The installation of integrated solar panels on an existing house undergoing a full refurbishment is an increasingly popular approach to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while also saving money on utility bills. Integrated solar panels are the perfect option for homeowners looking to reap the benefits of solar power, while minimising the aesthetic impact on the house. With the roof tiles being replaced as part of this home’s refurbishment, it was the ideal opportunity to install integrated solar panels.
In this case study, we’ll be looking at the installation of integrated solar panels by Optimum Electrics on a house on the outskirts of Peterborough undergoing a full refurbishment.
Client Overview
Our client is a homeowner who has decided to undergo a full refurbishment of his house located in the outskirts of Peterborough. The house was built in the 1950s and has not been renovated since then. The primary goals of the renovation are to modernise the aesthetics of the home and create a new layout to better utilise the property’s generous footprint while creating more practical use of spaces for the homeowner. Improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the home was also a key goal during the planning of the renovation.
Project Overview
Optimum Electrics were involved in several elements of the refurbishment, including:
Lighting design and installation
Home automation system design
Home automation installation:
Motorised blinds
Lighting control
AV control
Wall tablets and remotes
Climate control
Video intercom
Solar regeneration system installation
Solar compatible EV charger installation
External audio
In this case study we will focus on the process of installing the solar generation system and the compatible EV charging point.
The solar PV system was designed to generate electricity for the home and sufficient charging of the homeowner’s electric vehicles. In order to maximise the home’s use of the solar energy generated from the solar panels, batteries were included in the property’s solar proposal.
Our team was able to advise on the installation of thirty solar panels on the south facing pitch of the roof in order to maximise the electricity that could be generated for the property.
Three batteries were also recommended in order to store and provide the correct amount of Kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the property’s energy usage based on their recent energy bills. The inclusion of batteries allows the homeowner to store the generated solar energy that isn’t instantly used and use it during periods when the solar panels are not generating any energy.
Zappi EV chargers were also proposed in order to be fully compatible with the electricity generated from the solar panels, enabling the homeowner to utilise solar energy to charge his electric vehicles, further reducing his energy bills and reliance on the grid.
Installation Process
The installation of the solar panel system began after the old roof was removed. There was no need to alter the structure of the roof beneath the tiles. The tiles were simply removed to expose the felt and batten roof before the installation team mounted the trays onto the existing structure. From here, the solar panels were securely mounted into the trays and all wiring connected before the new roof tiles were fitted around the solar panels by the roofers to create a flush finish.
The three solar batteries were discreetly installed in a separate building which also houses the solar inverter and other integral utilities. All connecting wiring has been discreetly buried to ensure both safety and a seamless finish.
The Myenergi Zappi EV charger was installed on the external garage wall and connected to the solar PV system to ensure excess solar generated electricity is diverted to the homeowner’s vehicle for charging instead of being exported back to the grid, allowing them to charge their EVs with zero-carbon electricity for free.
Results
System size: 11.25 kWp
Annual output: 11.12 MWh
Annual CO2 emissions savings: 2.59 t
Annual savings: £2,942
Estimated payback period: 7.2 years
Equivalent trees planted: 119
Conclusion
The installation of an integrated solar panel system on an existing house undergoing a full refurbishment is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and save money on utility bills. In this case study, we have demonstrated how our team successfully installed a solar panel system on a house undergoing a full refurbishment, resulting in significant energy savings and a more sustainable home for our client.
Looking to install a solar PV system on your home or business premises? Contact our team today for expert advise and a free, no obligation quote and solar design.
01733 601698