System Architecture: Power Meets Precision
The goal for the Becker installation was to achieve a high degree of energy autonomy without compromising the architectural lines of the home. We achieved this through a seamless in-roof integration and a high-voltage, high-capacity battery system.
Solar Array: AIKO Neostar 2S (455W)
We installed 16x AIKO Neostar 2S All-Black panels, creating a 7.28kWp generator.
- Integrated In-Roof Design: Unlike traditional bolt-on panels, this system is recessed into the roofline, replacing the tiles to create a sleek, watertight, and low-profile finish.
- ABC (All-Back Contact) Technology: By moving all electrical contacts to the rear of the cells, AIKO panels achieve a pure black aesthetic and an impressive 22.8% efficiency, maximizing yield from the available roof area.
- Superior Shade Resilience: The Neostar 2S features unique cell-level optimization, ensuring that if one part of the roof is shaded, the rest of the array continues to produce power at peak performance.
Power Management: Fox ESS KH 8kW Hybrid Inverter
To manage the significant energy flow from the 7.28kWp array, we installed the Fox ESS KH 8kW Hybrid Inverter.
- High-Power Backup: This inverter is equipped with EPS (Emergency Power Supply) functionality, meaning that in the event of a grid failure, the home can remain powered by the solar and battery system.
- Triple MPPT Tracking: With three independent trackers, the inverter ensures every string of panels is performing at its absolute maximum, regardless of changing weather conditions.
- Smart Grid Ready: The KH8 is fully optimized for smart tariffs, allowing the system to automatically charge from the grid when electricity is cheapest.
Energy Storage: 20.7kWh Fox ESS EP11 Battery Stack
For a home with high energy demands, storage is critical. We installed two Fox ESS EP11 10.36kWh batteries, providing a total of 20.72kWh of usable capacity.
- The “Giant” of Storage: The EP11 is Fox’s largest wall-mountable battery unit. Doubling these units ensures the Becker household has enough energy to power everything from heat pumps to EVs well into the night.
- High-Voltage Efficiency: This system operates at high voltage, reducing energy loss during the conversion from DC solar power to AC household electricity.
- Scalable Power: Connected via a dedicated Fox Junction Box, this parallel setup allows for rapid charging and discharging, essential for short off-peak “fast-charge” windows.
The Result
The Becker installation provides a “Grid-Neutral” lifestyle. With over 20kWh of storage, the home can store enough solar energy during a typical Norfolk day to power the entire property through the evening and night, virtually eliminating the need for expensive daytime grid electricity.
- Total Solar Power: 7.28kWp
- Battery Capacity: 20.72kWh (Usable)
- Mounting Style: Integrated (In-Roof)
- Inverter Model: Fox ESS KH8 Hybrid
