Helping an Andover Home Take Greater Control of Its Energy
We recently completed a comprehensive solar PV and battery storage installation at a property in Andover, Hampshire, providing the homeowners with a modern renewable energy system designed to generate electricity from the sun, store surplus energy for later use and provide additional protection against power outages.
The installation combines 18 high-performance LONGi Hi-MO HVB 480W solar panels with a Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW hybrid inverter, 8.76kWh of battery storage and a Sigenergy Gateway backup system.
With a total solar generation capacity of 8.64kWp, the system provides the property with a substantial source of renewable electricity while the integrated battery allows excess generation to be stored and used when it is most beneficial.
The addition of the Sigenergy Gateway takes the installation a step further, providing backup functionality and helping to maintain power to selected circuits in the event of a grid failure.
The Project
The aim of the installation was to create a high-quality, future-focused energy system that would allow the homeowners to make better use of renewable electricity generated at their property.
Rather than simply installing solar panels, the project was designed as a complete energy solution incorporating:
- Solar PV generation
- Intelligent battery storage
- Hybrid inverter technology
- Grid backup capability
- Energy management
The combination of these technologies gives the homeowners greater flexibility over how and when the electricity generated by the solar array is used.
The system consists of 18 × LONGi Hi-MO HVB 480W panels, giving a combined installed capacity of 8.64kWp.
This is connected to a Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW hybrid inverter, which manages the relationship between the solar panels, battery, property and electricity grid.
An 8.76kWh Sigenergy battery provides energy storage, while the Sigenergy Gateway provides the system’s backup functionality.
The Solar PV System
At the heart of the installation is an array of 18 LONGi Hi-MO HVB 480W solar panels.
Each panel has a rated output of 480W, resulting in a total system capacity of:
18 × 480W = 8,640W / 8.64kWp
The size of the array provides the property with a significant renewable energy generation capability.
Solar PV works by converting sunlight into electrical energy. During daylight hours, the panels generate electricity which can be used directly within the property. This means that appliances and other electrical loads can be powered using electricity generated on-site rather than relying entirely on electricity imported from the grid.
One of the key advantages of combining the solar panels with battery storage is that electricity generated during periods of high solar production does not necessarily have to be used immediately.
Instead, surplus energy can be directed into the battery for use later.
This is particularly useful because a property’s electricity demand does not always coincide with the periods when solar generation is at its highest.
Why Battery Storage Was Included
Solar panels are at their most productive during daylight hours, but household electricity consumption often continues into the evening and overnight.
Without battery storage, surplus solar generation may need to be exported to the grid once the property’s immediate electricity demand has been met.
By incorporating an 8.76kWh Sigenergy battery, the homeowners can store suitable surplus energy generated by the solar PV system and make use of that energy later.
For example, on a sunny day, the solar array may produce more electricity than the property requires at certain points during the day. Rather than allowing all of that excess electricity to leave the property, the battery can be charged.
Later, when solar production falls — such as during the evening — stored energy can be used within the property.
This can help increase the proportion of solar electricity that is consumed on-site and reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be imported from the grid.
Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW Hybrid Inverter
The solar array and battery are managed through a Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW hybrid inverter.
The inverter is a central component of the system, controlling the flow of electricity between the solar panels, battery, property and grid.
A hybrid inverter is particularly well suited to an installation such as this because it allows solar generation and battery storage to be managed as part of an integrated system.
Rather than treating the solar PV and battery as two completely separate systems, the hybrid setup allows the different components to work together.
The 8kW inverter capacity also provides a substantial amount of power-handling capability for the property.
The result is a more integrated approach to home energy management, with the system able to respond to the property’s electricity requirements and the availability of solar generation and stored energy.
Sigenergy 8.76kWh Battery Storage
The installation also includes 1 × Sigenergy 8.76kWh battery.
Battery storage is becoming an increasingly important part of domestic solar installations because it allows homeowners to make better use of the electricity their solar panels generate.
Instead of relying solely on the grid when solar generation is unavailable, stored energy can be made available to the property when required.
The battery therefore acts as an energy reserve, helping to shift the use of solar-generated electricity from times of high generation to times when the property’s demand is higher.
