In Barrow upon Trent, South Derbyshire, our customer wanted to embrace renewable energy but faced a unique challenge. Their property sat between conservation areas. That meant planning permission was required, and the system had to be designed with sensitivity to the surroundings.
Our solution was a bespoke solar and battery installation that combined discretion with power. Working closely with the customer and the local authority, and carefully selecting the right roof space, our team delivered a system that blends into the property while providing long-term energy independence.
Making the roof work harder
The chosen location was a flat roof at the rear of the property, invisible from the road and overlooking open fields. Space was limited, so the design had to be precise. Instead of a conventional landscape layout, the panels were installed in portrait orientation using a specialist flat roof kit.
This approach allowed the team to fit 18 JA Solar 500W panels, creating a 9kW array. At first glance, it looked as though only 11 panels would fit. But by rethinking the layout and using longer, higher-output modules, the system achieved far greater capacity.
The result is a discreet installation that produces around 7,992kWh per year. That’s enough to cover a significant share of the household’s electricity needs.
Power and storage on a large scale
To complement the solar array, the system includes a Sigenergy SigenStor EC 10.0SP inverter and a substantial 24.18kWh battery bank made up of three SigenStor BAT 8.0 units. This combination gives the homeowner the ability to store large amounts of solar energy for use in the evenings, overnight or during periods of low generation.
The Sigenergy platform is designed for flexibility. While this installation uses three batteries, the system can scale up to six in a single stack, and multiple stacks can be added if needed. That means the homeowner has plenty of room to expand as their energy use grows, whether that’s through adding a heat pump, switching more appliances to electric or charging additional EVs.
Whole-home backup and smart control
The Sigenergy Gateway is a standout feature of this project. It provides whole-home backup. In the event of a power cut, the property can continue running from the battery system, keeping essential appliances and lighting on without interruption.
The gateway includes a ‘smart port’, which allows integration with third-party devices such as EV chargers. In this case, the homeowner already had a Hypervolt charger installed. Connecting it through the gateway means the system can manage energy flows intelligently, preventing the battery from discharging into the car when it isn’t beneficial.
This integration is particularly valuable when using advanced tariffs like Octopus Intelligent, where the supplier can trigger charging at low-cost or even free periods. The Sigenergy system recognises these events and avoids conflicts, ensuring the homeowner gets the best value from their battery and their EV tariff.
Designed for today, ready for tomorrow
Adaptability is one of the key strengths of the Sigenergy ecosystem. If the homeowner decides to upgrade to a three-phase supply in the future, to support a heat pump or larger loads, for example, then the batteries remain compatible. Only the inverter would need to be swapped, protecting the investment already made.
This futureproofing gives the customer confidence that their system won’t be left behind as technology and energy use evolve. It also means the installation is not just a short-term solution but a platform for long-term electrification of the home.
Balancing tariffs and technology
Modern solar isn’t just about panels and batteries. It’s also about making the most of energy tariffs. Combining solar generation, large-scale storage, and an EV charger that works with intelligent tariffs enables the customer to reduce costs in multiple ways:
- Using stored solar power in the evenings instead of buying from the grid
- Charging the battery or EV at low-cost tariff periods
- Exporting surplus solar at times when the grid pays the best rates
The Sigenergy app brings all this together in one place, giving the customer clear visibility of how their system is performing and where their savings are coming from.
A discreet but powerful installation
This project shows that even in sensitive locations, it’s possible to install a high-capacity solar and battery system that respects planning requirements while delivering significant benefits. The customer now enjoys:
- 9kW of solar generation from discreet, high-output panels
- 18kWh of solar battery storage for round-the-clock energy use
- Whole-home backup for resilience during outages
- Seamless EV charging integration with tariff optimisation
- Futureproof design that can expand as needs change
How can Electrical Innovations (Derby) Ltd help?
Combining thoughtful design with advanced technology, this South Derbyshire installation demonstrates how solar can be both powerful and discreet. The system overcomes planning challenges, maximises limited roof space and provides the homeowner with energy independence, resilience and long-term value.
It’s a clear example of how renewable energy can be tailored to fit not just the property, but also the lifestyle and ambitions of the people who live there. So, if you’re thinking about solar for your home, why not give us a call?
At Electrical Innovations, we specialise in solar panel installation, battery storage solutions and complete solar PV systems. We pride ourselves on high-quality workmanship, expert advice and industry-leading aftercare.
Whether you’re looking to cut your energy costs, gain more independence from the grid or invest in a greener future, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more.
