Case Study: 8.37kW Solar PV, 18kWh Battery Storage and Solar Power Diversion - Spalding, Lincolnshire
Project Overview
This homeowner wanted a high-performance renewable energy system that would allow them to generate, store and make better use of their own electricity.
With a large south-east-facing roof available, Optimum Electrics designed a bespoke 8.37kW solar PV system comprising 18 high-output DMEGC Solar panels. The system was paired with 18kWh of Sigenergy battery storage, allowing surplus electricity generated during the day to be stored and used when the panels are producing less energy.
An Eddi solar power diverter was also installed, enabling surplus solar electricity to be redirected towards heating the homeowner’s hot water rather than being unnecessarily exported to the National Grid.
The result is a complete home energy solution designed to increase solar self-consumption, reduce electricity bills and provide the homeowner with greater control over how their renewable energy is used.
System Overview
Component | Specification |
System Size | 8.37kW |
Solar Panels | 18 × DMEGC Solar Infinity RT 96 465W Solar PV Panels |
Roof Orientation | South-east facing |
Optimisers | 8 × Tigo TS4-A-O Optimisers |
Inverter | 1 × 8kW Sigenergy Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter |
Battery Storage | 2 × 9kWh Sigenergy Batteries - 18kWh total capacity |
Solar Power Diversion | 1 × Eddi Solar Power Diverter |
Electrical Upgrade | Consumer unit upgrade with surge protection device |
Roof Mounting | Fastensol Solar PV Roof Mounting System |
Bird Protection | Bird Protection Meshing |
Installation Process
Following a detailed site survey and bespoke system design, scaffolding was erected to provide our installation team with safe access to the south-east-facing roof.
We installed 18 DMEGC Solar Infinity RT 96 panels using the Fastensol roof mounting system, creating an 8.37kW solar array. The panels were carefully positioned to make effective use of the available roof space and maximise the property’s renewable energy generation.
Eight panels were fitted with Tigo TS4-A-O optimisers, allowing those modules to operate independently and helping to minimise the effect that differences in individual panel performance could have on the wider array.
Inside the property, we installed an 8kW Sigenergy Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter alongside two 9kWh Sigenergy batteries. With a combined capacity of 18kWh, the batteries allow surplus daytime generation to be stored and used during the evening, overnight or whenever household demand exceeds the electricity being generated by the panels.
An Eddi solar power diverter was also incorporated into the system. When the solar panels are producing more electricity than the home and batteries require, the Eddi can redirect available surplus energy towards heating the property’s hot water.
A consumer unit upgrade incorporating surge protection was completed as part of the electrical works, providing additional protection for the installation and connected equipment.
Finally, bird protection meshing was fitted around the solar array to prevent birds from nesting beneath the panels, helping protect the system and reduce future maintenance requirements.
Once the installation was complete, the system was fully tested and commissioned. The homeowner was then shown how to monitor solar generation, household consumption and battery storage through the system’s intelligent monitoring platform.
Why We Chose These Products
Solar Array
The installation features 18 DMEGC Solar Infinity RT 96 465W panels, providing a total system capacity of 8.37kW.
Their high individual output allowed us to create a substantial residential solar array using the available south-east-facing roof space. This provides the homeowner with strong renewable energy generation throughout the day while maintaining a neat and uniform finish across the roof.
Panel-Level Optimisation
Eight Tigo TS4-A-O optimisers were incorporated into the system to provide panel-level optimisation where required.
If an optimised panel is affected by shading, dirt, debris or differing conditions, it can operate independently rather than unnecessarily limiting the performance of the wider solar array.
Inverter and Battery Storage
An 8kW Sigenergy Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter manages the system, paired with two 9kWh Sigenergy batteries providing 18kWh of total battery storage.
Excess solar generation can be stored in the batteries for use when the household needs it, helping the homeowner avoid purchasing as much electricity from the National Grid during more expensive periods.
The intelligent Sigenergy platform also allows the homeowner to monitor solar generation, household consumption and battery charge levels from one easy-to-use app.
Solar Power Diversion
The Eddi solar power diverter adds another level of energy efficiency to the installation.
Once household demand has been met and the batteries have been charged, available surplus solar electricity can be redirected towards heating hot water. This allows the homeowner to make greater use of the electricity generated by the solar panels rather than simply exporting it to the grid.
Fastensol Roof Mounting System
The Fastensol mounting system provides a secure, reliable and long-lasting fixing solution for the solar panels while maintaining a clean finish across the roof.
Bird protection meshing was also installed around the perimeter of the array to prevent nesting beneath the panels and protect the installation over the long term.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how solar panels, substantial battery storage and intelligent power diversion can work together to help a household use more of the renewable electricity it generates.
Whether you are considering solar panels, battery storage or a fully integrated home energy system, our team can design a bespoke solution that works for your property, your energy consumption and your plans for the future.
Optimum Electrics is MCS, NICEIC and HIES accredited and an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner. We design and install solar panels, battery storage and EV charging systems across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, 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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