The System: Next-Gen Solar & Cold-Weather Storage
The Hadley installation was designed to maximize energy density on a residential roof while ensuring the battery system could maintain peak performance regardless of the temperature.
Solar Array: AIKO Neostar 3S (495W)
We installed 10x AIKO Neostar 3S All-Black panels, delivering a 4.95kWp solar array.
- Gen 3 Efficiency: As part of AIKO’s 2026 flagship range, these panels utilize ABC (All-Back Contact) technology to reach an incredible 24.8% efficiency. This allows the 4.95kWp system to occupy less roof space while outperforming traditional 5kW arrays.
- Partial Shading Optimization: The Neostar 3S is specifically designed to handle “messy” shade. If a chimney or tree casts a small shadow, the panel’s internal bypass technology ensures the rest of the array continues to produce at high levels.
- Aesthetic Excellence: With a pure black finish and a bezel-less edge, these panels provide a modern, minimalist look that enhances the property’s curb appeal.
Power Management: Fox ESS H1 G2 6kW Hybrid Inverter
The system is controlled by the Fox ESS H1 G2, the latest evolution of the popular H1 series.
- Improved EPS Functionality: The G2 (Generation 2) model offers faster switching and more robust backup power, ensuring the Hadley home remains powered during grid outages.
- High Round-Trip Efficiency: With a discharge efficiency of up to 97%, very little energy is lost when moving power from the solar panels into the battery and back into the home.
- Natural Cooling: The fanless design ensures the inverter operates silently, making it ideal for indoor or garage installation without noise disturbance.
Energy Storage: Fox ESS EP12 Plus 11.52kWh Battery
For storage, we installed the EP12 Plus, Fox’s high-capacity, slimline battery module.
- Integrated Self-Heating: This “Plus” model features a built-in warming function. Lithium (LFP) batteries typically struggle to charge in freezing temperatures; this system automatically pre-heats the cells, ensuring the battery can take a full charge even during a Norfolk frost.
- Large Usable Capacity: With 11.52kWh of nominal energy and a 90% depth of discharge, the system provides ample power to run the home through the evening and night.
- Slimline Profile: At only 185mm deep, the EP12 Plus offers massive storage capacity in a compact, wall-mounted footprint that doesn’t intrude on garage or utility space.
The Result
The combination of 495W AIKO panels and 11.5kWh of heated storage provides the Hadley family with a future-proof energy solution. The high-efficiency panels ensure the battery is replenished even on overcast days, while the self-heating battery technology ensures that energy is always available, regardless of the season.
- Total Solar Power: 4.95kWp
- Battery Capacity: 11.52kWh (Heated)
- Inverter Model: Fox ESS H1-6.0-E-G2
- Panel Efficiency: 24.8%
