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Writer's pictureCharlie Smith

Case Study: Domestic Solar Panel Installation on a Family Home in Redhill, Surrey

Updated: Oct 8

Project overview


Property Type: 3-bedroom family home

Location: Redhill, Surrey

Roof Type: Composite slate

Installation Time: 5 days

Team Size: 3 engineers


The owners of this lovely family home in Redhill were keen to take their first steps into renewable energy. They wanted a system that would lower their energy bills, while making a positive contribution to the environment. With no previous solar installations on the property, it was a fresh canvas for a custom-designed solar solution.


Customer testimonial


Our client, Ed, kindly left us the following review on Google:


We used Solarsmith® to install our solar panel and battery system recently. Right from the start of the process, Charlie was phenomenal – we had a very detailed initial consultation and Charlie covered so many things we hadn't even thought of, making great recommendations along the way to help optimise the system design.


The installation process was really professional and ran very smoothly with Charlie and Grant. They (and all their staff) were incredibly professional and friendly, and they finished bang in line with their estimated installation timeline.


Everywhere was left very clean and tidy after they'd finished, and they were also super helpful getting all the apps set up and working to monitor the system.


Throughout every step of the process Charlie was always available to answer the many questions we had, and went out of his way to help.


I cannot recommend Solarsmith® enough and we will be using them for all electric work going forwards!”



Understanding the project


The property featured a dual-pitch roof with one side facing North East and the other facing South West. Normally, solar panels would be installed on the side facing South West for maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day. However, due to obstructions on the South West side, we decided to install the array on the North East facing roof. This positioning optimises energy production by capturing the morning sun and providing power early in the day, which is especially useful for charging batteries, if the power is not being used directly in the house at the time.


Initial consultation and design


The homeowners were referred to us by one of their neighbours, who was a previous client of ours. After an initial consultation, we conducted a thorough on-site survey, measuring the dimensions of the roof and assessing its load-bearing capabilities. Back at the office, we created a CAD design, to accurately simulate the sun paths and shading throughout the year to ensure the highest efficiency for the installation.


The clients were particularly focused on aesthetics, wanting the installation to match the modern look and premium finish of their newly built semi-detached house. To meet this requirement, we offered a “solar skirt” and black-framed panels to visually blend the array into the roof as much as possible. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, solar skirt helps to block birds from nesting under or around the solar panels.



While the homeowners considered all-black panels which would have provided a more seamless aesthetic, they ultimately opted for more efficient 525W panels that would perform better under the sun. They also chose  to include a MyEnergi EDDI device to make the most of their existing hot water immersion tank. This optional extra will sense when the property is producing excess solar, and rather than selling it back to the grid, it heats the hot water for free, helping to save money on gas bills as well as electricity bills.


Installation details


We installed the following hardware:


  • 12x Longi Solar MONO Black Frame HPBC Half Cell 525W Panels (6.3kW in total)

  • 1x Fox ESS H1 6kW Inverter

  • 2x Fox ESS EP5 Batteries (10.36kWh total storage)

  • SolaSkirt for aesthetics and bird-blocking

  • MyEnergi EDDI to utilise excess solar energy for heating water


The inverter and battery system were mounted outside the house in a side alley under a canopy. This configuration protects the equipment from direct sunlight and rain, while mitigating fire risks. The external location also makes future testing and servicing easier.


Overcoming challenges


As with any project, this one gave us some hurdles to overcome. The biggest challenge was optimising the panel layout to comply with industry standards and fit as many panels as possible. Delivery delays added pressure to the installation timeline, but by bringing in extra manpower, we completed the project on schedule.


Fortunately, weather conditions were favourable throughout the week, and we were able to complete the installation without significant interruptions.


The results


The installation was completed successfully, on time, and within the agreed budget. The homeowners now have a highly efficient solar system that provides clean energy, reduces their bills, and even heats their water for free using the MyEnergi EDDI. The final result was not only functional but also visually appealing, perfectly complementing their home’s exterior.



This Redhill project is a perfect example of how tailored solar solutions can help homeowners achieve both energy savings and aesthetic harmony with their property. From the initial design to post-installation support, the homeowners experienced a seamless process, and we’re thrilled to have been a part of their journey to a greener future.


Ready to start your own solar journey? Contact Solarsmith® today and let us design the perfect solution for your home!

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