Lower Energy Costs and More Sustainable Care
EazEco Energy was appointed to design and install a bespoke solar PV and battery storage system for a residential care home in Manningtree, Essex.
The care home wanted to reduce rising electricity costs, improve its energy resilience and demonstrate a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability. As the property operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, its electricity demand remains consistently high.
Heating systems, lighting, catering facilities, laundry equipment and essential medical equipment all contribute to the home’s ongoing energy usage. This made the property particularly well suited to a carefully designed renewable energy system.
A Bespoke Renewable Energy Solution
Before recommending a system, EazEco Energy carried out a detailed site survey and reviewed the care home’s energy consumption.
Rather than simply installing the largest possible system, the aim was to create a solution that closely matched the property’s electricity usage throughout the day and night.
The completed installation included 20 high-performance 430W N-Type all-black solar panels, providing a total 8.6kW three-phase solar PV system.
An 11.5kWh battery storage system was also installed alongside a three-phase hybrid inverter. This allows excess solar electricity generated during the day to be stored and used later, including overnight when the care home’s energy demand remains high.
The installation was completed in line with MCS requirements and included the necessary Distribution Network Operator application and approval.
Remote monitoring was also provided, allowing the system’s performance to be viewed through a smartphone or desktop computer. Bird protection, professional cable management and manufacturer warranties of up to 25 years on the solar panels were included as part of the project.
Expected Energy Generation and Savings
The system is forecast to generate approximately 7,500 to 8,500kWh of clean electricity each year.
By generating and storing more of its own electricity, the care home can significantly reduce the amount of energy it needs to purchase from the National Grid.
The installation is expected to reduce annual electricity costs by up to £2,500, depending on energy usage and future electricity prices. It could also prevent approximately 1.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Based on the projected savings, the expected return on investment is approximately five to seven years.
The battery storage system provides an additional benefit by making more of the solar energy available outside daylight hours. Any surplus electricity that is not used or stored may also be exported back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.
Careful Planning with Minimal Disruption
Working within an operational care home required careful planning.
The comfort and safety of residents remained the highest priority throughout the project. All work was organised around the daily operation of the home to minimise disruption to residents, visitors and staff.
EazEco Energy managed the project from the initial energy assessment through to installation and commissioning. This included system design, structural and electrical assessments, project management, certification and ongoing monitoring support.
The Outcome
The care home in Manningtree now produces a substantial proportion of its own clean electricity and benefits from lower ongoing energy costs.
The solar PV and battery storage installation has also reduced the organisation’s carbon footprint and strengthened its environmental credentials.
Most importantly, the long-term financial savings can be reinvested into resident care, staff support and improvements to the care home’s facilities.
