Location
Spean Bridge, Fort William, Scotland
The Brief
The owner of a new, eco-friendly house in the Highlands aimed to make the property net carbon-neutral. The goal was to install a renewable energy system capable of generating more electricity annually than the home consumed for heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting. The initial plan involved an in-roof system, but the design needed to be re-evaluated to maximise energy generation and incorporate battery storage for night-time use.
Your Approach
Ceiba Renewables worked closely with the client to design a comprehensive energy solution. After consultation, the initial in-roof concept was replaced with a ground-mount system. This change allowed for a larger 9.81kWp system to be installed, oriented perfectly south to maximise solar exposure without the spatial constraints of the roof.
The system features high-performance SunPower E20 327W panels and two SolarEdge inverters to manage energy conversion efficiently. To meet the goal of using solar power at night, a 6.4kWh Tesla Powerwall battery was integrated, enabling the storage of excess solar energy for later use. This tailored approach ensured the final system was optimised for performance and self-sufficiency.
The Result
The integrated solar PV and battery storage system has made a significant contribution to the home’s energy independence and environmental goals. It demonstrates exceptional performance in a demanding Highland environment. Key outcomes include:
- High Self-Consumption: The system achieves an impressive 64% self-consumption rate, with the household using 1,580 kWh of the 2,485 kWh generated in just over four months.
- Significant Carbon Savings: Since its installation, the system has saved 4.2 tonnes of CO2, and the use of Cradle2Cradle certified SunPower panels means the system itself is carbon negative.
- Future-Proof Design: Data from the system indicates clear potential for adding more battery storage in the future to further increase self-consumption and energy savings.
This project showcases how a thoughtfully designed ground-mount solar and battery system can help a modern home achieve its carbon-neutral ambitions. By delivering reliable, clean energy and substantial long-term savings, the installation sets a benchmark for sustainable residential power in the Scottish Highlands.
Simply the best! Ceiba Renewables worked with us to design the PV system for our new build house in the highlands. They provided a more comprehensive service than any other company we contacted about the project, from estimating its size, through design and specification to installation. This included implementation of new technology such as the Tesla Powerwall. They tackled a whole series of issues and no problem seemed too difficult. We used many contractors on our new build but in terms of knowledge, professionalism and service Ceiba Renewables were in a class of their own.