Project Overview
Redhill Services recently completed a solar upgrade for a homeowner in Hellesdon who already had an existing solar PV system under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT). The customer wanted more power and was considering adding an air source heat pump, so we needed to design a solution that increased energy capacity without affecting their FIT payments.
Challenges
- The customer’s original solar panels were only 250W each, taking up significant roof space.
- They needed increased solar generation to prepare for additional energy demands, such as an air source heat pump.
- It was essential to retain eligibility for FIT payments.
- There was a pigeon infestation under the existing panels.
Our Solution
- Panel Upgrade: We removed the old 250W panels and replaced them with 500W panels, halving the number while freeing up roof space.
- Additional Panels: With the extra space, we installed 10 more panels on a separate inverter. This ensured the original FIT agreement remained unaffected.
- Battery Storage: We added 12kWh of battery storage, giving the customer greater control over their solar usage.
- Pigeon Prevention: Before installation, we removed old pigeon nests and waste. We then fitted bird blocker mesh from Dex, similar to gutter brush, to prevent future nesting under the panels.
Outcome
The homeowner now benefits from a 9kW solar PV system and 12kWh of storage, allowing for significantly improved energy self-sufficiency and readiness for future upgrades like electric heating. The bird blocker mesh provides lasting protection for the new system, and the customer continues to receive their FIT payments uninterrupted.
