summary
| Location | Basildon, Essex |
| System size | 6.30 kWp |
| Solar panels | 14x Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W |
| Battery storage | 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS |
| System protection | Bird protection mesh |
| Estimated annual consumption | 4,248 kWh |
| Estimated solar generation | 5,129 kWh |
| Predicted year 1 savings | £1.103 |
| Estimated payback period | 8 years |
| Predicted 30 year savings | £89,710 |
| Annual CO₂ reduction | 1.02 tonnes |
| 30 year CO₂ reduction | 30.77 tonnes |
| Equivalent to trees planted | 48 trees planted every year |
A More Energy Efficient Future for This Basildon Home
This Basildon installation demonstrates how combining solar panels with battery storage can provide both immediate and long term benefits for homeowner.
The 6.30 kWp Aiko solar array is expected to generate around 5,129 kWh of renewable electricity each year, while the 9.4 kWh Hanchu ESS battery provides valuable energy storage to help the homeowner make better use of their solar generation.
With predicated first year savings of £1,103, an estimated 8 year payback period and potential 30 year savings of £89,710, the installation represents a significant investment in the property’s future energy costs.
At the same time, the system is expected to prevent approximately 30.77 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over its lifetime, helping the homeowner reduce their environmental impact while generating clean, renewable energy at home.
Thinking About Solar Panels in Essex?
If you’re considering solar panels and battery storage for your home in Basildon, Benfleet, Laindon, Wickford or anywhere across Essex or the wider South East, SolarTherm UK can help. Our expert team can advise on solar PV, battery storage and the installation process, including all necessary paperwork, applications and certifications.
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.




