Solar & Battery Integration for a Space-Conscious New Build in Hackbridge, London
Overview
- Brickwood Estates Ltd is a Developer based in London and the South of England specialising in well appointed and environmentally sound domestic properties. They place great emphasis on sustainable and efficient construction methods and principles. They wanted to demonstrate the benefits of using modern, efficient and well insulated building materials. The dwellings would be open plan, with lots of natural light, warm and stylish, with low running costs and importantly, affordable.
- The client purchased a decommissioned CCF Drill Hall located in Hackbridge, London. This brownfield urban development resulted in the creation of 3 eco town-houses. This is within the jurisdiction of Sutton Council with a well established commitment to sustainability, especially in the built environment. Where possible it encourages solar PV and other forms of renewable generation.
- A core consideration for permission for redevelopment was the inclusion of renewable energy generation.
The Challenge
- No pre-existing buildings or historical consumption data was available. All calculations and dimensioning were made exclusively from Plans and CAD drawings.
- The plot needed a creative design to maximise available space. This resulted in an irregular shape of available roof space. A further complication for the design team was the siting of the access hatches. Meaning the PV system had to fit into a tight, awkward area on a flat roof containing “roof furniture” further limiting options.
- An existing tree preservation order resulted in shading issues.
- The flat roof was clad in a waterproof membrane.
- Solar PV and battery storage was specified to keep operating costs to a minimum.
Why did they approach Verdant Future?
- Brickwood Estates needed a company with a creative and flexible approach to design a modern, clean living space incorporating the latest technology including ASHP’s, solar PV and battery storage as well as EV Charge Points. The design incorporated excellent insulation to provide a comfortable, light and airy dwelling with low running costs.
- Verdant Future provided a solution that didn’t compromise on architectural integrity. By reducing the dependence on the ever increasing cost of grid supplied electricity, VF helped deliver on a central aim of the development. Affordability.
Our Approach
Here we outline the full turnkey process and protocols;
- Initial consultation and data gathering from CAD designs and architects drawings.
- Estimation of electricity demand based on expected occupancy and behaviour and equipment specification accordingly.
- Budget approval and sign off.
- Internal design collaboration to ensure all equipment was co-located, accessible and convenient to the home owner as well as for service and maintenance.
- An East-West flat roof frame was chosen. This allowed the maximum coverage as well as flexibility to “fit in” the available space. Our system was especially chosen so as to ensure it was non-invasive to the cladding material with no perforations.
- As above, to avoid any perforations our system was ballasted. This required close liaison with the structural engineers for approval and sign off for the the structural loads.
- Due to the shading issues identified in the Site Surveys – Optimisers were deployed to help refine and condition the DC supply.
- On site project management during the installation with continuous liaison via the site office and building teams.
- Grid connection with the DNO and full sign off with MCS certification.
- Comprehensive hand over packs delivered.
- Service and Maintenance Agreements help deliver continuous uninterrupted generation and equipment integrity.
The Solution
Specifics of the technology and system:
- 7.4kWp system with Tigo optimisers – estimated output 6365kWh 1st year.
- 77% household energy demand provided by the system
- 3.5kWh Battery storage.
- 1st year CO₂ savings 1.4 tonnes.
The Outcome
Key project result metrics:
- Successful Planning Approval
- Reduced energy costs LCOE .015p/kWh guaranteed over the life of the system 25+ years
- System B/E 8.2years
- Estimated Nett savings over the life £100,000+
- Rate of return on investment 17.6%
Client quote:
“Our houses were designed to avoid gas boilers instead utilising air sources heat pumps for comfort heating. As of 2025 our bill for the 4 bed 370sqm house is presently coming in at less than £100 a month. This compares very favourably with the average UK household costs far in excess of this figure at £1650+*. Importantly, the cost of the electricity generated by the system remains at .015p/kWh over the life of the system (25+ years).
We now offset 40% of the estate’s expected annual energy costs. This significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels, all with zero visual impact from the surrounding roads and neighbours”
* Simon Wood, Head of Energy Pricing & Costing, British Gas August 2025