With this complete solar system installation in Melbourne, Derbyshire, the homeowner’s ambition was clear. He wanted to install an extensive solar system on an outbuilding to maximise the roof space and generate as much clean energy as possible.
But there was a catch. The local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) restricted the inverter size to just 3.68kW, under a G98 connection.
On paper, this could have meant scaling back the project dramatically. In practice, our installation team designed a system that complied with the rules and still delivered excellent generation, storage and flexibility for the future. Here’s how we did it…
Designing around constraints
The original plan called for 28 panels and a larger inverter. With the DNO restriction in place, our team reworked the design to make the most of the available capacity. The final system included:
- 16 JA Solar 450W bifacial double-glass panels (7.2kW total capacity)
- Sigenergy SigenStor EC 3.6SP inverter (3.68kW output)
- Sigenergy SigenStor BAT 10.0 battery (9.04kWh storage)
- Tigo optimisers to mitigate shading from nearby trees
This combination allowed the homeowner to keep a high panel count while staying within the inverter limit. The optimisers ensured that shading from surrounding trees didn’t compromise the system’s overall performance.
Making the most of every kilowatt
‘Clipping’, where the panels generate more power than the inverter can process, is one of the challenges with a restricted inverter. Usually, that excess energy would be lost. With the Sigenergy system, however, our installer enabled a feature called ‘feed-in priority’.
This setting diverts the ‘clipped’ energy into a storage battery, turning what would have been wasted into stored power for later use. In summer, when generation peaks, this makes a significant difference to the household’s self-consumption. In winter, the system switches seamlessly to charging the battery from solar generation or even from the grid on cheaper tariffs. For the homeowner, it means the system adapts to the seasons and ensures no opportunity is missed to capture value.
Another challenge was the distance between the outbuilding roof, where the panels were installed, and the main house. Fortunately, the property already had a substantial cable run in place from a previous renovation.
By reusing this infrastructure, our team avoided the disruption and cost of digging up a long tarmac driveway. Additional data cabling was installed through the existing ducting, linking the system to the home’s internet and enabling full monitoring and control through the Sigenergy app.
The result was a neat, compact installation that made the most of what was already available on site.
Smart integration with EV charging
The property already had a Hypervolt EV charger installed in the garage. A key requirement was to integrate this with the new solar and battery system without causing conflicts.
The Sigenergy controller monitors the EV charger as a third-party device, preventing the battery from discharging into the car when it isn’t needed. This avoids the common problem of the battery being drained to charge an EV, leaving less stored energy for the house. Better still, the system works in harmony with Octopus Intelligent tariffs, allowing the car to charge at low cost without interfering with the battery’s role in powering the home.
The homeowner now has a system that generates around 5,894kWh per year, stores nearly 10kWh at a time, and integrates seamlessly with their EV charging. But perhaps the most significant benefit is flexibility. The Sigenergy battery stack can be expanded if their energy use increases, something that often happens once households experience the freedom of solar. Many customers find themselves switching more appliances to electric, from induction hobs to immersion heaters, to make the most of their self-generated power. Starting with a system that can grow helps the homeowner avoid the risk of over-investing upfront while keeping the option to scale later.
A system that works with the grid
This project demonstrates how smart design can overcome regulatory limits. Instead of seeing the DNO restriction as a barrier, our installer used it as a framework to build a system that’s compliant, efficient and future-ready. The homeowner now benefits from:
- Reliable generation from high-quality JA Solar panels
- Intelligent battery storage that captures ‘clipped’ energy
- Seamless integration with their existing EV charger
- Long-term warranties for peace of mind
- A system that can adapt as their energy needs evolve
How can Electrical Innovations (Derby) Ltd help?
For rural properties where grid restrictions are common, this Derbyshire installation shows what’s possible. We combined thoughtful design with flexible technology to give the homeowner a system that delivers strong returns today and can grow with them tomorrow. It’s proof that even under tight constraints, solar and battery storage can be tailored to provide energy independence, savings and smarter use.
At Electrical Innovations, we specialise in solar panel installation, battery storage solutions and complete solar PV systems across Derbyshire and beyond. We pride ourselves on high-quality workmanship, expert advice and industry-leading aftercare.
So, whether you’re looking to cut energy costs, gain more independence from the grid, or invest in a greener future, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation solar quote.