This provides greater flexibility and can help homeowners make more effective use of their renewable energy system.
Backup Power with the Sigenergy Gateway
One of the standout features of this Andover installation is the inclusion of a Sigenergy Gateway backup unit.
A conventional solar PV system is primarily designed to generate electricity and, under normal circumstances, remains connected to the electricity grid.
However, a system incorporating appropriate backup equipment can provide additional functionality when there is a mains power interruption.
The Sigenergy Gateway provides the interface required for the system’s backup functionality, allowing the installation to provide backup power to designated circuits when the grid supply is unavailable.
This adds an important element of resilience to the system.
For the homeowners, the installation therefore provides more than just renewable energy generation.
It also provides an additional level of protection against unexpected grid interruptions.
The Installation Process
As with every solar and battery project, careful planning was an important part of the installation.
Before installation, the property and proposed system were assessed to determine the most appropriate configuration for the solar array, inverter, battery and backup equipment.
The solar PV system was then installed using the selected LONGi panels, with the electrical system configured around the Sigenergy SigenStor platform.
Particular attention was given to the integration of the solar array, hybrid inverter and battery storage, ensuring that the different components could operate together as one complete system.
The Sigenergy Gateway was also incorporated into the installation to provide the required backup functionality.
Once the equipment was installed, the system was configured and commissioned to ensure that the solar generation, battery storage and backup functions were operating correctly.
Designed for Modern Energy Use
Domestic electricity consumption is changing.
With more homeowners working from home, charging electric vehicles, installing heat pumps and using increasing numbers of electrical appliances, the demand for electricity within a property can be significantly higher than in the past.
Solar PV and battery storage provide an opportunity to meet more of that demand using electricity generated on-site.
This Andover installation has been designed with that changing energy landscape in mind.
The 8.64kWp solar array provides significant generation potential, while the 8.76kWh battery provides a means of storing energy for later use.
The 8kW hybrid inverter provides the central energy-management capability, and the Gateway adds an additional level of resilience.
Together, these components create a flexible system that can support the property’s current energy requirements while also providing a platform that can work alongside other technologies in the future.
Key Benefits for the Homeowner
The completed installation provides several important benefits.
Increased renewable generation
The 18 LONGi 480W panels provide a total installed capacity of 8.64kWp, allowing the property to generate a significant amount of electricity from solar energy.
Greater use of self-generated electricity
The battery provides the ability to store surplus solar generation rather than requiring all excess electricity to be used or exported immediately.
Reduced reliance on the grid
By generating and storing electricity on-site, the homeowners have greater opportunity to meet their electricity requirements from their own renewable energy system.
Energy flexibility
The combination of solar generation and battery storage provides greater flexibility over when electricity generated by the panels is consumed.
Backup capability
The Sigenergy Gateway provides backup functionality, giving the homeowners additional resilience during grid outages.
Future-focused technology
The installation brings together solar generation, battery storage, hybrid inverter technology and backup capability in a single integrated system.
Why This Installation Stands Out
What makes this project particularly interesting is that it goes beyond the traditional approach of installing solar panels alone.
The homeowners now have an integrated energy system capable of generating renewable electricity, storing surplus energy and providing backup functionality.
The 8.64kWp solar array provides the generation capacity, while the 8.76kWh battery allows energy to be stored for later use. The Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW hybrid inverter provides the central control and energy management, while the Sigenergy Gateway adds backup capability.
This combination creates a system designed around the way modern homes consume energy — producing electricity when the sun is shining, storing surplus energy when appropriate and making stored energy available when it is needed.
Conclusion
Our recent Andover installation demonstrates the benefits of combining solar PV with intelligent battery storage and backup technology.
With 18 LONGi Hi-MO HVB 480W panels providing 8.64kWp of solar generation, alongside a Sigenergy SigenStor 8kW hybrid inverter, 8.76kWh of battery storage and a Sigenergy Gateway, the homeowners now have a comprehensive renewable energy system designed to give
them greater control over their electricity.
The project brings together generation, storage and backup in one integrated solution.
For homeowners looking to reduce their reliance on grid electricity, increase their use of renewable energy and improve resilience against power interruptions, this type of combined solar and battery installation represents a significant step towards a more self-sufficient home energy system
