Maximising Energy Efficiency and Resilience at Home with AlphaESS Battery Energy Storage
Creating a Renewable Energy-Efficient Home
Malcolm Carter's 5-bedroom detached home, built in 2020 and expanded in 2021, required an advanced energy solution to enhance sustainability, cost efficiency, and resilience. Located in Buckinghamshire, the house featured modern amenities such as a 6 kW sauna, 6 kW hot tub, and a fast-charging EV station. With rising energy consumption, Malcolm was determined to optimise power usage, reduce energy costs, and ensure backup power reliability with a Battery Energy Storage System during outages.
Generating power to cut reliance on the grid and provide back-up power during outages
Client: Malcolm Carter, Private Residence Location: Buckinghamshire, a 5-bed detached new-build house, extended in 2021 (c. 4000 sq. ft.)
Challenge: To create a home which was no longer reliant on grid energy and fluctuating power prices
Solution: AlphaESS Smile-5 Battery Energy Storage System integrated with solar panels and additional energy-saving features
Outcome: Combined saving of over £3000 per annum by maximising overnight charging, solar and battery storage
Home Energy Independence with AlphaESS Battery Storage To meet Malcolm's requirements, an AlphaESS Battery Energy Storage System was selected and integrated with 24 double-sided 420 W Rea Power FUSION ENERGY solar panels (Monocrystalline). The panels, each measuring 1690 mm × 1038 mm, maximised solar energy capture while paired with microinverters to ensure optimised efficiency.
System Highlights:
4 x 5.7 kW AlphaESS Smile-5 Batteries: The system delivers reliable energy storage and backup capacity, with a total storage capacity of 22.8 kWh. This setup allowed for the potential retrofit of two additional batteries if required.
Backup Resilience: Key electrical circuits, including 50% of ground-floor ring mains, were wired directly to the AlphaESS inverter's UPS for power continuity during grid outages, enhancing energy independence.
Integrated Features: • 6 kW Sauna • 6 kW Hot Tub • EV with a 50 kWh battery and 7 kW fast charger
This project has been a huge success for me. Everything moved quickly and smoothly from my initial idea to selecting the right contractor and seeing the finished results. The AlphaESS solution has transformed my home's energy usage, provided incredible cost savings, and given me the peace of mind that I have reliable backup power when needed.
Malcolm Carter, Property Owner
INSTALLATION JOURNEY MADE EASY
With AlphaESS UK Authorised Installer
The project's timeline was impressively swift:
Planning and Contractor Selection: Malcolm narrowed down to a single supplier within a week and, after some research, decided on Heatable, an AlphaESS UK Authorised Installer. Our Find an Installer Platform enables a seamless process from initial quote request and concept to engaging a contractor.
Order and Installation: Following a prompt order placement, the lead time for system delivery was four weeks. Installation was completed in 10 days and required only 4-5 days of on-site work.
Grid Busting Performance and Results
Cost Savings: Malcolm's system provides substantial savings of approximately £300/month, translating to an estimated annual reduction of £3,500 in energy costs, thanks to smart usage of off-peak charging (c.7p/kWh during 11:30 pm - 5:30 am) and self-sufficiency through solar PV and battery energy storage integration.
Energy Independence and Resilience: With a fully integrated system, Malcolm enjoys a backup energy solution that seamlessly supports his sauna, hot tub, and EV charging needs during grid outages. His persistence in having an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) directly connected to the distribution board added essential reliability and peace of mind.
Community Recognition: Malcolm's optimised energy solution has earned him the nickname "Octopus Energys worst customer" among neighbours, a playful nod to his reduced energy costs and high level of energy independence.
Why Installing Solar PV and Battery Storage Makes Financial Sense for UK Homeowners
Installing solar panels and battery storage is fast becoming the dream for UK homeowners as the nation continues to shift toward renewable energy. Solar panels provide a sustainable, low-carbon source of electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering household energy bills. As the UK moves toward achieving its net-zero targets, embracing solar energy helps individual homeowners contribute to national climate goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising their carbon footprint. This clean energy solution is particularly advantageous given the volatility of traditional energy markets and rising utility costs, making it a long-term financial benefit for those who install it. By choosing this solution, homeowners can feel financially savvy, knowing they are making a smart investment in their future.
Substantial Energy Cost Savings of
3
Per Annum
Beyond the environmental and financial incentives, installing battery storage systems alongside solar panels significantly enhances energy efficiency and security. Battery storage allows homeowners to store excess electricity generated during peak sunlight hours for use later, such as during the evening or on cloudy days or by importing cheap energy overnight to store. This maximises the return on investment for the system, enabling a household to achieve greater self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on the national grid. As energy prices fluctuate, storing and controlling one's power usage provides significant cost savings and protection against unexpected price hikes.
Furthermore, government incentives and technological advancements make solar panels and battery storage more accessible and attractive. Schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), a government-backed initiative that allows homeowners to earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid at a competitive rate, further boosting the financial appeal of installing these systems. In addition, improvements in panel efficiency and battery storage capacity mean modern systems can offer higher performance with lower maintenance costs than previous generations. For UK homeowners, the combination of sustainability, energy security, and long-term savings makes investing in solar panels and battery storage a smart choice and an essential step toward a resilient energy future.
Helping You Reach a Sustainable Energy Future
AlphaESS UK has a network of renewable energy technology partners and approved battery energy storage installers who can help you realise a sustainable, cost-effective energy future for your business. Contact our team of energy storage advisers to explore the benefits, costs and return on investment.
Call 0330 0432610 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.