10.56kW Solar & 27kWh Battery Installation in Hitchin – Real Output & Performance

Homeowners across Hertfordshire are increasingly looking for ways to reduce energy bills and protect themselves from rising electricity prices. This recent installation in Hitchin is a great example of how a properly designed solar and battery system can deliver strong real-world performance from day one.

The customer approached us with a clear goal — they had two electric vehicles, were planning to install an air source heat pump, and wanted to future-proof their home against increasing energy costs. Like many homeowners, they weren’t sure where to start or what system would actually work best for their property.

If you’re unsure whether your property is suitable for solar, you can read our detailed guide on whether your house is suitable for solar panels

Understanding the Property and Energy Needs

This project involved a residential property in Hitchin with multiple roof aspects. The challenge was to maximise generation across limited roof space while ensuring consistent performance throughout the day.

Rather than focusing on a single roof direction, we designed a system that spreads generation across East, South and West-facing roof sections. This approach allows the system to produce energy from early morning through to late afternoon, rather than peaking for a short period.

The final layout included:

22 × AIKO 480W all-black panels (10.56kW system)
3 separate strings
11 panels facing South
8 panels facing West
3 panels facing East
Bird protection installed to prevent future maintenance issues

Although the roof sections were relatively small and required careful planning, the system was installed exactly as designed, with all available space utilised efficiently.

Battery Storage and Backup Capability

To complement the solar system, we installed:

Tesla Powerwall 3
Tesla expansion pack
Total battery capacity: 27kWh
Tesla Backup Gateway for power outage protection

This setup allows the customer to store a significant amount of solar energy and use it later in the day, especially in the evening when electricity is most expensive. It also provides backup capability, ensuring the home can continue operating during grid outages.

Smart EV Charging Setup with Hypervolt

The property already had a Hypervolt Home Pro 2 EV charger, which we carefully integrated into the overall system design.

One of the key priorities was to ensure that EV charging does not unnecessarily drain the battery. Instead, the system was configured so that:

The charger uses cheap off-peak electricity via the Octopus Intelligent Go tariff
Charging is scheduled during low-cost night rates
During the day, the charger can utilise excess solar generation that would otherwise be exported

This means the battery is preserved for household use in the evening, while the vehicle is charged in the most cost-effective way possible.

In practice, this setup delivers:

Lower EV charging costs
Better utilisation of solar energy
More efficient use of battery storage

If you’d like to learn more about our services, visit our page on solar panels and battery storage in Hertfordshire

Important Upgrade Before Installation

During the site survey, we identified that the property’s incoming supply was limited by a 60A fuse, which had not been previously addressed by the EV charger installer.

We advised the customer to upgrade to 100A, which was completed just a few days before installation. This step was essential to safely support:

Solar generation
Battery charging and discharge
EV charging
Future heat pump installation

We also handled the G99 application with the DNO, ensuring the system could operate without unnecessary export limitations.

Installation and Timeline

From signed agreement to completion, the entire process took approximately 3 weeks.

Despite initial concerns around the complexity of the roof layout, the installation went smoothly and exactly according to plan. All components were installed, tested and commissioned without issue.

The system was fully commissioned on 31st March.

Real Performance Data (First Weeks of Operation)

One of the most valuable aspects of this project is the real performance data recorded shortly after installation.

As of 19th April:

Total solar generation (April): 395.25 kWh
Grid import: 7.3 kWh
Exported energy: 122.62 kWh

Daily averages:

Solar generation: 31.13 kWh/day
Battery discharge: 8.58 kWh/day

Hitchin solar battery installation

You can also estimate potential output by reading our guide on how much solar power your roof can generate in Hertfordshire

What These Numbers Actually Mean

These figures show that the system is already performing strongly:

The home is almost entirely self-powered, with minimal reliance on grid electricity
The battery is actively supporting evening usage
Excess energy is being exported once the battery is full
Generation is consistent thanks to multi-directional panel layout

For a property with two EVs and future plans for a heat pump, this setup provides a solid foundation for long-term energy independence.

Why This System Works So Well

There are a few key reasons why this installation is delivering strong results:

Multi-directional panel layout ensures generation throughout the day
Large battery capacity (27kWh) maximises solar usage
Smart EV charging configuration avoids unnecessary battery drain
Correct system sizing for current and future demand
Fuse upgrade and G99 approval removed system limitations

Before going ahead with any installation, we recommend reading what to ask before choosing a solar installer

Thinking About Solar in Hitchin or Hertfordshire?

Every property is different, and the key to getting good results is proper design from the start.

At BelectriX, we specialise in designing and installing solar panels, battery storage and EV charging systems across Hitchin, Hertfordshire and North London — tailored to how each household actually uses energy.

We provide: