Solar Power in the Peaks: A Smart Home Upgrade in Middleton

This spring, we wrapped up a rewarding solar system installation in Middleton, Derbyshire at a detached home in the heart of the Peaks. The homeowners were looking for a smart, future-proof way to cut energy bills and reduce reliance on the grid. What followed was a clean and quiet transformation of their roof into a hard-working residential solar energy system.

What we installed

The system included:

  • 11 Q Cells all black 440W solar panels

  • A Tesla Powerwall 3 battery with 13.5kWh storage

  • A Tesla Gateway for solar backup power during outages

  • A mounting system designed for slate roofs

  • WiFi-enabled monitoring and smart controls

Everything was fitted to the south east facing front roof, carefully installed for year-round output despite a few shaded patches.

The numbers that matter

The solar panels are expected to generate around 3889 kWh each year, which comfortably covers the home's annual use of 3044 kWh. The Tesla home battery stores spare energy to keep things running smoothly, even when the sun is nowhere to be seen.

Here’s how the energy use breaks down:

  • 1062 kWh used directly from the panels

  • 1079 kWh drawn from the battery

  • 902 kWh imported from the grid

That means 70% of the electricity used in the home now comes from solar. Before the battery was added, it would have been just 35 percent.

And financially?

  • Estimated annual savings of £642.30

  • With off peak battery charging, savings could rise to £1135 or more

  • With an export tariff, the total benefit reaches up to £1385 a year

  • The payback period is estimated at under nine years

Not bad for a system with a 25 year panel warranty and 10 year cover on the battery.

Why it worked

This setup wasn’t about going as big as possible. It was about finding the right balance. The system size, home battery choice and placement all matched the home's energy use and roof conditions. With smart charging and thoughtful usage, this home is now far more energy independent with solar.

We worked around the household’s schedule and made sure everything was completed swiftly, cleanly and with full certification.

Thinking about solar for your home?

This project shows just how much difference the right system can make. If you’re looking to install solar panels and battery storage in your home, we’d love to help.

Get in touch for a no-pressure chat about what might work for your home.

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