Case Study · Commercial Solar + Battery
Commercial Solar Installation at Alveley Cricket Club, Shropshire
12.5 kWpSystem Size
12 kWInverter
21.52 kWhBattery
11,272 kWhAnnual Output
183%Energy Offset
7Y 4MPayback
The Opportunity: Solar Energy for Community Sports Clubs
With utility costs escalating rapidly, non-profit organisations and community sports clubs across the UK are increasingly looking at commercial solar as a way to slash overheads and reinvest savings into their facilities. Alveley Cricket Club near Bridgnorth, Shropshire is a perfect example — a well-run community facility with significant electricity consumption, a large west-facing roof, and zero shading. Located in the heart of the Shropshire countryside between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, the club serves the local community across Alveley, Quatt, Hampton Loade and the wider West Midlands area.
When Alveley Cricket Club approached Sol4r Energy about installing solar panels, the goal was clear: dramatically reduce the club's utility bills, generate income from surplus energy exported to the grid, and create a showcase installation that could inspire other clubs and community organisations to follow suit.
With non-profit organisations across the UK increasingly feeling the pressure of rising utility costs, the club wanted to lead by example — using their installation as a real-world case study to show other clubs and community facilities what's achievable with the right solar and battery system.
What Our Customer Said
★★★★★
Great company to work with, from initial quote through to installation.
📹 Video Testimonial
Hear directly from Alveley Cricket Club about their experience with Sol4r Energy.
Before & After: The Transformation
❌ Before Sol4r Energy
- 100% reliant on the grid
- Rising annual electricity bills (~£2,467/year)
- No battery backup or energy storage
- No way to earn from surplus generation
- Vulnerable to rising energy prices year on year
- No visible commitment to sustainability
✅ After Sol4r Energy
- 183% energy offset — generates nearly double what the club uses
- Bills go negative for 8 months of the year — the grid pays the club
- 21.52 kWh Sigenergy battery maximising self-consumption
- 79.5% grid independence with solar + battery combined
- 3 tonnes of CO₂ saved every year
- Showcase installation inspiring other clubs and community organisations
Solar Installation Photos – Alveley Cricket Club, Shropshire
20 × AIKO 625W solar panels, Sigenergy 12kW three-phase hybrid inverter & 21.52 kWh battery storage, and full perimeter bird protection — all installed by Sol4r Energy's in-house team at Alveley Cricket Club, Shropshire.
Project Overview — Commercial Solar at Alveley Cricket Club
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Alveley Cricket Club, Turley Green, Alveley, WV15 — Shropshire |
| Property type | Community cricket club / commercial premises |
| Installation date | 2025 |
| Roof orientation | Single aspect — west-facing (262° azimuth, 80° from South) |
| Roof tilt | 20° |
| Annual consumption | 6,171 kWh |
| Tariff recommendation | Octopus Flux — Day 30p, Peak 42p (4–7pm), Flux 18p (2–5am) |
| Export tariff (SEG) | Octopus Flux SEG — Day 19p, Peak 31p (4–7pm), Flux 7p (2–5am) |
| Performance calculator | System Advisor Model (SAM) 2020.02.29.r2 |
| MCS certified | Yes — all systems registered, certificates issued on completion |
Technical Specifications — Commercial Solar & Battery System
Every component in this commercial solar installation at Alveley Cricket Club was selected for maximum output, three-phase compatibility, and long-term reliability. Sol4r Energy only uses premium solar panels and battery storage systems with comprehensive manufacturer warranties:
| Component | Product | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | 20 × AIKO 625W | AIKO-A625-MAH72Mw (33mm) · 12.5 kWp total · 30yr product & performance warranty |
| Hybrid Inverter | Sigenergy Sigen Hybrid 12.0TP | 12 kW three-phase hybrid inverter · on & off-grid capable · 10yr warranty |
