A measure of how efficiently a solar system converts sunlight into usable electricity. It’s the ratio of actual energy output to the system’s theoretical maximum output, as a percentage.
Return On Investment:
14.5%
The time it takes for a solar panel system’s energy savings to equal the initial installation cost. It’s calculated by dividing the total cost by annual savings from reduced energy bills.
Estimated Payback Period:
6 Years
The predicted amount of money a household or business saves on energy bills each month after installing a solar power system, based on energy production.
Estimated Monthly Bill Saving:
£141.08
The predicted amount of money a household or business saves on energy bills annually after installing a solar power system, based on energy production.
Estimated Annual Bill Saving:
£1,693
The total amount of money saved on energy bills over the entire lifespan of a solar system, accounting for installation costs and energy production.
Estimated Net Lifetime Bill Saving:
£30,904
System Overview:
The total capacity of a solar power system, measured in kilowatts (kW), which indicates how much electricity the system can produce under ideal conditions.
System Size:
8.14kW
How many photovoltaic modules (solar panels) were installed on this case study. PV modules are responsible for generating renewable energy from sunlight.
PV Modules:
22
Essential components in solar power systems that convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, for homes and businesses.
Inverters:
1 x 6kW
Devices that maximise the energy output of each solar panel by adjusting voltage and current, ensuring optimal performance even when some panels are shaded or underperforming.
Optimizers:
22
Batteries are used to store solar energy.
Batteries:
1 x 10kW
Predicted Impact:
The total amount of electricity a solar power system generates in a year, typically measured in megawatt-hours (MWh), based on the system’s size and sunlight exposure.
Annual Energy Production:
7,729kWh
The total direct current (DC) capacity of a solar power system, measured in kilowatts (kW), based on the combined output of all the solar panels under ideal conditions.
Installed DC Power:
8.14kWp
The highest amount of alternating current (AC) electricity a solar power system has produced at any given time, typically measured in kilowatts (kW), after conversion from DC.
Max Achieved AC Power:
6kW
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) a solar power system prevents from being released into the atmosphere each year by replacing electricity generated from fossil fuels, measured in tons.
Annual CO2 Emissions Saved:
1.49t
The number of trees needed to absorb the same amount of CO2 emissions that a solar power system prevents each year, illustrating the environmental benefit in tree terms.
Emily Mulliner, a director at Sunlit Solar, considered whether her home was suitable for solar installation. She aimed to lower her carbon footprint and energy bills while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of her home’s frontage. She also wanted to install a battery to support the electric aga during the evening when she cooked dinner.
Project Scope:
Installation of a 8.14kWp state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic (PV) system with a 10kW battery and car charging point.
Solution Implemented:
Sunlit Solar designed and installed a custom solar PV array for the back of the house, reducing the aesthetic impact of the installation whilst maximising energy generation.
Results Achieved:
Clean Energy Generation:
The installed solar PV system is projected to produce an estimated 7,729kWh of clean energy annually. Some of this is used to charge Emily’s electric vehicle.
Carbon Emissions Reduction:
The system expects to cut carbon emissions by 1.49 tons annually which is the equivalent of planting 69 trees!
Operational Efficiency:
By harnessing solar energy, Emily and her family will reduce their reliance on the Grid, lower their carbon footprint, and enjoy long-term savings.
