Case Study · Residential Solar + Battery + EV Charger
Residential Solar Installation in Crawley, West Sussex — 8.2kW System with Haier Battery & EV Charger
8.19 kWpSystem Size
6 kWInverter
16.12 kWhBattery
9,127 kWhAnnual Output
101%Energy Offset
3Y 4MPayback
7 kWEV Charger
The Opportunity: Complete Home Energy Transformation in Crawley
With electricity prices continuing to climb and the transition to electric vehicles accelerating, homeowners across West Sussex and the South East are looking for a single solution that addresses both. This property in Crawley, RH11 — one of West Sussex's largest towns, well-connected to Horsham, Horley, East Grinstead and Gatwick — presented the perfect opportunity for a complete home energy package: residential solar panels, battery storage, and an integrated EV charger.
The homeowner came to Sol4r Energy with a clear brief: eliminate their electricity bill, future-proof their home for EV ownership, and maximise return on a single investment. With annual consumption of 9,000 kWh and a near south-facing roof (SSW orientation at 193°), the property was ideally suited to a high-yield solar installation that could fully offset household demand.
Sol4r Energy designed an 8.19 kWp system using 18 × AIKO 455W panels paired with a Haier 6kW hybrid inverter, 16.12 kWh battery storage, SolarEdge power optimizers, and a 7kW EV AC charger — delivering 101% of the home's annual electricity needs with a payback of just 3 years and 4 months. For homeowners across Crawley, Three Bridges, Ifield, Broadfield, Horsham, Horley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and the wider West Sussex area, this installation shows exactly what's achievable with the right system design.
Before & After: The Transformation
❌ Before Sol4r Energy
- 100% reliant on the grid for all electricity
- Annual electricity bills of approximately £3,514
- No battery backup or energy storage
- No EV charging infrastructure at the property
- No way to earn from surplus generation
- Fully exposed to rising energy prices year on year
- No visible commitment to sustainability
✅ After Sol4r Energy
- 101% energy offset — generates more electricity than the home uses
- Bills go negative for 6 months of the year — the grid pays the homeowner
- 16.12 kWh Haier battery maximising self-consumption and enabling tariff arbitrage
- 7kW EV charger installed — charge an electric car from free solar energy
- 39.4% grid independence with solar + battery combined
- 2 tonnes of CO₂ saved every year
- £170,747 in net savings projected over 25 years
Solar Installation Photos – Crawley, West Sussex
18 × AIKO 455W solar panels, Haier 6kW hybrid inverter & 16.12 kWh battery storage, SolarEdge power optimizers, 7kW EV AC charger, ECO Rail mounting system, and full perimeter bird protection — all installed by Sol4r Energy's in-house team at a residential property in Crawley, West Sussex.
Project Overview — Residential Solar in Crawley, West Sussex
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Crawley, RH11 — West Sussex |
| Property type | Residential property |
| Installation date | 2025/26 |
| Roof orientation | Single aspect — SSW-facing (193° azimuth, 13° from South) |
| Roof tilt | 33° |
| Annual consumption | 9,000 kWh |
| Occupancy profile | In Half Day |
| Tariff recommendation | Octopus Intelligent — Day 31p (5am–11pm), Night 7p (11pm–5am) |
| Export tariff (SEG) | Smart Export Guarantee — 15p/kWh all day |
| Performance calculator | MCS Standard Output Calculator |
| MCS certified | Yes — all systems registered, certificates issued on completion |
Technical Specifications — Solar, Battery & EV Charger System
Every component in this residential solar installation in Crawley, West Sussex was selected for maximum output, smart energy management, and long-term reliability. This system features AIKO high-efficiency panels with SolarEdge power optimizers for panel-level performance monitoring and shade mitigation, paired with Haier's latest battery and inverter technology:
| Component | Product | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | 18 × AIKO 455W | AIKO-A455-MAH54Mb/2S · N-Type ABC (All Back Contact) · 8.19 kWp total · 25yr product & 30yr performance warranty |
| Hybrid Inverter | Haier H1PL-1J6K-EU | 6 kW single-phase hybrid inverter · 10yr warranty |
| Battery Storage | 2 × Haier Smart Cube BAT HBP-8.0 | 16.12 kWh total · LiFePO₄ chemistry · 10yr warranty |
| Power Optimizers | 9 × SolarEdge P1100 | 1,100W per optimizer · panel-level MPPT & monitoring · shade mitigation |
| EV Charger | HEVAC-7T2 | 7 kW AC charger · Type 2 connector · smart charging capable |
| Power Sensor | Sigen SP-DH | Single-phase power meter · 1% accuracy · 100ms data refresh · full app monitoring |
| Electrical Protection | Projoy DC Isolator + IMO AC Isolator | PEDS150-EL25R-2 (DC) · IMO-IS4P32 (AC 4-pole 32A) |
| Mounting System | ECO Rail 4200mm | 12 × rails · 60 × universal roof hooks · 40 × end clamps · 72 × drilling screws |
| Bird Protection | Full perimeter mesh | Installed across all panels to prevent nesting & protect performance |
Why AIKO ABC Panels? The Technology Behind This System
The AIKO 455W panels used in this installation feature All Back Contact (ABC) cell technology — a design innovation that moves all electrical connections to the rear of the cell, eliminating visible busbars from the front surface. This isn't just cosmetic: it means more active surface area capturing sunlight, resulting in higher efficiency and better real-world performance. AIKO holds the world's number-one efficiency record for residential modules and won the 2023 Intersolar Innovation Award and Red Dot Design Award. Combined with the SolarEdge P1100 power optimizers providing individual panel-level MPPT, this system extracts maximum energy even if one panel is partially shaded.