| Battery Storage | 2 × SigenStor BAT 10.0 | 21.52 kWh total (20.81 kWh usable) · LiFePO4 · 10,000 cycles · 100% DoD · 10yr warranty |
| Power Sensor | Sigen TP-DH | Three-phase power meter · 1% accuracy · 100ms data refresh · full app monitoring |
| Bird Protection | Full perimeter mesh | Installed across all panels to prevent nesting & protect performance |
Energy Performance & Grid Independence
| Performance Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Total installed capacity | 12.5 kWp |
| Annual solar generation | 11,272 kWh |
| Annual club consumption | 6,171 kWh |
| Annual consumption offset | 183% — system produces nearly double what the club uses |
| kWh/kWp yield | 901.8 kWh/kWp |
| Shade factor | 1.000 — zero shading losses |
| Self-sufficiency — solar only | 39.6% |
| Self-sufficiency — solar + battery | 79.5% |
| Annual electricity exported | 5,107+ kWh — earning income via Octopus Flux SEG export rates |
The system generates nearly double the electricity the club consumes annually, making Alveley Cricket Club a significant net energy exporter. Combined with the 21.52 kWh Sigenergy battery bank, the club achieves 79.5% grid independence — meaning nearly four-fifths of their electricity now comes from their own roof. Surplus generation is exported at premium rates via Octopus Flux, with peak export paying 31p/kWh between 4–7pm. If your cricket club, football club, or community organisation in Shropshire, the West Midlands, Wolverhampton, Telford, Bridgnorth, Kidderminster or anywhere across the UK is looking at commercial solar, these results show what's achievable with the right system design.
Monthly Savings Breakdown — Year 1
From March through September, this system generates enough electricity that the club's bill goes negative — the grid is paying the cricket club, not the other way around:
| Month | Solar Gen | Imported | Exported | Export Credit | Old Bill | New Bill | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 231 kWh | 76 kWh | 13 kWh | £3 | £243 | £37 | £207 |
| February | 429 kWh | 39 kWh | 22 kWh | £4 | £238 | £22 | £216 |
| March | 849 kWh | 6 kWh | 218 kWh | £44 | £237 | −£26 | £263 ✦ |
| April | 1,249 kWh | 0 kWh | 567 kWh | £117 | £204 | −£101 | £304 ✦ |
| May | 1,618 kWh | 0 kWh | 918 kWh | £191 | £183 | −£175 | £358 ✦ |
| June | 1,700 kWh | 0 kWh | 997 kWh | £208 | £175 | −£193 | £367 ✦ |
| July | 1,726 kWh | 0 kWh | 1,031 kWh | £217 | £170 | −£201 | £370 ✦ |
| August | 1,428 kWh | 0 kWh | 802 kWh | £166 | £166 | −£150 | £316 ✦ |
| September | 975 kWh | 0 kWh | 406 kWh | £81 | £181 | −£66 | £247 ✦ |
| October | 588 kWh | 7 kWh | 90 kWh | £17 | £201 | £1 | £200 |
| November | 286 kWh | 55 kWh | 16 kWh | £3 | £227 | £29 | £198 |
| December | 193 kWh | 83 kWh | 26 kWh | £5 | £243 | £37 | £206 |
| ANNUAL TOTAL | 11,272 kWh | 266 kWh | 5,107 kWh | £1,056 | £2,467 | −£679 | £3,146 saved |
✦ Negative bill = the club is being paid by the grid via Octopus Flux export rates (up to 31p/kWh at peak). Projections assume 7% annual energy price increase. Utility savings based on switch from Standard Variable to Octopus Flux.
Financial Returns — Commercial Solar Investment
£3,146Year 1 Bill Savings
7Y 4MPayback Period
£146,067Lifetime Bill Savings
£119,673Net 25-Year Savings
453%Total ROI
15.5%Annual Rate of Return
With energy prices projected to rise by 7% annually, this commercial solar system at Alveley Cricket Club, Shropshire pays for itself in under eight years and delivers exceptional long-term financial security — £119,673 in net savings over 25 years. The Octopus Flux tariff with its three-tier export rates (including 31p/kWh at peak) makes the battery economics particularly compelling for commercial premises. For community organisations and businesses across Shropshire, the West Midlands, Bridgnorth, Telford and beyond looking to reduce overheads, commercial solar with battery storage consistently outperforms any other capital investment. Book a free site survey to find out what solar could save your organisation.
