Domestic Solar Case Study

A Case Study on a Domestic 5 kW Solar PV and 9.5 kWh Battery Storage System

Introduction

In recent years, the demand for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems coupled with battery storage has surged as homeowners seek to reduce rising energy costs and increase energy independence. This case study delves into the installation and performance of a 5 kW solar PV system with battery storage in a domestic household.

Client Background

The client lives with their large family who reside in the Thorney area, near Peterborough expressed an interest in reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint. They run a business from home and they are quite heavy electricity users.

Project Scope

The project aim was to design and install a 5kW solar PV system coupled with a battery storage solution capable of providing free green energy to the home day and night. The system was tailored to the household’s energy consumption patterns, taking into account their daily usage, peak demand times and budget. The PV system was to be a roof mounted system and to be installed on the remote office/gym tiled roof with the battery to be installed internally in the gym office area complying with the latest PAS 63100:2024 specification.

Installation Process

• Site Assessment: A thorough assessment of the property’s chosen roof structure, orientation, shading, and available space was conducted by us to determine the optimal placement for solar panels. The existing electrical installation was assessed to make sure it was suitable for the new solar and battery storage system to be added to it. A Wi-Fi signal strength test was carried out in the area where the inverter would be positioned as the equipment needs to be connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network to allow the inverter to send the data to the cloud and enable the customer to view and monitor the systems performance and edit any relevant control settings as required. 
• System Design: Based on the assessment, a 5.81 kW hybrid solar PV system comprising of 14 high-efficiency 415w solar panels was designed using solar PV design software. Additionally, a compatible battery storage solution was integrated into the system utilising a 9.5 kWh battery to store excess energy generated during the day for later evening /night time use or to just top up the solar generation to meet the homes demand.
• Once the solar design was complete that allowed us to carry out the relevant DNO application to suit the installation.
• Installation: Our team of experienced solar technicians installed the solar panels on the roof using a suitable roof mounting system and connected the DC wiring to the new hybrid inverter, then connected the ac output of the inverter to household’s electrical system. The battery storage unit was strategically installed in a suitable location, ensuring efficient operation and to ease maintenance in the future.
• Commissioning: After installation, the system underwent rigorous testing and commissioning to ensure all components were functioning seamlessly and safely. A customer handover was carried out to ensure he was aware of all of the important aspects of the system and the mobile app.

System Components

• Solar PV Panels: High-efficiency 415 W JA solar panels capable of generating 5.81 kW of electricity under optimal conditions were installed on the roof.
• Inverter: A Givenergy grid-tied 5kw hybrid inverter was used to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity for use in the household and to facilitate net metering.
• Battery Storage: A lithium-ion battery storage system with a capacity of 9.5 kWh was integrated to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during periods of low sunlight or to just top up the solar generation to meet the homes demand.
• Monitoring System: The Givenergy monitoring system was used to track energy production, consumption, and battery storage levels in real-time, providing the homeowners with insights into their energy usage patterns. It also gives the customer a level of control over the system via the mobile app or the web based portal. 

Performance and Benefits

• Energy Savings: The solar PV system significantly reduced the household’s reliance on grid electricity, resulting in substantial savings on energy bills.
• Energy Independence: With the addition of battery storage, the household gained greater energy independence by being able to store excess solar energy for use during low sunlight hours or peak demand times.
• Environmental Impact: By generating clean, renewable energy from the sun, the system contributed to reducing the household’s carbon footprint and mitigating environmental impact.
• Reliability: The battery storage system is provided with a 12 year warranty to give the customers peace of mind, if there were to be any technical issues with the equipment. 
• Return on Investment (ROI): Although the initial investment for the system installation was significant, the combination of energy savings, incentives, and potential revenue from excess energy exported to the grid promised a favourable ROI over the system’s lifespan.

Conclusion

The installation of a 5kW solar PV system with battery storage has transformed the domestic household into a more energy-efficient and resilient home. By harnessing the power of the sun and integrating advanced battery storage technology, the homeowners have not only reduced their energy bills but also gained peace of mind knowing they have reduced their carbon foot print. As the transition towards renewable energy continues to accelerate, solutions like these showcase the immense potential for residential solar and storage systems to drive sustainable living while enhancing energy security.