Ground Mount with BESS Grade II Listed House in Home Counties AONB
Overview
-
The client’s household contained an antiquated mixed gas and oil boiler service that was; expensive to run, not fit for purpose, and required modernisation.
-
The dwelling was served by a single phase supply.
-
7kW single phase Electric Vehicle charge point in situ
The client wanted to incorporate renewable energy with battery storage supplying a Grade II listed building nestled between Special Protection Areas. These designations are at a European level and provide protection to wildlife and biodiversity.
The Challenge
- A privately owned 18th-century rural estate with a Grade II listed building recognised under the Planning Act 1990 for its special architectural and historic interest.
- Planning constraints included the estate bordering on; Medmerry Compensatory Habitat, Chichester Harbour SPF zone of influence, Pagham Harbour SPF zone of influence. In addition, there were Ecological considerations on the impact to both local listed bat and, Great Crested Newt colonies.
- The estate owner wanted to reduce their expenditure on the ever increasing cost of grid supplied electricity, gas and oil. Whilst respecting and accommodating strict planning constraints due to the site’s location and Grade II listing. They required a discreet, sustainable solution that didn’t compromise on architectural integrity of the building status or a negative impact on local biodiversity. Priorities included both Visual amenity as well as impact on biodiversity and potential harmful effects on local wildlife especially protected species – bats and Great Crested Newts.
Why did they approach Verdant Future?
- The client approached Verdant Future as we offer a full turn key approach. Included as standard, we undertake Distribution Network Operator permissions, design, and upgrades as well as Pre and full planning applications in house. Alongside Ecological and specialist assessments via our trusted partners, ensuring a seamless and successful application process all managed via your dedicated account manager
Our Approach
-
A dedicated account manager reporting directly to the client.
-
Initial consultation and site visits
-
Planning and design collaboration including partnering with specialist Ecological consultancy – Lizard Design & Ecology
-
Both pre and full Planning Applications were conducted inhouse resulting in successful outcomes in complicated circumstances
-
Project management & installation. The design included trenching of all electrical cabling based on a successful prior subterranean site survey identifying both sewage and gas main hazards.
-
Upgrade to 3phase 22kW Electric Vehicle Charge Point
We carried out an in-depth site feasibility study and worked closely with the estate’s architects to propose a stand alone ground mounted solar array that satisfied the Planning considerations and compatible with conservation guidelines as stipulated in the Local Plan.
The Solution
- Dwelling upgrade from single to 3 phase electrical service
- Close liaison with DNO upgrade including calendar timings, 3rd party providers to inbound site connection.
- A ground mount 55kWp solution was chosen. Providing over 52,000 kWh of onsite generation and battery storage.
- Set 120m away from the dwelling and masked by a treeline and natural hazel screens to reduce the visual impact of the array. Outside of the Grade II listed curtilage.
- South Facing with no shading providing maximum generation with the smallest footprint.
- 46kWh of battery storage located remotely. The chosen location contains all electrical apparatus in line with PAS 63100:2024 Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems for use in dwellings.
- Electrical apparatus, inverter and battery management provided by one System manufacturer for seamless monitoring
- Full Wifi connectivity for both generation and storage and connected to the main dwelling.
- Full Service and Maintenance Package with remote monitoring, panel cleaning and annual checkups as standard.
The Outcome
- 70%+ Reduction in annual energy costs
- 13 Tonnes of CO2 reduced per year
- ROI 113%
- Planning and biodiversity success
The system now offsets over 69% of the estate’s annual energy usage and significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, all with zero visual impact from the surrounding roads.
Client quote:
“Working with Verdant Future has been exceptional from start to finish. Our Grade II listed estate sits within multiple protected ecological zones, and we were concerned that strict planning constraints, combined with the presence of bats and Great Crested Newts, would make any renewable installation impossible. Verdant Future took the time to understand the heritage of our home, the sensitivities of the surrounding habitats and our need to reduce reliance on rising grid energy costs.
Their team navigated every challenge with genuine expertise, care and creativity, delivering a discreet, beautifully integrated system that preserves the architectural character of the estate and fully respects local biodiversity. The installation performs brilliantly, sits effortlessly within the landscape and has exceeded our expectations in every respect. We couldn’t be more delighted with the outcome.”