Project Summary: Solar PV and Battery Storage
- Client: Homeowners in the area of Mountcastle in Edinburgh (EH8).
- Task: 16x solar panels & battery storage installation.
- Outcome: Savings on annual electricity bills and improved long-term return on investment (ROI).
- Installation cost: The cost for installation of this 7.2 kWp solar gain and 13.72 kWh battery storage system is £13,000.
- Payback period: Around 9 years, with anticipated savings over 25 years of £39,000 based on today’s electricity rates.
The customer aim was to cut energy costs and export surplus energy to offset winter gas bills
The homeowners, living in a 1980s property in Edinburgh’s Mountcastle area (EH8), were seeking a reliable, long-term solution to reduce their electricity bills.
They were keen on a renewable energy system that would maximise solar power generated, store any excess energy, export surplus energy and decrease reliance on the grid. Their long-term goal was to eliminate gas from their property and transition to fully electric heating, while future-proofing their home for evolving energy demands.
Fitting solar panels on a 45-year-old pitched roof
Miller Homes built many homes of this style and design in and around Edinburgh during the 1980s.
One challenge with these properties is that the roofs are original, which can mean repairing or replacing damaged tiles part of the solar installation process.
We conducted a thorough survey, using our drone to capture detailed images highlighting any issues, damage, or areas requiring attention.
This particular roof was in excellent condition, especially considering its age.
These roofs are often some of the best to work on due to their original design and how securely the tiles are fixed in place.
Designing the solar system to fit the customer needs
Our customers, Gary and Karen said they had previously had some reservations about their roof age and whether a solar installation was even possible. After surveying the roof our answer was clear – yes, it can be done!
We recommended utilising both sides (East and West facing) for optimal solar generation. We proposed installing 16 high-efficiency 450W panels, which together provide a total of 7.2 kW of solar PV capacity.
To complement the new solar installation, we also recommended a substantial 13.7 kW battery storage solution, giving them the ability to store energy for their own use.
We calculated their potential cost savings and forecasted how much energy they could export during the summer months.
Gary and Karen were thrilled with the proposed solution and happily accepted the quote, scheduling the installation with confidence.
Installing solar panels on the pitched roof
The beautiful view of Arthur’s Seat provided a stunning view while our engineers installed the solar panels.
To secure the panels, we used the trusted K2 mounting system, a solution our team is very familiar with and loves to work with.
We equipped each solar panel with optimisers to increase energy generation. This ensures each panel to operates at its optimal efficiency, ensuring that shading or variations in sunlight exposure don’t affect performance.
Unlike traditional systems where the output of a single under performing panel can drag down the whole array, optimisers allow every panel to perform at its best, boosting overall energy production and ensuring greater system reliability.
We routed the DC cabling from the panels into the attic, then installed an external conduit along the side of the house to the inverter.
This approach ensured the installation remained as tidy and discreet as possible, maintaining a clean and organised appearance.
Installing the solar battery storage
We installed and integrated a powerful 13.72 kWh solar battery storage system.
This battery storage will enable the homeowner to capture and store excess solar energy generated throughout the day, providing a reliable source of power during the evening or on cloudy days when sunlight is limited.
We installed the necessary cabling, including an EV ultra-armour cable, running it to the customer’s consumer unit to provide power to the inverter.
We also connected the communication cable to an EM112 smart meter, which acts as the system’s control centre, enabling communication between the solar panels, battery, inverter, and the mains supply.
This integration ensures the system knows when to draw power from solar energy, the battery, or a mix of both alongside grid power.
DC isolators were also installed to ensure safe isolation for any future maintenance work that may be required.
Data cabling to increase system reliability and customer handover
Additionally, we ran a data cable from the inverter to the customer’s router. This direct connection eliminates potential Wi-Fi issues and ensures the system remains online, allowing it to operate at peak performance.
Afterwards, we connected the DC cabling to the inverter, tested all circuits and cables, and completed the commissioning process. The system was then fully updated and ready for use.
Finally, we walked the customer through the control interface and showed them how to use the app to manage the system effectively.
The results – lasting savings and energy self-sufficiency
The customer was absolutely delighted with the system’s performance:
- Installed at the beginning of May 2025, the system generated 1,040 kW of solar energy in the first month.
- They exported over 650 kW, earning just under £100 in credit, which will help to offset their winter gas bills.
The image beside shows the system’s output on a single day in May, where it generated just under 50 kW. On that particular day, they exported 38 kW to the grid, earning £5.70 in revenue.
Summary – a solar and battery storage installation that cuts energy costs and offsets winter gas bills
Here’s what Gary had to say…
We had IES consult, plan, price and install a solar system with 16 panels, batteries and an inverter fitted. From start to finish the process was absolutely flawless. Mark gave us a detailed explanation of what would happen at each point, and what the end result would be. He was absolutely true to his word. The work and the finish was excellent and the system is already producing more than we probably expected in power. I’d been wanting this installed for years and bit the bullet for what is a long-term investment, long-term gain project and would highly, highly recommended the solar life to everyone!!
Are you considering solar panels and battery storage for your home? Get in touch with Ideal Electrical to learn more. Simply fill out this form or call us on 0131 258 2750 for a friendly conversation about how you can lower your energy bills and future-proof your home’s energy needs.
