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June 15, 2017 In

Robert Llewellyn’s Home of the Future

Comic actor, TV presenter and creator of Fully Charged, Robert Llewellyn, is a passionate proponent of new energy technologies. Fully Charged, started as a YouTube channel looking not just at electric vehicles, but also at the way electricity is generated from renewable sources. It’s now a global phenomenon, with live shows across the world. If you’re not following Fully Charged, we thoroughly recommend you do – it really is the best source of news about new energy technologies out there, and puts mainstream media to shame!

Why choose solar and storage?

Robert Llewellyn has had solar PV on the roof of his house in the Cotswolds for some years, but has increasingly felt he could do more.  “I’ve had solar since 2011 and as soon as you have it, you want a battery. In theory, it makes so much sense and for once in life the practice proves the point”.

The design challenge

Robert is, of course, also passionate about his electric vehicles which also need charging at home.  Our brief was to therefore boost his solar generation, utilise a greater percentage of the solar electricity on site, and use any excess to charge his cars.

The home of the future

We upgraded Robert’s existing solar PV system of 2.5kW conventional modules to 16 high efficiency Sunpower 327 modules, totalling 5.23kW.  These high efficiency modules (over 21%) have doubled the generation from his roof space.

In order to use more electricity onsite, we installed one of the first Powerwall2 battery systems in the country.  This Tesla solar battery unit is much larger than conventional battery units, holding an impressive 13.4kWh of energy.  This greater battery capacity matches to the larger PV system – anything smaller would fill up too quickly.

The system works by using excess solar electricity to charge the Powerwall2 during the day.  It discharges in the evening to loads in the house, but by midnight we don’t expect the battery to be empty.  It’s at this point that the Powerwall2 discharges into Robert’s car batteries.  The car batteries then fill any remainder with cheaper night-time tariff electricity.

This approach is perfect, as the battery is completely empty the next morning ready to capture the maximum possible solar energy throughout the day.

It is slightly unconventional to charge a battery (Powerwall2) and then discharge it into another battery (vehicles), and thermodynamically this might not seem sensible.  It is, however, the best thing to do economically.  Robert uses his free solar electricity first, then cheap night-time electricity, with any remaining (on poor days in winter) coming at standard day rates.

Early results were very promising. As Robert said:

“I’ve had the system running for 2 days and my mains electricity usage has reduced by 95%.  Okay, it’s summer, it’s sunny, and over the year I’m sure it won’t manage that, but it’s obvious it will reduce our overall demand on the grid by a substantial amount and utilise far more of the power the panels produce.”

We think this is a perfect example of integrating solar generation, storage technologies and electric vehicle charging.  It’s complex, from an engineering standpoint, as we have to balance PV capacity, battery storage capacity, loads in the house and electric vehicle loads, but we’ve found an optimal solution.  The home of the future is increasingly going to incorporate all these technologies operating in combination.

One happy customer

“Joju Solar have been patient and supportive throughout the install of my new solar array and Powerwall 2 battery system. They needed to be patient due to my constant faltering, budget anxiety and ridiculous schedule.  They fitted the battery in a day, wired it up, stayed longer than expected to make sure it was all working, left the place spotlessly tidy and did a very fine job.” – Robert Llewellyn

And there’s more!

We’ve since been back to Robert’s home for a further install. Watch this space for details.

 

Further reading

  • We’ve developed a free guide to Tesla’s Powerwall2, so you can understand if it is the right option for you.
  • You can see the installation process for Robert’s Powerwall2 in this technical blog
  • The high efficiency Sunpower solar modules are essential to make this system work. Here’s our guide to the most efficient modules on the market
February 1, 2017 In

EV Charging Time for Mr Wolff

EV Charging Time for Mr Wolff

What time is it Mr Wolff? Electric Vehicle Charging time of course! Joju residential customer Dick Wolff explains his reasons for having Electric Vehicle (EV) charging installed when he hasn’t even got an electric vehicle yet.

Oxford councillor and Green Group’s Shadow member for Transport, culture and communities Dick Wolff became one of our newest Joju solar PV customers this month. He also became one of our newest EV charging point customers too. A 7.98kWp SolarWorld system on SolarEdge optimisers and metering was fitted at Dick’s Oxford home alongside a 7.2kW eOLEV home charger supplied by EO charging.

