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Project Overview
Stephen came to Spectrum Energy Systems with a clear goal: he wanted to become more self-sufficient and reduce his reliance on the grid. With monthly energy bills of £125 and genuine concern about rising electricity costs, he needed a solar solution that would deliver meaningful, long-term savings whilst giving him greater control over his energy usage.
Our team designed and installed a 7.2kW residential solar installation in Sherwood featuring 16 JA Solar 455W all-black panels paired with a 9.5kWh GivEnergy battery storage system. This combination now generates 7,505 kWh of clean energy annually, covering 80% of Stephen's energy requirements and reducing his monthly electricity bills from £125 to just £5.
What made this project particularly notable was the cable routing challenge. Another installer had visited the property, deemed the cable route too difficult for their engineers, and declined the work. With over 15 years of experience in residential solar installation, our team assessed the route and found it entirely manageable—a testament to the value of genuine expertise.
This Installation Is Ideal If You:
Want to reduce your reliance on the grid and gain energy independence
Are concerned about rising energy costs and want to lock in savings
Want access to smart energy tariffs like Octopus Intelligent Flux
Have been told your property is "too difficult" by other installers
The Challenge
This residential solar installation in Sherwood presented an interesting challenge that highlighted the difference between experienced installers and those who lack the technical know-how to handle non-standard situations.
Stephen had initially received a quote from Octopus Energy that matched our pricing. However, when their team visited the property for a site survey, they identified the cable routing as problematic and declined to proceed, stating the route was too difficult for their engineers to manage.
When our surveyors assessed the same property, we found a different story. Yes, the cable route required careful planning and execution, but with over 15 years of experience handling cable containment across hundreds of installations, this wasn't the insurmountable obstacle another company had suggested. Our engineers regularly encounter and overcome challenges that less experienced installers simply won't attempt.
Beyond the technical challenge, Stephen's primary concern was straightforward: monthly bills of £125 were eating into his budget, and with energy prices showing no signs of stabilising, he needed a solution that would protect him from future increases whilst moving towards genuine energy self-sufficiency.
Our Solution
We designed a comprehensive 7.2kW solar PV system tailored specifically for Stephen's energy usage patterns and his goal of maximising self-consumption. The system features 16 JA Solar 455W all-black panels, chosen for their excellent efficiency, sleek appearance on the roofline, and proven long-term reliability.
A key factor in Stephen's decision was his desire to access the Octopus Intelligent Flux tariff—a smart energy tariff that rewards homeowners with solar and battery storage through variable rates throughout the day. The GivEnergy equipment we specified is fully compatible with this tariff, allowing Stephen to export excess solar at peak rates and import cheap overnight electricity to charge his battery storage system.
The 9.5kWh GivEnergy battery paired with the 5kW hybrid inverter ensures that solar energy generated during the day can be stored and used during evening peak hours when grid electricity is most expensive. This combination maximises the financial return from every kilowatt generated.
The Renusol mounting system was selected for its secure fixing to pitched tile roofs without compromising the roof's weatherproofing integrity—essential for a system that will be in place for 25+ years.
Technical Specifications
📄 See the Full System Design
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Installation Process
The installation was completed in four days—a timeline that reflects both the complexity of the cable routing and our commitment to doing the job properly rather than rushing through. Every residential installation we complete follows the same rigorous process, regardless of whether it's a straightforward project or one with technical challenges.
Day one focused on scaffolding erection and preparing the cable route that had deterred the previous installer. Our electricians carefully planned the containment path, ensuring all cabling would be neat, protected, and compliant with current regulations. The experience our team brings from hundreds of similar installations meant we could approach this methodically and efficiently.
Days two and three saw the 16 JA Solar panels mounted using the Renusol system, with careful attention to weatherproofing at every fixing point. The split array configuration across two roof sections required precise alignment to maximise generation potential.
The final day was dedicated to completing all electrical work, including the GivEnergy hybrid inverter and 9.5kWh battery installation, system commissioning, and configuring the monitoring app so Stephen could immediately start tracking his generation and consumption. Our NICEIC-qualified electricians ensured everything was completed to the highest standards and registered with the relevant authorities.
Project Video
Take a look at Stephen's completed solar panel installation in Sherwood, showing the 16 JA Solar all-black panels neatly arranged across his pitched tile roof.
