Sutton Solar and Security

Case Study: Maximizing Energy Efficiency for a Small Business Homeowner

Client: Andy, Small Business Owner

Overview

Andy runs a small business from his home, a large Victorian semi-detached house with a south-facing frontage. Seeking to reduce his energy expenses for both his home and business, Andy wanted a solar solution that maximized efficiency and savings. His goals were to make use of excess solar to charge his family’s electric vehicles, to install a system that complemented the historic style of his home, and to add a layer of energy resilience for his business operations during power outages.

Challenge

Andy had several key requirements:

Maximize Energy Savings: Andy’s energy needs spanned his home, business, and electric vehicle charging, so he required a system that would deliver substantial savings.
Aesthetic Sensitivity: His Victorian semi-detached home had a historic look that he wanted to maintain, so the solar installation needed to be discrete and blend with the building's existing architecture.
Battery Storage for Demand Shifting: Andy wanted to benefit from cheap-rate electricity during the colder months, storing energy for use during peak times.
Backup Power for Business Continuity: Although power cuts were rare, Andy’s business was significantly affected when they did occur, so a backup power source was essential.

Solution

After a detailed consultation, Sutton Solar designed a custom solar installation that addressed each of Andy’s needs:

Discreet Solar Panel Integration: To maintain the aesthetic of the Victorian architecture, we used all-black JA Solar panels with inset roof mounting on the south-facing front. The panels were strategically positioned to capture maximum sunlight while blending seamlessly with the building’s original roofline.
Hybrid Inverter and Battery System: We installed a Sunsynk hybrid inverter paired with battery storage, enabling Andy to store solar energy generated during the day. This setup allowed him to leverage cheap-rate electricity at night, supporting demand-shifting to reduce overall costs.
Electric Vehicle Integration: The system was designed to manage excess solar energy by channeling it to the family’s electric vehicle chargers, maximizing the use of clean energy while further lowering household and business energy expenses.
Backup Power Capability: The Sunsynk system’s off-grid capabilities provided Andy with peace of mind, ensuring his business could continue during any unexpected power outages. The backup power function would automatically kick in, sustaining essential loads during outages to keep his business running.

Results

With Sutton Solar’s custom-designed solution, Andy is now experiencing significant energy savings while maintaining the historic charm of his home. The demand-shifting capabilities mean that even in winter, he benefits from lower energy costs, and his family’s electric vehicles are charged sustainably. Moreover, the backup power option ensures that his business remains operational, even during power cuts.

Case Study: Compact Solar Solution for an Environmentally-Conscious Homeowner

Client: Jon, Electric Vehicle Owner and Environmental Enthusiast

Overview

Jon lives in a modern, energy-efficient new-build home. Although his home was designed to minimize energy use, he wanted to take an extra step for the environment. With a newly purchased electric vehicle (EV), Jon was looking to install a solar system that would allow him to charge his car sustainably while maximizing his limited roof space. Given the space constraints on his new estate, he needed a compact system that would deliver efficiency without taking up more space than necessary.

Challenge

Jon’s main requirements included:

Compact Design: Space was at a premium on his roof, so he needed a system that could make the most out of a single roof face.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Jon’s goal was to use solar power to charge his EV, reducing his reliance on the grid.
Battery for Demand Shifting: With only limited solar power available, Jon wanted a battery that would allow demand shifting, enabling him to take advantage of lower electricity rates when solar generation wasn’t sufficient.

Solution

Sutton Solar crafted a tailored on-rail system that met all of Jon’s needs:

Maximized Roof Efficiency: We installed a compact on-rail solar panel system on a single roof face. Using efficient JA Solar panels, we ensured Jon could maximize his roof space and still achieve high energy production.
Single Battery Integration: To keep the system compact and affordable, we integrated a single Sunsynk battery. This allows Jon to store excess solar energy for demand shifting, letting him use stored power in the evening when rates are higher or when solar generation is low.
Seamless EV Charging: Jon’s system was optimized to direct excess solar power toward charging his EV, aligning with his goal to reduce carbon emissions and make sustainable use of his solar investment.

Results

Jon now enjoys the environmental and financial benefits of a compact solar system that meets his energy needs without sacrificing roof space. His EV is frequently charged using clean energy, and the battery storage enables him to keep energy costs down even during low-sunlight periods. This custom system has given Jon an effective, environmentally-friendly energy solution tailored perfectly to his modern lifestyle and space requirements.

Case Study: Rural Solar Solution for Grid Independence and Hot Water Heating

Clients: Andy and Jo, Rural Homeowners Seeking Grid Independence

Overview

Living in the countryside, Andy and Jo frequently face extended power outages, which disrupt their daily lives. They were looking for a solar system that would not only reduce their electricity costs but also provide reliable power during outages. Additionally, they wanted a way to make the most of any excess energy generated, especially for heating their hot water. After assessing their needs, Sutton Solar recommended the addition of a MyEnergi Eddi system to automatically divert surplus power to their water heater.

Challenge

Andy and Jo’s key needs were:

Grid Independence: Frequent power cuts made reliable, off-grid power essential for their household.
Efficient Use of Surplus Energy: They wanted to optimize solar energy usage, particularly for heating water to further reduce costs.
Multiple Arrays for Maximum Solar Gain: Their rural property allowed for two solar arrays, and they wanted to maximise energy capture from both locations—the house and the garage.

Solution

Sutton Solar designed a comprehensive system tailored to Andy and Jo’s requirements:

Dual Solar Arrays: We installed two separate solar arrays—one on the house and one on the garage—positioned to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day. This setup increased their energy generation capacity and improved overall system resilience.
Battery Storage and Grid Independence: With Sunsynk inverters and battery storage, their system can operate independently from the grid during power outages. This setup ensures that essential appliances and lighting continue to run without interruption, no matter how long the outage lasts.
MyEnergi Eddi for Hot Water Diversion: To further enhance energy efficiency, we installed a MyEnergi Eddi system. This device diverts excess solar power into heating their hot water, maximizing the use of available solar energy and reducing reliance on the grid. The system automatically directs surplus energy where it’s needed, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Results

Thanks to Sutton Solar’s tailored solution, Andy and Jo now enjoy a reliable and cost-effective power source that has already proven invaluable during recent outages. With grid independence, their household remains unaffected by local power cuts, and the Eddi system keeps their hot water supply heated using solar power. This setup has significantly lowered their energy costs while providing the peace of mind that they can rely on their system in any situation.

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