The EO home charger describes itself as “the most easy-to-use, reliable and affordable charger on the market.” There is no software required so you can just plug in and instantly get a charge. EO is, therefore, great for customers who want a quick and easy solution. All you need to do is decide the power you want.

Power Miles of charge p/h Charge time Perfect for
3.7kW 15 7hrs Overnight parking

 
7kW 30 3.5hrs At work parking

 
11kW 50 2hrs Parking whilst you shop

 
22kW 100 1hr Quick stop parking

We spoke to Dick about why he had chosen to have solar PV and EV charging installed at his home. Here’s what he said.

What were your reasons for installing Solar PV?

“It’s two-fold really. The first reason is about energy security for our future. We have bought this house for our retirement. It’s a new build and we wanted to take a long term look to our future. We wanted to be less dependent on the grid as energy prices are certain to rise and rising energy costs will be a challenge when we have less income in retirement.

The second reason is to lower our impact on the environment. I have been a member of the Green Party and I am a councillor in Oxford and reducing our carbon footprint and helping to do our bit to fight climate change is important. Together these two reasons make a strong case for why solar PV was a logical choice for us.”

Why did you install EV charging as well?

“We wanted the house to do as much as it could. We haven’t even got an electric vehicle yet but this gives us the opportunity for the future. I know that our next vehicle will be electric so it was the smart thing to do. We have smart metering throughout the house and we replaced the entire gas heating system with an underfloor ground heat pump. Like I said this house is about our future retirement so it made sense to make it a house for the future too.”

Why did you choose Joju?

“Joju had come to us highly recommended. But I was also very aware of them from my work as a councillor in Oxford. I had seen the work they had done in areas of Oxford like Rose Hill and knew they offered high quality products and great service. We weren’t disappointed. Joju have been brilliant. The whole process worked really well. The only delay in the whole process came from the Government and waiting for approval. Joju did everything in their power to ensure a smooth process.”

If you are interested in EV Charging?

If you would like EV charging installed then Joju can definitely help. We are authorised to install electric vehicle charging points under the Government’s Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which means that for approved systems, customers like yourselves can now receive grants. For more information on EV charging, approved systems, and how to obtain a grant, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 

December 8, 2016 In

Solar social housing in Brighton

Brighton and Hove City Council commits to tackling both poverty and climate change

The Challenge

Government-imposed budget cuts, inner-city poverty and adaptation to climate change is a triptych of problems that face UK city councils. Brighton & Hove City Council is committed to tackling all three issues one way it has found to address all them is by investing in solar panels for its social housing stock.

Solar PV is a triple win for social housing landlords: it means reduced electricity bills for tenants, reductions in carbon emissions and a reliable income source for 20 years. A triple win that directly combats the triple issue problem that councils are facing.

In 2015 Cllr Bill Randall, the council’s Chair of Housing, said about Brighton’s actions: “We’ve made great progress installing solar panels on our estates. We also sell the surplus energy we’re generating back to the grid and this money goes back into the city’s housing services.”

“£1.55 million is to be invested into solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for council housing over the next financial year,” he added. “Plans are in hand to bring forward the money earmarked for 2015/16 for a further 300 houses and 10 sheltered schemes. Beyond that, we hope to bring solar panels to further 1,000 homes.”

The Solution

Joju Solar designed and installed the Brighton solar project. Installations were completed on more than 200 homes, with system sizes varying between 2 and 3 kWp based on the available roof space. A total capacity of 980 kWp was installed during the project.

During the project improved supply chain logistics to allow for the smooth development of five installations per day per Joju team which helped to streamline the process and improve the efficiency of the whole project ensuring that Joju delivered the project at the best cost possible to the council.

What the residents said

After solar panels were installed on her house in Manor Way, Gwendoline Walls said: “It’s the best thing ever. I really can’t praise it enough. I cooked a meal on my electric cooker, ran the washing machine and dryer, and it only cost me 21p. It’s amazing. I can really see the difference in my bills. Plus they actually look pretty nice on the roof.”

Another resident, in Pulborough Close, said: “No troubles, no hold-ups – it was very easy. The installers were very friendly. The installation was neatly done, with nothing disturbed in the house. We’ve had no problems at all with the system. Plain sailing. We’re very happy with it.”