Results & Impact
The transformation in Stephen's energy situation has been remarkable. What was once a significant monthly expense has become almost negligible, with the combination of solar generation, battery storage, and smart tariff access delivering savings that exceeded even our initial projections.
Monthly Energy Bill Transformation
Key Results
The system has reduced Stephen's annual electricity costs from £1,500 to just £60—a staggering 96% reduction. With an estimated payback period of 7 years, the investment will continue generating essentially free electricity for another 18+ years after that, given the 25-year performance warranties on modern solar panels.
The GivEnergy equipment's compatibility with the Octopus Intelligent Flux tariff means Stephen can maximise value from every unit of electricity—whether that's using solar directly, storing it for evening use, or exporting excess at premium rates during peak demand periods.
Beyond the financial benefits, the installation saves approximately 3 tonnes of CO₂ annually, contributing to Stephen's goal of living more sustainably and reducing his environmental footprint.
For homeowners considering similar investments, our comprehensive guide to home solar panels provides detailed information on system sizing, battery storage options, and what to expect from the installation process.
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What Our Customer Says
Spectrum completed the installation that another company said was too difficult. Their engineers have real experience and it showed—what looked like a problem to others was handled without any issues. The system is working brilliantly and my bills have dropped from £125 to £5 a month.— Stephen Herring, Sherwood, Nottingham
Stephen's experience highlights a crucial difference between installers: genuine expertise versus limited capability. When another company declined the work, our team's 15+ years of experience with cable containment challenges meant we could deliver where others couldn't. This isn't unusual—we regularly complete installations that less experienced companies won't attempt.
Project Gallery
Common Questions Before Going Solar
"Another installer said my property is too difficult"
That's exactly what happened to Stephen. With 15+ years of experience, our engineers handle complex cable routes, awkward access, and challenging roof configurations that others decline. If you've been told "no" elsewhere, we'd welcome the opportunity to assess your property ourselves.
"Is battery storage worth the extra cost?"
For Stephen, absolutely. The 9.5kWh battery allows him to store daytime solar for evening use and access smart tariffs like Octopus Flux. This contributed to his 96% bill reduction. We'll advise honestly whether battery storage suits your usage pattern.
"Why choose Spectrum over larger companies?"
Larger companies often use subcontractors with varying experience levels. Our local Nottingham-based team completes every installation ourselves—no subcontractors. That's why we can handle what others can't and why our quality is consistent.
"What about ongoing maintenance?"
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but we offer health check and servicing packages for peace of mind. The GivEnergy app lets you monitor performance daily, and we're always here if you have questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most residential solar installations take between 2-5 days depending on system size and complexity. Stephen's 7.2kW installation in Sherwood was completed in 4 days, including all electrical work, battery installation, and commissioning. Properties with challenging cable routes or access requirements may take slightly longer, but we always provide a clear timeline before work begins.
Octopus Intelligent Flux is a smart energy tariff designed specifically for homes with solar panels and battery storage. It offers different electricity rates throughout the day, allowing you to export excess solar generation at premium peak rates and import cheap electricity overnight to charge your battery. GivEnergy systems are fully compatible with this tariff, helping you maximise the financial return from your solar investment.
Residential solar payback periods typically range from 6-10 years depending on system size, your energy usage patterns, current electricity costs, and whether you include battery storage. Stephen achieved a 7-year payback period with his 7.2kW system and 9.5kWh battery. After payback, the system continues generating essentially free electricity for another 18+ years.
Solar panels can be installed on most roof types including slate, tile, concrete, and flat roofs. We assess your roof's condition, orientation, pitch angle, and structural integrity during our free survey. Stephen's property featured a pitched tile roof which is ideal for solar panel installation using Renusol mounting systems that secure panels without compromising weatherproofing.
Complex cable routes don't deter us. With over 15 years of experience in cable containment across hundreds of installations, our engineers handle challenging routes that other companies decline. Stephen's property had a tricky cable route that another installer deemed too difficult—but our team completed it without any issues. If you've been told your property is problematic, we'd welcome the chance to provide a second opinion.
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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 options, and the installation process.
Explore the available incentives for homeowners including the Smart Export Guarantee, or learn about choosing the right solar panel for your specific requirements. Browse more examples of our work in our solar installation case studies.