22.8% Module Efficiency
N-Type ABC cells deliver market-leading conversion rates — more kWh per m² of roof space than conventional panels
Cell-Level Shade Optimisation
ABC technology provides built-in partial shade tolerance at the cell level — unique in the industry — boosting output by up to 30% vs standard panels in shaded conditions
High Temperature Restriction
Advanced thermal management limits panel temperature rise, improving safety and maintaining output in hot conditions — with a best-in-class temperature coefficient of −0.26%/°C
Energy Performance & Grid Independence
| Performance Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Total installed capacity | 8.19 kWp |
| Annual solar generation | 9,127 kWh |
| Annual household consumption | 9,000 kWh |
| Annual consumption offset | 101% — system produces more than the home uses |
| kWh/kWp yield | 1,114 kWh/kWp |
| Shade factor | 0.996 — only 0.4% shading losses |
| Self-consumption — solar only | 3,542 kWh (39.4%) |
| Self-consumption — solar + battery | 7,099 kWh (39.4%) |
| Annual electricity exported | 2,029 kWh — earning income via Smart Export Guarantee at 15p/kWh |
With a near south-facing roof and minimal shading, this system achieves an outstanding 1,114 kWh/kWp yield — significantly above the UK national average. The 16.12 kWh Haier battery doubles self-consumption compared to panels alone, while the 7kW EV charger means the homeowner can charge their electric vehicle using free solar electricity. Surplus generation is exported at 15p/kWh via the Smart Export Guarantee, and the Octopus Intelligent tariff adds further value with its overnight rate of just 7p/kWh for low-cost battery and EV charging from the grid. For homeowners across Crawley, Horsham, Horley, East Grinstead, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and the wider West Sussex area looking at residential solar, these results show what's achievable with a near-south-facing roof and the right system design.
Monthly Savings Breakdown — Year 1
From April through September, this system generates enough electricity that the household bill goes negative — the grid is paying the homeowner, not the other way around:
| Month | Solar Gen | Imported | Exported | Export Credit | Old Bill | New Bill | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 376 kWh | 537 kWh | 0 kWh | £0 | £348 | £144 | £204 |
| February | 497 kWh | 402 kWh | 0 kWh | £0 | £340 | £102 | £238 |
| March | 768 kWh | 151 kWh | 0 kWh | £0 | £338 | £47 | £291 |
| April | 926 kWh | 1 kWh | 138 kWh | £21 | £290 | −£5 | £295 ✦ |
| May | 1,102 kWh | 0 kWh | 405 kWh | £61 | £260 | −£45 | £304 ✦ |
| June | 1,109 kWh | 0 kWh | 450 kWh | £68 | £248 | −£52 | £299 ✦ |
| July | 1,128 kWh | 0 kWh | 490 kWh | £73 | £240 | −£57 | £298 ✦ |
| August | 1,033 kWh | 0 kWh | 407 kWh | £61 | £236 | −£45 | £280 ✦ |
| September | 832 kWh | 0 kWh | 139 kWh | £21 | £258 | −£5 | £263 ✦ |
| October | 629 kWh | 132 kWh | 0 kWh | £0 | £286 | £42 | £244 |
| November | 406 kWh | 445 kWh | 0 kWh | £0 | £324 | £118 | £206 |
| December | 321 kWh | 588 kWh | 0 kWh | £0 | £348 | £160 | £188 |
| ANNUAL TOTAL | 9,127 kWh | 2,256 kWh | 2,029 kWh | £305 | £3,514 | £404 | £3,106 saved |
✦ Negative bill = the homeowner is being paid by the grid via Smart Export Guarantee at 15p/kWh. Projections assume 7% annual energy price increase. Utility savings based on switch to Octopus Intelligent.
