When Nigel started looking at solar for his new-build home, Natural Generation was one of several solar panel installation companies in Cornwall that he approached for quotes.

While we didn't offer the lowest quote, for Nigel, that wasn't really the point...

“They weren't the cheapest, but they were the most applicable for my needs. They were very accommodating in explaining everything I wanted to know, answered questions fully and clearly, and importantly were easy to deal with.”

We were pleased to hear that Natural Generation came well-recommended for this project, so Nigel decided that we were the right company for the job. Time to get to work!

Working around a new build project

Installing solar on a new build property isn't quite as straightforward as fitting a system to an existing home. The timing of the installation needs to work around the wider build, including scaffolding, roofing and other trades.

Rather than waiting until the entire house was finished, we worked with Nigel's build schedule and installed the panels while scaffolding was already in place. Our team then returned at different stages of the project to complete the rest of the system when the timing was right.

It meant the installation process took place over several months, but we were happy to work around the project's changing requirements to make things as smooth as possible for our client.

“They never had any issues meeting our needs and timescales. The installation team are friendly and accommodating, as were the office personnel.”

Solar panels were installed across Nigel's new home and garage roofs using K2 mounting rails, creating a substantial 17.7kW solar PV system.

A complete energy system

Nigel's system was designed to do more than simply generate electricity during the day. We wanted to help him make the most of the electricity generated, with battery storage, hot water control and EV charging all helping to use more of that solar energy within the property.

The finished installation includes:

• 35 x 505W Trina Solar panels, providing 17.7kW of solar generation
• Fronius Symo GEN24 12.0 Plus 12kW three-phase inverter
• 15.79kWh Fronius Reserva battery storage
• Fronius Ohmpilot hot water controller
• Fronius Wattpilot EV charger
• Emlite three-phase generation meter
• Solar panels installed across the house and garage using K2 mounting rails

Generating more than three times the home's energy needs

The results so far show just how much electricity the system is capable of producing.

Nigel's new solar array is generating around 18,344kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to around 306% of his property's energy needs!

Of the solar energy generated:

• 34% is being used directly by the property
• 66% is being exported back to the grid

This shows the scale of the system and its ability to generate far more electricity than the property needs - with Nigel able to earn money back from the energy he exports thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee.

With the battery, hot water controller and EV charger in place, Nigel also has several ways to make use of his solar generation beyond just powering his home. This gives him peace of mind that his new home is resilient to both changes in energy prices and power cuts, giving him clean self-generated energy for years to come.

An easy experience from start to finish

For Nigel, the technology was only part of the reason he chose Natural Generation. Having a team of experts who could explain his options clearly and work around the realities of a new-build project was just as important.

After seeing the project through from the first panels going up to the completed system, we're delighted to hear that Nigel has been happily recommending us to friends.

“I wouldn't and don't hesitate to recommend Natural Generation.”

The result

A 17.7kW three-phase solar PV system, combined with 15.79kWh of battery storage, EV charging and hot water control, giving Nigel's new-build home a powerful and flexible renewable energy system.

And perhaps most importantly, he has a system that was installed around the needs of the build, rather than forcing the build to work around the installation. We're proud to deliver a friendly, flexible solar system installation service to homes across Cornwall.

Looking for solar advice for your new build home? Talk to us today to get started.