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Case Study - Cranham - Cotswolds
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Cranham - Cotswolds

Detached 6-Bedroom primary dwelling moves to solar energy.

Background

Our client, a homeowner of a large detached 6-bedroom property, wanted to reduce their dependence on an oil-fuelled auxiliary boiler and two 7.4kW air source heat pumps (ASHP). Their home also faced an annual electricity bill of more than £10,000. In order to tackle these issues, the client was looking for a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.

Challenges

The project came with several challenges. These included a limitation imposed by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) on energy export of 5kW. This constraint meant that they needed a fast-track connection using two 5kW inverters under a “connect and notify” approach. A large battery setup was essential due to the aim of maximising self-consumption and ensuring efficiency.  

The property presented obstacles. It was a split site with two solar arrays located over 100 metres apart. Connectivity between these arrays and the service head was another hurdle and required a hardwired data connection that spanned over 35 meters. A strategic configuration of inverters and batteries was also needed to prevent clipping and to maximise energy efficiency.

The solution

We recommended that the client chose a system featuring SolarEdge products due to their market-leading ability to handle up to 200% oversizing. This allowed for an oversized solar array without risking significant power clipping. We suggested that two 5kW inverters were installed, with one serving as the master unit responsible for exporting energy, and the other (the follower) focusing on charging the batteries.

The system incorporated 10kW DC-coupled batteries with each inverter to maximise efficiency. This configuration ensured that energy could be sent to the batteries before conversion from generated DC to useable AC to reduce energy losses. We also implemented a hardwired data connection over 35 meters to maintain reliable site connectivity.

The Results/Stat

The system offered numerous benefits. The SolarEdge system demonstrated a market-leading round-trip efficiency of 97.8%, and the REC solar panels used in the project are amongst the best the market has to offer. These features, combined with careful planning, led to significant cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.

During peak production and low consumption periods, the property was able to generate up to 100% of the energy it needed from its solar arrays, achieving an annual self-sufficiency rate of 40-60%. The careful sizing and pairing of solar arrays with inverters minimised energy clipping to under 4%. This efficient system delivered a substantial reduction in the property’s annual energy bills.

The outcome

The client achieved their goal of reducing their dependence on oil and lowering electricity costs by transitioning to a solar energy system with effective battery storage and strategic inverter placement. This case study shows how solar energy solutions to meet and exceed the energy goals of large residential properties.

Technology used