Solar + Battery · Stourbridge, UK
In-Roof Solar PV & Battery Storage System, Stourbridge
A 5kW Solar and Battery system delivering 84% energy independence and a 103% lifetime return on investment
Published
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System summary
5.0 kW in-roof solar PV system using the GSE In-Roof mounting system, with a 21.6 kWh FoxESS battery and 6kW FoxESS hybrid inverter, installed as part of a full roof re-covering project.
- 84% Energy from Solar
- 103% Total Return on Investment
- £36,335 Lifetime Net Savings
The brief
The homeowner in Stourbridge wanted to move away from rising grid electricity costs and gain greater control over their household energy use, while also carrying out a full re-roof of the property. As the re-roofing work was already planned, this presented the ideal opportunity to install a solar and battery system with a seamless, fully integrated in-roof finish — rather than a standard on-roof mounted array — combined with EV charging capability and strong long-term warranties.
The proposed solution
GE Solutions UK designed and installed a 5.0 kW in-roof solar and battery system, working alongside the homeowner's independently arranged roofing contractor who carried out the full re-roof:
- In-Roof Integration: The system uses the GSE In-Roof System — a fully integrated mounting solution that replaces sections of the roof covering rather than sitting on top of it, giving a flush, seamless finish. This was installed in coordination with the wider re-roofing works, guaranteed for 10 years by the manufacturer.
- Solar Panels: 10 x Perlight 455W N-Type double glass panels (4.55 kW total), split across two roof orientations to maximise generation, backed by a 30-year product and performance warranty.
- Battery Storage: A 21.6 kWh FoxESS EQ4300 battery (EQ4300-L5) stores surplus solar generation for use in the evenings and overnight, backed by a 12-year warranty.
- Hybrid Inverter: A 6 kW FoxESS H1 Series (G2) hybrid inverter manages the flow of power between panels, battery, and home appliances, backed by a 10-year warranty.
- EV Charging: An APEX-7S AC charger was installed alongside the system, allowing surplus solar power to be used for electric vehicle charging.
- Certification & Compliance: The installation included MCS, HIES, and G99 network approval certification, along with a dedicated cable run and consumer unit upgrade.
The outcome
The system generates an estimated 4,043 kWh annually, delivering 84% of the home's energy from solar with 37% grid independence. The in-roof integration gives a flush, seamless finish rather than a standard on-roof array — a natural fit given the property was being fully re-roofed. Financially, the system saves £1,002 in year one, rising annually as energy prices increase, with £71,546 in lifetime bill savings and £36,335 net savings after costs — a 103% return on investment. Environmentally, it offsets around 1 tonne of CO₂ a year, equivalent to planting 197 trees or avoiding 22 long-haul flights over its lifetime.