Financial Returns — Residential Solar Investment
£3,106Year 1 Bill Savings
3Y 4MPayback Period
£150,905Lifetime Bill Savings
£170,747Net 25-Year Savings
1,525%Total ROI
33.9%Annual Rate of Return
With energy prices projected to rise by 7% annually, this residential solar system in Crawley, West Sussex pays for itself in just over three years and delivers exceptional long-term financial security — £170,747 in net savings over 25 years. The 0% VAT on residential installations means the full £11,200 system cost includes zero tax, making home solar significantly more affordable. The inclusion of a 7kW EV charger adds further value — the homeowner can charge an electric vehicle using free solar electricity, saving an additional estimated £500–£1,000 per year compared to petrol or public charging (not included in the above figures). Combined with the Octopus Intelligent tariff and 15p/kWh SEG export, the economics are compelling for any homeowner. For households across Crawley, Horsham, Horley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and the wider West Sussex area looking to reduce their energy bills, residential solar with battery storage and EV charging consistently outperforms any other home improvement investment. Take our free solar quiz to find out what solar could save your household.
EV Charger: Charge Your Car from the Sun
7kW EV AC Charger — Included in the Package
This installation includes a dedicated 7kW EV AC charger with a Type 2 connector, installed alongside the solar and battery system. During the day, the charger draws free electricity directly from the solar panels. Overnight, the Octopus Intelligent tariff charges the EV at just 7p/kWh — a fraction of the cost of public charging or petrol. For a typical EV driver covering 8,000 miles per year, this could save an additional £500–£1,000 annually compared to a petrol vehicle — savings that are on top of the electricity bill reductions shown above. Sol4r Energy designs combined solar + battery + EV packages for homes across West Sussex, Surrey, and the South East.
Battery Benefits: Why 16.12 kWh of Storage Makes All the Difference
Why the Haier battery makes all the difference
The 16.12 kWh Haier Smart Cube doesn't just store solar energy — it transforms how this home interacts with the grid, unlocking savings and independence that panels alone can't deliver.
Doubled Self-Consumption
Without batteries, only 3,542 kWh of solar generation would be self-consumed. The 16.12 kWh Haier battery more than doubles this to 7,099 kWh — keeping far more free energy in the home.
Smart Export Guarantee Income
Surplus solar exported at 15p/kWh via the SEG earns an estimated £305 in year one. The battery optimises when to export vs. when to store for home use or EV charging.
Intelligent Tariff Arbitrage
Octopus Intelligent charges the battery at just 7p/kWh overnight, then the home runs on stored energy during the 31p/kWh daytime rate. That 24p/kWh differential compounds daily.
Solar-Powered EV Charging
The battery works alongside the 7kW EV charger to maximise solar self-consumption — excess solar charges the battery, which can then power the car in the evening when you arrive home.
Evening & Winter Resilience
The 16.12 kWh capacity bridges the gap when solar drops — providing stored energy during peak evening demand and long winter evenings when grid prices are highest.
Compounding Savings Over Time
With energy costs rising 7% annually, the household's savings compound each year. By 2035, annual savings are projected to exceed £5,395 — and over £14,000 by 2050.
Environmental Impact
2 tonnesCO₂ saved per year
446 treesEquivalent over lifetime
69,419 kmCar distance avoided
50 flightsLong-haul avoided
The AIKO 455W panels used at this property are among the highest-efficiency residential modules available, featuring advanced back-contact cell technology for superior performance even in diffuse UK light conditions. Combined with SolarEdge P1100 power optimizers providing panel-level MPPT, the system delivers an impressive 9,127 kWh per year — the equivalent of planting 446 trees over the system's lifetime. Add in the EV charger displacing petrol consumption, and the total environmental benefit is even greater. This home in Crawley is now generating clean, renewable energy whilst dramatically reducing its carbon footprint. Sol4r Energy installs residential solar systems for homes across Crawley, Horsham, Horley, East Grinstead, Three Bridges, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and throughout West Sussex, Surrey and the South East.
Why This Homeowner 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. Trusted by homeowners across West Sussex.
🔬 Complete Solar + Battery + EV Package
Rather than dealing with multiple contractors, this homeowner got solar panels, battery storage, and an EV charger all designed and installed by the same in-house team — one project, one contact, one warranty package.
📋 End-to-End Service
From free survey to DNO application, electrical wiring, MCS commissioning, Octopus Intelligent tariff setup, energy monitoring app, and 2-year maintenance — Sol4r Energy handles everything.
Certifications & Warranties Included
MCS Commissioning Certificate (NAP-68781)
25-Year AIKO Panel Product Warranty
HIES Consumer Protection Warranty
30-Year Panel Performance Warranty
NAPIT Building Regulation Certificate
10-Year Haier Inverter Warranty
Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
10-Year Battery Warranty
Workmanship Warranty (2-Year Minimum)
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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