Could Your Home Achieve Similar Results?
- Free home survey & system design
- Personalised savings forecast
- No-obligation quote within 48 hours
Project Overview
Gail and Andy's Papplewick bungalow has significant electricity demands—an air source heat pump, two electric vehicles, and various large electrical appliances. With annual electricity consumption exceeding 12,000 kWh and monthly bills sometimes topping £300, they approached Spectrum Energy Systems seeking genuine energy independence.
Our team designed and installed a 12kW residential solar installation in Papplewick featuring 24 Longi 505W all-black panels paired with a substantial 20kWh GivEnergy battery storage system. The result has been transformative: electricity bills have dropped by 84%, with one recent bill coming in at just £8.75 for the entire month—including EV charging.
As an MCS certified and NICEIC approved installer with over 14 years of experience in domestic solar installations, we designed a system specifically sized to match this household's high energy demands, including a critical feature many homeowners overlook: whole house backup capability.
This Project Is Ideal If You Have:
One or more electric vehicles to charge at home
An air source heat pump or other high-draw appliances
High electricity consumption (over 8,000 kWh/year)
A desire for energy independence and security
The Challenge
Homes with high electricity consumption present the greatest opportunity for solar savings—but also require careful system sizing to make a real impact. With an air source heat pump, two electric vehicles charging regularly, and various large electrical appliances, Gail and Andy's annual consumption exceeded 12,000 kWh.
At electricity bills sometimes exceeding £300 per month, a standard 4kW domestic system simply wouldn't have delivered meaningful savings. They needed a larger system specifically designed to match their consumption patterns and maximise self-use of generated solar power.
Beyond the financial considerations, there was another requirement: resilience. Having invested in an air source heat pump and electric vehicles, Gail wanted protection against power cuts. The solution needed to provide not just savings, but security when the grid goes down.
Our Solution
We designed a high-capacity 12kW solar system using 24 Longi 505W all-black panels. Longi panels were selected for their excellent efficiency, proven reliability, and sleek appearance that complements the property's aesthetic. The all-black design creates a uniform, modern look across the bungalow's generous roof space.
The heart of the system is a GivEnergy 12kW inverter paired with 20kWh of GivEnergy battery storage. This substantial battery capacity was essential given the household's consumption patterns—it ensures that solar energy generated during the day can power evening EV charging and general household needs well into the night.
The standout feature of this installation is the automatic changeover switch (ACS). When the grid fails, this system automatically switches the entire home to battery power within milliseconds—so seamlessly that you might not even notice a power cut has occurred. For a household reliant on electricity for heat pump operation and EV charging, this provides invaluable peace of mind during storms or grid maintenance.
Technical Specifications
Have EVs or High Electricity Usage?
High-consumption households benefit most from solar. Let us design a system sized for your actual energy needs.
Installation Process
The installation was completed in five days—efficient progress for a system of this size and complexity. The bungalow's roof presented an ideal working environment with excellent access and ample space for the 24-panel array.
Our team began by erecting scaffolding for safe roof access, then installed the mounting rails across the pitched tile roof. The Longi panels were positioned to maximise solar exposure whilst maintaining the clean aesthetic that all-black panels provide. Each panel was securely fixed and wired into the system.
The GivEnergy 12kW inverter and 20kWh battery system were installed inside the property, connected to the main consumer unit. The automatic changeover switch required careful integration with the existing electrical infrastructure to ensure seamless switchover during power cuts.
Throughout the process, Charlie from our team kept Gail and Andy informed, answering their questions and helping them understand how the system works. Our expert installation approach ensures every customer feels confident in their new system from day one.
Completed Installation
The finished 12kW solar array demonstrates how high-capacity residential systems can be installed attractively on a standard bungalow roof. The all-black Longi panels create a sleek, uniform appearance whilst generating over 11,000 kWh of clean electricity annually.
Results & Impact
The transformation in Gail and Andy's energy bills has been remarkable. From monthly payments sometimes exceeding £300, they've seen bills drop to single figures—with one recent bill coming in at just £8.75 for the entire household, including EV charging.
Key Results
The system now covers 73% of the household's substantial energy needs—impressive given their 12,000+ kWh annual consumption from the heat pump, two EVs, and everyday appliances. The 20kWh battery enables strategic energy use, storing cheap overnight electricity to supplement solar generation and maximise savings.
