Case Study: 8.16kW Solar PV, Battery Storage & Home Backup Installation

Project Overview
This project was designed to provide the homeowner with greater energy independence while ensuring their property remained protected during unexpected power outages. By combining high-efficiency solar panels, intelligent battery storage and a whole-home backup solution, Optimum Electrics delivered a renewable energy system that not only reduces electricity bills but also provides added resilience.
The installation features the latest AIKO Neostar 2S+ dual-glass solar panels, paired with the intelligent Sigenergy Home Energy System and a HomeMax Gateway, creating a future-ready solution that enables the homeowner to generate, store and manage their energy more efficiently.
System Overview
Project Detail | Specification |
System Size | 8.16kW |
Solar Panels | 16 × AIKO Neostar 2S+ 510W Dual-Glass ABC N-Type All Black Solar PV Panels |
Inverter | 1 × 8kW Sigenergy Single Phase Hybrid Inverter |
Battery Storage | 2 × 10kWh Sigenergy Battery |
Backup System | 1 × Sigenergy HomeMax Gateway |
Roof Mounting | Fastensol Solar Roof Mounting Kit |
Bird Protection | Bird Protection Meshing |
Access Equipment | Scaffolding |
Understanding the Customer's Requirements
The homeowner wanted a renewable energy system that would do more than simply generate electricity. Alongside reducing reliance on the National Grid and lowering energy bills, the installation was designed to provide battery storage for greater self-consumption and incorporate whole-home backup protection through the Sigenergy HomeMax Gateway.
This integrated approach ensures the property is equipped to make the most of the energy it generates while offering additional peace of mind during power outages.
Installation Process
Following a detailed site survey and bespoke system design, our installation team assembled scaffolding before installing the 16 AIKO Neostar 2S+ dual-glass solar panels using the Fastensol roof mounting system.
Once the solar array was complete, we installed the 8kW Sigenergy Hybrid Inverter, 10kWh Sigenergy Battery and HomeMax Gateway, creating a fully integrated home energy management system. The inverter intelligently directs electricity between the solar panels, battery, home and National Grid, while the HomeMax Gateway automatically detects a power cut and enables the battery to continue supplying power to the property.
To protect the installation and reduce future maintenance requirements, bird protection meshing was fitted around the perimeter of the solar array, helping to prevent birds from nesting beneath the panels.
As with every Optimum Electrics installation, the system was fully commissioned, tested and handed over with all relevant certification, warranties and guidance on monitoring performance through the Sigenergy app.

Why We Chose These Products
AIKO Neostar 2S+ Solar Panels
The AIKO Neostar 2S+ panels feature advanced ABC N-Type cell technology and a durable dual-glass construction, delivering outstanding efficiency, improved durability and excellent long-term performance. Their premium all-black finish also creates a sleek, contemporary appearance that complements modern homes.
Sigenergy Home Energy System
Sigenergy combines solar generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management into one seamless platform. Through a single intuitive app, homeowners can monitor energy production, battery levels and household consumption in real time, helping them maximise self-consumption and reduce energy costs.
Sigenergy HomeMax Gateway
The HomeMax Gateway adds another level of resilience by providing automatic backup power during grid outages. Rather than losing power completely, the homeowner can continue running selected or whole-home circuits using stored battery energy, making the property better prepared for unexpected interruptions to the electricity supply.
Results & Benefits
The completed installation now provides the homeowner with:
Lower electricity bills through self-generated renewable energy.
10kWh of battery storage for increased energy independence.
Whole-home backup capability during power outages with the HomeMax Gateway.
Greater self-consumption of solar energy throughout the day and evening.
Reduced maintenance thanks to bird protection meshing.
A premium all-black solar array that complements the property's appearance.
A future-ready renewable energy system built around the intelligent Sigenergy ecosystem.
Conclusion
This 8.16kW Solar PV and Battery Storage installation demonstrates how modern renewable energy systems can deliver far more than lower electricity bills. By combining AIKO Neostar 2S+ dual-glass solar panels, Sigenergy battery storage and the HomeMax Gateway, Optimum Electrics has created a smart, resilient energy solution that helps the homeowner generate, store and manage their own electricity while maintaining power during unexpected outages.
Whether you're looking to install solar panels, battery storage or a complete home backup solution, Optimum Electrics can design a bespoke renewable energy system tailored to your property, your energy usage and your future plans.
Optimum Electrics is MCS, NICEIC and HIES accredited and an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner. We design and install solar, battery storage and EV charging systems across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Cambridge, Bedford, Northampton and Leicester.
Thinking about solar for your home? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation site survey.
📧 enquiries@optimumelectrics.co.uk | 📞 01733 601698





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