Patrick McMullan chose to install solar panels on his house. Here Peter McCarty of First Class Solar walks us through the system.
Patrick McMullan’s installation features a 14-panel photovoltaic (PV) system paired with a hybrid inverter. This setup allows him to use solar power efficiently while preparing for future battery storage upgrades.
The all-black panels were carefully positioned to maximise sun exposure and seamlessly blend with the home’s modern design.
The savings
With rising energy costs, this system is projected to produce 5,128kWh per year, saving the homeowner approximately £923 annually.
The system’s total cost was £4,800, which gives them a return on investment of just over five years.
It’s also expected to reduce the property’s carbon footprint by over 1.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, offering both financial and environmental benefits.
Battery ready
For this project, battery storage wasn’t initially installed, but the system is battery-ready. Batteries can enhance energy independence by storing excess power for night time use.
While upfront costs will be higher, they’re a valuable investment for those aiming to maximise self-consumption and protect against future energy price hikes.
We often get customers charging their batteries overnight on the cheaper Economy 7 or EV tariff, meaning they wake up through the winter months with batteries full of generally half price electricity.
Roof type
This installation was on a concrete tile roof, a common choice for self-builds. Each roof type, whether slate, tile, or metal, presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Our team ensures that every system is custom-designed for optimal performance, regardless of roof type.
Slate is typically the most expensive roof to install on, with tile and slate coming in several hundred pounds cheaper due to both a quick installation and cheaper roof mounting systems.
Regardless of the roof covering, all solar installations, when done correctly, will be 100 per cent waterproof and won’t be affected by strong winds.