Battery Benefits: Why Storage Makes All the Difference for Clubs
Why the battery makes all the difference
The Sigenergy battery doesn't just store solar energy — it unlocks an entirely different economics model for commercial premises and community organisations.
79.5% Grid Independence
Without batteries, only 39.6% of solar generation would be self-consumed. The 21.52 kWh Sigenergy battery doubles this to 79.5% — nearly four-fifths of the club's electricity from its own roof.
Premium Flux Export Rates
Octopus Flux pays up to 31p/kWh for peak exports (4–7pm) and 19p for daytime. The battery stores solar to export at the most profitable times — maximising income for the club.
Three-Tier Tariff Arbitrage
Charge the battery during the 18p Flux window (2–5am), use during the 42p peak (4–7pm), and export surplus at 31p. Multiple daily arbitrage opportunities compound the savings.
Match-Day Self-Sufficiency
During summer match days when the clubhouse is in full use, the system and battery cover the demand without touching the grid — turning solar into a true operational advantage.
Evening & Winter Coverage
The battery bridges the gap when solar generation drops — powering floodlights, heating, and bar facilities from stored energy rather than expensive grid electricity.
Rising Utility Protection
With energy costs rising 7% annually, the club's savings compound each year. By 2035, annual savings are projected to reach £4,614 — and £10,350 by 2050.
Environmental Impact
3 tonnesCO₂ saved per year
551 treesEquivalent over lifetime
85,731 kmCar distance avoided
61 flightsLong-haul avoided
The AIKO 625W panels used at Alveley Cricket Club are among the highest-wattage residential and commercial solar panels available in the UK. With zero shading and a near-optimal west-facing orientation, the system operates at maximum efficiency year-round. Alveley Cricket Club is now a visible example of how community sports clubs across Shropshire, the West Midlands and beyond can reduce their environmental impact while dramatically cutting costs — the equivalent of planting 551 trees over the system's lifetime. Sol4r Energy installs commercial solar systems for clubs, businesses, and organisations across Alveley, Bridgnorth, Telford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Kidderminster, Stourbridge and nationwide.
A Model for Other Clubs & Community Organisations
Alveley Cricket Club's installation isn't just about saving money — it's designed to be a showcase and template for other non-profit organisations considering solar. Many clubs are run by committees, and having clear evidence of what solar can achieve makes it far easier to get proposals approved.
Sol4r Energy offers a complete end-to-end solution for community organisations: free site survey, bespoke system design using professional SAM modelling software, full installation by our in-house team, grid connection and DNO applications, MCS certification, export tariff setup, warranty registration, ongoing maintenance, and even a clubhouse display screen showing live energy savings. We can also support clubs with funding applications and grant proposals to help make solar accessible for organisations of all sizes.
Why Alveley Cricket Club Chose Sol4r Energy
🏆 MCS-Certified, Award-Winning
UK Enterprise Award winner and MCS-certified (registration NAP-68781) — the certification needed for the Smart Export Guarantee and all manufacturer warranties. Extensive experience with cricket clubs and community facilities.
🔬 Professional SAM Modelling
We used industry-standard SAM 2020.02.29.r2 software to model the roof orientation before a single panel was ordered — ensuring the system was optimised for maximum annual yield on the club's west-facing roof.
📋 Complete End-to-End Service
From free survey to DNO application, three-phase wiring, MCS commissioning, Octopus Flux tariff setup, energy monitoring app, and ongoing maintenance — Sol4r Energy handles everything.
Certifications & Warranties Included
MCS Commissioning Certificate (NAP-68781)
30-Year AIKO Panel Product Warranty
HIES Consumer Protection Warranty
30-Year Panel Performance Warranty
NAPIT Building Regulation Certificate
10-Year Sigenergy Inverter Warranty
Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
10-Year Sigenergy Battery Warranty
Workmanship Warranty
20-Year Online System Monitoring
All certifications issued on completion. Sol4r Energy is HIES-registered, NAPIT-approved, TrustMark-endorsed, and ISO 9001:2015 certified — the highest level of consumer protection for solar installations in the UK.
Solar PV Finance
Finance option available through Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited.
All finance applications are subject to status and approval by Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited. Sol4r Energy Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 1005252) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (FRN: 539195), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited is a credit broker, not a lender.
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