On any project one of Joju’s main goals is to help residents save on energy bills. We have been part of many social housing projects, and every single one is still special to us, as it brings us all nearer to a low carbon way of living.

 

 

 

 

December 7, 2016 In

Protecting homes from rising energy costs in Newham

Newham Council’s showpiece sustainable housing development goes solar

About the installation
Joju Solar won a competitive public tender to install a 20kWp system comprising 72 Sanyo/Panasonic 240W modules and 52 bespoke 45Wp brise soleil louvres on a brand new showpiece sustainable housing development for the London borough of Newham.

Installation time: 2 weeks

Challenge
To design and install an efficient solar PV system within complex architectural constraints and at the same time deliver strong financial returns. The PV installation needed to fit within a very tight program of works.

The new housing development was designed to lead the way in terms of both new sustainable home building and also to be a showcase in the borough for sustainable living. The solar installation was a key factor in allowing the client to meet the level five code for sustainable homes (a mandatory building requirement).

Solution
Joju Solar worked with the architect, principal contractor and other contractors involved in the development to meet the ambitious design limitations and tight program of works and delivered the project on time and on budget.
Our engineers designed a bespoke mounting system which allowed for the solar panels to be mounted above a green
living roof. The installation will deliver a high rate of return whilst at the same time helping the development achieve its sustainability targets.

What they said

Pip Watson, Principal Environmental Health Officer said “We wanted to lead the way in sustainable living locally. Joju delivered a bespoke installation which ticks the green box but will also reap strong financial returns for
the housing development.”

 

 

December 7, 2016 In

Julian and Lorena join the All Blacks

Julian and Lorena join the All Blacks with installation of 16 Solarworld’s 285w mono black solar panels

Background

When Julian and Lorena contacted Joju about a solar installation with home battery storage they wanted something that was going to complement their new home and fit in with its aesthetic. This is a pre-requisite of many of our residential consumers who voice concerns about how solar panels will look on their roofs and whether or not they will ‘fit in’. With existing solar tiles already out there on the market and Tesla recently annoucing their plans for solar tiles (see our installer’s guide to Tesla’s solar tiles) plenty of options are available. It is possible, however, to get the right look with panels. And that’s exactly what we did with the Solarworld mono black solar panels.

The Installation

16 Solarworld 285w  mono black panels were installed on Julian and Lorena’s new build property in Virginia Water, near Wentworth. There new build property is  supported by 4.56 kWp of All Black solar panels. The panels were mounted “in-roof” which means that they are flush with the roof line so blending in beautifully to the dark slate tiles and creating a brilliant aesthetic.  As well as the solar array Julian and Lorena also had a DC coupled 6.4kWh Tesla Powerwall installed, which stores excess solar energy for use in the evening.

The all black panels from Solarworld are German engineered. They come with the TUV Rheinland Power inspection mark and a linear performance warranty covering a period of 25 years, SolarWorld guarantees a maximum performance degression of 0.7% p.a only,

What Julian thinks

Julian says: ‘The solar PV and Powerwall system is the perfect addition to our new house. We are very pleased with the installation by Joju Solar and excited to have the sun help power our home day and night.’

 

 

fully charged, robert llewellyn
November 3, 2016 In

Glenn gets Fully Charged

Glenn Tweedie’s decision to get a Tesla Powerwall and solar PV has led to both energy savings and TV fame!

Background

When Glenn Tweedie decided to have a solar PV array and a Tesla Powerwall installed on his family home in St Albans he probably hoped and expected that it would lead to energy savings for him and his family. What Glenn didn’t plan for was that the installation would lead to internet stardom and a starring role in Robert Llewelyn’s internet show Fully Charged. 

The episode of the show which featured Glenn and his family was filmed a few weeks after Joju installed the system, which included our first ever Tesla Powerwall installation in May 2016.

The Solution

In the Fully Charged episode Glenn talks to Robert Llewellyn about the benefits the Tesla Powerwall has brought to his family and just how much it has lowered their energy consumption from the grid. Indeed, on the day of filming 97% of Glenn’s Family’s energy had come from energy stored in the battery and produced by the solar PV. With only 3% being drawn from the grid thanks to both the 4.5kWp solar array and the Tesla Powerwall working in perfect harmony. Thanks to the SolarEdge PV monitoring platform Glenn and his family can monitor their energy usage via a smart app on their phones and laptops, which has enabled him to show his two sons just how much energy they are wasting when they forget to turn off lights and Playstations.

