10.8 kWp Solar System with Battery Storage in a Conservation Area
Following a successful solar installation at the Chairman’s home, SolarTherm UK was recommended to deliver a renewable energy solution for Pembury Village Hall in Kent.
This project involved designing and installing a high-performance solar PV system with battery storage to reduce long term energy costs, improve sustainability and support the local community – while carefully adhering to conservation area restrictions.
It’s a strong example of how trust built through residential projects can extend into wider community impact.
System Specifications
- Location: Pembury, Kent
- Property Type: Village Hall (Community Building)
- System Size: 10.80 kWp
- Panels Installed: 24 x Aiko N-Type ABC Neostar 450W
- Inverter: LuxPower hybrid inverter
- Battery Storage: 10.24 kWh Voltsmile W1
- Installation Date: March 2026
The Challenge: Installing Solar in a Conservation Area
One of the primary challenges for this project was the building’s location within a designated conservation area, which introduced strict planning considerations. Key requirements included:
- Solar panels must not be visible from the public highway
- The installation must preserve the visual character of the building and surrounding area
This required a carefully considered design approach to balance compliance with performance.
Our Solution
Leveraging our experience from both residential and commercial projects – including the Chairman’s home installation – SolarTherm UK developed a tailored system that met all planning and performance requirements.
Key Solutions Included:
- Strategic panel placement on roof elevations not visible from public viewpoints
- Optimised system design to maximise generation within planning constraints
- Installation of high efficiency Aiko N-Type ABC panels to deliver strong output from a restricted layout
This ensured full compliance without compromising long term energy generation.
Safe Installation and Access
Safety and access were key considerations, particularly given the building type and location. We implemented professional scaffolding and access systems to protect the building and surrounding environment and ensure safe working conditions for our installation team. Choosing the right scaffolding system helped enable precise installation aligned with planning requirements, while ensuring the installation met the highest safety and compliance standards.
Performance and Financial Benefits
The completed system delivers strong financial returns for the village hall:
- First year savings: £2,158.98
- 30 year projected savings: £151,593.99
- Estimated payback period: 8 years
With the addition of battery storage, excess solar energy can be stored and used during peak times – maximising self-consumption and further reducing reliance on the grid. While battery storage does slightly increase the payback period of a system, it increases the long term projected savings significantly.
Supporting Community Sustainability
Village halls play a vital role in local communities but often face rising energy costs and limited budgets. This installation enables Pembury Village Hall to:
- Reduce operational energy costs
- Increase energy independence
- Lower carbon emissions
- Protect against future energy price increases
By adopting solar PV and battery storage, the hall is now better equipped for a sustainable future.