Beyond the immediate savings, Gail notes that the investment represents better returns than leaving money in the bank. The system is projected to pay for itself in 7 years, after which it continues generating free electricity for 25+ years. They've also seen an increase in their property value—a growing consideration for buyers as energy costs rise.
For homeowners considering a similar investment, our comprehensive guide to home solar panels explains how to maximise your return on investment.
See What Solar Could Save You
Every home is different. Get a personalised savings forecast based on your actual consumption and roof space.
What Our Client Says
I had two quotes and went with Charlie. He kept in touch and followed up with all my queries and getting to understand how everything works. Fitting the panels and equipment was very straight forward. My last bill for the house was £8.75 and that is for the whole house, charging a car too. Buying electricity at cheap prices to top the battery to full capacity. The initial lay out is actually better sat on my roof than in the bank. I save more than I would get on interest. A great company to deal with.— Gail Liley, Papplewick (Google Review)
Gail and Andy were wonderful customers to work with—friendly, engaged, and keen to understand their new system. We're delighted they chose Spectrum and that they're now enjoying the benefits of a top-specification solar array installed to the highest standards.
Project Gallery
Common Questions Before Going Solar
"Is a 12kW system too big for a house?"
Not for high-consumption homes. With EVs adding 3,000-4,000 kWh annually and heat pumps drawing significant power, larger systems make perfect sense. We size every system to your actual consumption—no point installing more than you can use.
"What happens during a power cut?"
With a standard solar system, nothing—your panels switch off for safety. With an automatic changeover switch like Gail's, your home switches instantly to battery power, keeping everything running until the grid returns.
"Will 20kWh of battery storage be enough?"
For most households, absolutely. 20kWh can power an average home for 12-24 hours depending on usage. Combined with smart tariffs that charge batteries overnight at cheap rates, it's more than sufficient for daily needs.
"7 years seems like a long payback?"
For a system with 20kWh battery storage and whole house backup, 7 years is excellent. The panels will generate for 25+ years, the battery for 10-15 years. After payback, you're getting free electricity—and protection against future price rises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homes with high electricity consumption—from EVs, heat pumps, or large appliances—are ideal candidates for solar PV. This Papplewick installation achieved an 84% reduction in electricity bills by combining a 12kW solar array with 20kWh battery storage. The key is sizing the system to match your consumption patterns—this home used over 12,000 kWh annually, so required a larger-than-average system to make a real impact.
An automatic changeover switch (ACS) provides whole house backup during power cuts. When the grid fails, the system automatically switches to battery power, keeping your entire home running—including essential systems like refrigeration and lighting. It's particularly valuable for homes that want energy security during storms or grid maintenance. Without an ACS, a standard solar system switches off during power cuts for safety reasons.
Most residential solar installations take between 2-5 days depending on system size and complexity. This 12kW installation with 20kWh battery storage was completed in 5 days, including all electrical work, battery installation, and commissioning. Simpler systems without batteries typically complete in 2-3 days. We always minimise disruption and leave your property clean and tidy.
Absolutely. This Papplewick homeowner charges two electric vehicles from their solar system. By timing EV charging during peak solar generation (typically 10am-4pm) or using stored battery power, you can significantly reduce or eliminate EV running costs. Smart chargers can be programmed to prioritise solar power automatically. Our guide to smart EV charging at home explains the options available.
Payback periods for residential solar with battery storage typically range from 6-10 years depending on system size, electricity consumption, and how much solar energy you use directly. This Papplewick installation has an estimated payback period of 7 years. After payback, the system continues generating essentially free electricity for 25+ years, with panels typically retaining 80%+ efficiency even after 25 years of operation.
Ready to Transform Your Energy Bills?
Join homeowners like Gail who are cutting electricity costs by 84% or more. Get a bespoke solar assessment with savings projections tailored to your home and energy usage.
Learn More About Home Solar
If you're considering a residential solar installation for your home, our comprehensive resources can help you understand the process, benefits, and what to expect. Read our complete homeowner's guide to solar panels for detailed information on system sizing, battery storage options, and the installation process.
Browse more examples of our work in our solar installation case studies, or learn about financial incentives available for homeowners including the Smart Export Guarantee and VAT relief on solar installations.