Getting Fully Charged

The video demonstrates perfectly the benefits of when a solar PV array is installed in sync with a home battery storage solution. The energy savings, the improved family education on energy usage, and even the status that come with having such a complete home energy solution are all highlighted and discussed in depth in the episode.

Watch the film Fully Charged Episode here

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Further Reading

  • Inspired by Glenn’s story, Robert Llewellyn went and got himself the new model Tesla Powerwall2 and an upgraded solar PV system for his Home of the Future
  • We blogged the installation of the Powerwall2 unit live
  • Find out more about our battery offering, and how we work with households
solar, investment, income
April 26, 2016 In

Kate and Mike’s sound investment

Kate and Mike’s sound investment

Why did you choose solar?

“We had the capital to invest, and saw solar technology and the Feed-in-Tariff as a good way to make the money work for us.”

Challenge

Kate and Mike Jenns had spent much of their working lives as teachers and knowing that they would be spending more time at home during the day with their two chickens, two cats and a dog, Heidi, they wanted to take advantage of the electricity they generated. They also realised that without home renewables their electricity bills would be higher as they spent more time at home.

Solution

Going solar wasn’t a simple decision so before deciding to go ahead, Mike and Kate did their homework (no surprise for a pair of teachers) as they were concerned to make sure that the panels wouldn’t damage their roof and would provide a sound investment and in their first quarter they saw their electricity bill down by 40%

April 26, 2016 In

Simon’s solar installation

Simon Rowley’s conservation area installation 

Challenge

The overriding concern with this project was adhering to the planning regulations for a conservation area. Other essential roof repairs were also needed during the installation.

Solution

Joju Solar applied for and obtained a government grant on behalf of Simon. Joju Solar executed the installation project in conjunction with other essential roof repairs, demanding a high level of project management and coordination. Joju Solar ensured that the PV system, was installed flush with the existing roof, adhering to conservation guidelines for Ealing. This type of system is ideal for anyone re-roofing or undertaking new building work.

“I just thought I should record at this stage how pleased I am with the job that you did for me. Thank you!”

April 26, 2016 In

A great investment for Chris

Chris Robbins best ever invest investment was solar

Why did you choose solar?

“I had been looking at getting a solar PV system fitted for a while to help reduce his electricity usage and to reduce my carbon footprint. After contacting Joju Solar a member of your Residential team came to visit my property to assess the suitability of my roof and to better understand my needs.”

Solution

After the site visit Chris decided to go ahead with a Sharp 245W PV panel installation. The final system design consisted of 10 Sharp 245W PV panels on a SB 2500 SMA inverter. The 2.45kW system will produce 2,060kWh per annum with a carbon saving of over 1.09 tonnes. Chris will be able to produce clean green electricity, future proof against rising energy costs and make savings on his electricity bills.

“Apart from the bees’ nest in the roof – which wasn’t Joju Solar’s fault everything was done very smoothly with little disruption. The panels are generating even more than was promised. This is probably the best investment I have made – much better than I was getting from the bank.”

 

April 26, 2016 In

Ashok’s Birthday Solar

Ashok Patel’s birthday solar installation

Why did you choose solar?

“I wanted to reduce reliance on electricity from the grid and reduce my energy bills. After researching solar I decided it would not only reduce my electricity bills, but it would also be a good investment to leave to my family for the future.”
Challenge

To install the largest system possible on the roof space available and complete the installation for Ashok’s birthday as planned.

Solution

Understanding the customer’s requirements and objectives are important to ensure the best system and that it meets the customer’s expectations. Joju Solar worked closely with Ashok and designed a system to maximise the capacity given the limited roof space available. Savings on electricity bills and a decrease in reliance on electricity from the grid allowed Ashok to future proof against rising energy costs. Ashok was pleased with his system and very happy to have his legacy to pass onto his children, but most of all Ashok enjoyed that the installation was completed on his 76th birthday.

“I am very happy with my new solar PV system. After speaking to many other solar companies I was very impressed with the way Joju Solar answered all my questions. They gave me the exact system I was after and the installation was completed without any problems.”