14kW Ground-Mounted Solar PV System Installation in Hitchin, UK
- Tom Clarkson
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Project Overview:
Location: Hitchin, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Project Type: Ground-Mounted Residential Solar PV Installation
System Size: 14kW
System Components:
28 x 510W Aiko All Black Solar Panels
1 x 12kW Sigenergy Hybrid Inverter
32kWh Sigenergy Battery Storage
Renusol Console Buckets for Ground Mounting
Installation Date: April 2024
Introduction
A homeowner in Hitchin approached Optimum Electrics with the goal of generating clean, independent energy while taking full advantage of the outdoor space on their property. Due to limited roof space and a desire for maximum system performance, a ground-mounted solar PV system was proposed and installed. The solution included 28 high-efficiency 510W Aiko all-black panels, a 12kW Sigenergy inverter, a 32kWh Sigenergy battery system, and a Renusol console bucket mounting system, offering a robust and scalable setup.
Client Goals
Reduce reliance on grid energy
Increase self-consumption and energy storage capacity
Avoid alterations to the existing roof
Make use of available land in a visually discreet and efficient manner
Design Considerations
Optimum Electrics designed a bespoke ground-mounted solution tailored to the client’s open land availability, local planning requirements, and energy goals:
High-Efficiency Aiko Panels: Selected for their performance and sleek all-black appearance to blend naturally into the landscape
Sigenergy System: A cutting-edge hybrid inverter and battery setup offering smart energy management, rapid charging, and future scalability
Ground Mounting with Renusol Console Buckets: A ballast-based mounting solution that provided a low-impact, flexible layout without the need for deep groundworks or concrete foundations
Installation Process
Site Survey & Planning: The property offered an ideal open space with consistent sunlight exposure. A full site survey assessed orientation, shading, and ground conditions. No major earthworks were needed thanks to the Renusol bucket system.
Ground Mount System Setup: 28 Renusol console buckets were strategically positioned to ensure optimal tilt and minimal shading. Ballast weights were added for wind protection.
Solar Panel Installation: The 510W Aiko panels were mounted onto the Renusol consoles and connected in string configuration to match the inverter's performance characteristics.
Inverter & Battery Installation: The 12kW Sigenergy inverter and 32kWh battery storage unit were installed in a secure, weather-protected location adjacent to the property, enabling full hybrid functionality and seamless energy flow.
Testing & Commissioning: The full system was tested for performance, safety, and connectivity. The client was provided with training on monitoring tools and the Sigenergy app.
Results & Benefits
✅ Energy Independence: The system now supplies a significant portion of the property's energy needs, with surplus power stored for night-time or cloudy-day use.
✅ Smart Energy Management: The Sigenergy system allows real-time control of solar generation, battery storage, and grid interaction, maximizing self-consumption and lowering electricity bills.
✅ Non-Invasive & Scalable Design: The ground-mounted setup was installed without heavy groundwork, preserving the land and allowing for future panel expansion if required.
✅ Sustainability:The homeowner now offsets a substantial amount of carbon emissions annually, contributing to a greener future.
✅ Future-Proofed for EV Integration: With ample storage and hybrid capacity, the system is ready to support electric vehicle charging as part of a complete energy ecosystem.
Conclusion
This 14kW ground-mounted solar PV system in Hitchin demonstrates how homeowners can harness underutilized outdoor space to generate clean, independent energy. Optimum Electrics delivered a future-ready, high-performance system tailored to the client’s goals—without compromising the landscape or aesthetics. Combining Aiko all-black panels, a Sigenergy inverter and battery setup, and Renusol’s smart mounting solution, the project sets a benchmark for rural and semi-rural residential solar installations in the UK.
Looking to install a solar PV system on your home or business premises? Contact our team today for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote and solar design.
01733 601698
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