Sunshine and Storage
Sycamore Grove, Southend-on-Sea
Pre-Installation Challenges
When Mr and Mrs Webber contacted Stag Solar, they were enthusiastic about transitioning to a greener lifestyle by integrating solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging into their daily lives. The initial consultation revealed several challenges:
Outdated Electrical System: The Webber's home had an outdated electrical panel that was not equipped to handle the additional load of a solar PV system and an EV charging station.
Space Limitations: The available space on their roof was limited due to an existing extension, which made optimal placement of solar panels critical.
Aesthetic Concerns: The Webbers were also concerned about the visual impact of the installations on their beautiful home.
Planning and Design
Led by project manager Dave and technical lead Rachel, the Stag Solar team devised a tailored solution. The plan included:
System Specifications: A 5kW SolarEdge system was selected for its high efficiency and compatibility with enhanced energy monitoring. For the EV charging station, a Fronius charger was chosen for its reliability and advanced features.
Electrical Upgrade: The outdated electrical panel was upgraded to a modern unit with higher capacity and enhanced safety features.
Roof Layout Design: Given the limited space, our design team used advanced software to simulate various panel arrangements to maximize solar exposure while maintaining the home’s aesthetic integrity.
Installation Process
The installation was scheduled over three days to minimize disruption to the Webber's daily activities. Day one focused on the electrical upgrades, including replacing the old panel and installing new wiring to support the increased energy demands. Safety checks were rigorously performed to ensure everything was up to current standards.
On day two, the solar panels were installed. The team faced a challenge with the roof’s uneven surface, but with custom mounting brackets, the panels were securely and aesthetically placed. The SolarEdge system's inverter was connected to the home’s power system, allowing detailed energy production monitoring from any smart device.
The final day was dedicated to the EV charging station setup. The Fronius charger was installed near the driveway for easy access. Special attention was given to integrate the charger with the home’s exterior, using discreet conduits and matching the home's color scheme.
Post-Installation Review
After the installation, the Stag Solar team conducted a thorough review with Mr and Mrs Webber to ensure they were comfortable with the new systems. They were also given a detailed demonstration of how to monitor their solar production and manage their EV charger via smartphone apps.