Looking for real-world examples of solar panel installations in Staffordshire?
This solar panel and battery installation in Rugeley showcases how GLSR Solutions helped a Staffordshire homeowner future-proof their property with a complete renewable energy upgrade. The project combined a new roof, a 5.7kW solar PV system, Fox ESS battery storage and a Zappi EV charger, creating a highly efficient home energy solution designed to reduce electricity bills and increase energy independence.
Project overview
- Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire
- Property Type: Residential
- Roofing Upgrade: Full Roof Replacement
- Solar PV System: 5.7kW
- Solar Panels: 12 x Aiko 475W N-Type Panels
- Inverter: Fox ESS H1-5.0-E-G2 Hybrid Inverter
- Battery Storage: Fox ESS EP6 Plus (5.76kWh)
- EV Charger: Myenergi Zappi 22kW Smart EV Charger
- Estimated Annual Generation: 5,278kWh
- Projected Energy Independence: 77%
The customer’s objectives
The homeowner approached us looking for more than just solar panels.
Their goals included:
- Replacing an ageing roof
- Reducing electricity bills
- Increasing energy independence
- Adding battery storage for evening energy usage
- Preparing the property for electric vehicle charging
- Investing in long-term home improvements
- Reducing reliance on rising energy prices
After assessing the property, we designed a complete solution that addressed both the condition of the roof and the home’s future energy requirements.
A complete roof replacement before solar installation
One of the most important decisions made during this project was to replace the roof before installing solar panels.
Solar panels are designed to last for decades, with many modern panels carrying product warranties of 25 years or more. Installing solar on an older roof can sometimes result in additional costs later if roofing works become necessary.
By carrying out the roof replacement first, the homeowner ensured that both the roof and solar system would have a similar lifespan.
Roofing works completed
The roofing project included:
- Full scaffold access to the front and rear elevations
- Removal of existing roof coverings, felt and battens
- Installation of new Russell Grampian Cottage Red concrete interlocking roof tiles
- New breathable roofing membrane
- New tanalised timber battens
- Renewal of lead work and flashings where required
- Dry ridge system installation
- Dry verge system installation
- Complete waste removal and site clearance
The result is a modern, weather-resistant roof designed to provide decades of reliable performance while supporting the new solar installation.
The solar PV system
Following a detailed assessment, we designed a 5.7kW solar PV system using 12 high-efficiency Aiko 475W solar panels.
Aiko panels are widely recognised for their excellent efficiency, strong low-light performance and long-term reliability, making them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to maximise generation from available roof space.
The system is projected to generate approximately 5,278kWh of electricity per year, exceeding the property’s estimated annual electricity consumption of 3,500kWh.
This means the home can generate more electricity annually than it currently consumes, significantly reducing reliance on grid-supplied energy.
Fox ESS hybrid inverter and battery storage
To maximise the value of every unit of solar energy generated, we paired the solar array with a Fox ESS H1 5kW Hybrid Inverter and a Fox ESS EP6 Plus battery storage system.
The Fox ESS EP6 Plus provides 5.76kWh of usable battery storage and is designed to capture excess daytime solar generation for use later in the day.
Why battery storage matters
Most households consume the majority of their electricity during the morning and evening when solar generation is naturally lower.
Without battery storage, much of the surplus electricity generated during the day would be exported to the grid.
With battery storage, excess solar energy can be stored and used when household demand is highest.
For this project, system modelling showed that:
- Solar-only self-consumption was estimated at 1,056kWh per year
- Solar plus battery self-consumption increased to 2,693kWh per year
- Energy independence increased from approximately 30% to 77%
This is a significant improvement and highlights why battery storage has become one of the most popular additions to residential solar installations.
Why we selected Fox ESS
Fox ESS has become one of the UK’s most trusted battery storage manufacturers due to its combination of reliability, scala
bility and value.
Key benefits include:
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology
- 76kWh storage capacity
- Scalability up to 23.04kWh
- High round-trip efficiency
- Smart monitoring through FoxCloud
- Built-in safety features
- IP65-rated weather protection
- Future expansion capability
For homeowners looking to maximise solar self-consumption without investing in an overly complex system, Fox ESS offers an excellent balance of performance and value.
EV charging integration with Myenergi Zappi
The homeowner also wanted to prepare the property for electric vehicle ownership.
To achieve this, we installed a Myenergi Zappi smart EV charger.
Unlike traditional EV chargers, the Zappi can intelligently prioritise excess solar generation, allowing the homeowner to charge their vehicle using renewable electricity generated from their own roof.
Key Benefits of Zappi EV Charging
- Solar-compatible charging modes
- ECO and ECO+ charging functionality
- Reduced EV charging costs
- Smart scheduling features
- Remote monitoring and control
- Seamless integration with solar and battery storage
This creates a complete home energy ecosystem where solar generation, battery storage and EV charging work together to maximise energy savings.
Estimated financial performance
Based on the system design and projected energy generation figures, the installation is expected to deliver significant long-term savings.
Projected benefits
- Estimated annual generation: 5,278kWh
- Lifetime electricity bill savings: approximately £35,899
- Estimated payback period: 5 years and 11 months
- Net lifetime savings: approximately £28,721
While actual performance will vary depending on energy usage, weather conditions and future tariff rates, the projections demonstrate the strong financial case for combining solar panels with battery storage.
Environmental benefits
Alongside financial savings, the installation delivers substantial environmental benefits.
The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately one tonne of CO₂ each year.
Over its lifetime, this is equivalent to:
- Planting approximately 258 trees
- Avoiding over 40,000km of vehicle emissions
- Preventing emissions comparable to dozens of long-haul flights
Why this project is a great example of modern home energy design
This installation demonstrates how homeowners can take a joined-up approach to improving their property.
Rather than treating roofing, solar energy and EV charging as separate projects, the homeowner invested in a complete solution designed to work together.
The finished system combines:
- A fully renewed roof
- High-efficiency Aiko solar panels
- Fox ESS hybrid inverter technology
- Fox ESS battery storage
- Smart EV charging via Myenergi Zappi
The result is a property that is better protected, more energy efficient, less reliant on the grid and prepared for the future of home energy.
Considering solar panels, battery storage or a new roof in Staffordshire?
At GLSR Solutions, we specialise in complete renewable energy solutions across Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the wider Midlands.
Whether you’re considering a new roof, solar panels, battery storage, EV charging or a complete energy upgrade, our team can design a bespoke system tailored to your property and energy goals.
Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised quotation.
See what our customers have to say on our Trustpilot reviews here.
This case study was written by the GLSR Solutions technical team. We design and install solar PV, battery storage and EV charging systems throughout Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and the wider Midlands.
