5.5 kWp Solar, Fox Battery & EPS Backup Installation in Norwich

DS Solar Maintenance designed and installed a solar PV, battery storage and emergency-power solution for a home in Norwich, Norfolk. The homeowner experiences frequent power cuts, so the system was designed not only to reduce reliance on grid electricity but also to provide additional resilience through a Fox ESS EPS backup system.

Perlight 500 W all-black solar panels installed on the main roof in Norwich.

The system at a glance

• 11 × Perlight 500 W solar panels — 5.5 kWp total array capacity

• Tigo TS4-A-O optimiser installed on every solar panel

• 6 kW Fox ESS hybrid inverter

• 1 × Fox ESS EP12 battery — 11.52 kWh nominal storage

• Fox ESS EPS box for backup capability during power cuts

• Main house roof and garage roof used to maximise solar generation

The challenge: frequent power cuts

The customer wanted a system that would produce and store renewable energy while also improving the property’s resilience during repeated grid outages. A standard solar installation normally shuts down when the grid fails, so we incorporated a Fox ESS EPS box as part of the design.

When configured for the agreed backup circuits, the EPS system can supply supported household loads from the inverter and battery during a qualifying power cut, subject to the available battery charge and system limits.

Fox ESS EPS box installed to provide backup capability for agreed circuits.

Maximising generation across two roof areas

The available space on the main house roof was not sufficient for the complete 11-panel design. To maximise the installed capacity, we also used the garage roof. This allowed the property to benefit from a larger 5.5 kWp array without overcrowding either roof section.

The garage roof was used for three additional panels to maximise the system’s capacity.

Individual panel optimisation

A Tigo TS4-A-O optimiser was fitted to every panel. Panel-level optimisation helps reduce the effect that differing roof areas, orientations or partial shading can have on the overall array, allowing each panel to operate more independently.

Tigo TS4-A-O optimiser fitted at panel level.

Fox inverter and EP12 battery storage

The 6 kW Fox ESS hybrid inverter manages the 5.5 kWp solar array and the Fox EP12 battery. The battery provides 11.52 kWh of nominal storage, allowing surplus daytime solar energy to be stored for use later and supporting the EPS backup arrangement when sufficient charge is available.

Fox ESS hybrid inverter, EP12 battery and dedicated electrical protection.

Customer feedback

“The communication, professionalism, workmanship and customer service have all been first class.”

The customer gave DS Solar Maintenance a five-star Trustpilot review, praising the team’s advice, efficient installation, tidy workmanship and helpful after-sales support.

Looking for solar panels and battery backup in Norwich?

DS Solar Maintenance designs and installs solar PV, Fox battery storage and EPS backup solutions across Norwich, Norfolk and the surrounding areas. Every backup requirement is assessed carefully so the system, battery capacity and supported circuits are suitable for the property.

Contact DS Solar Maintenance to arrange a survey and receive a tailored solar, battery and backup-power quotation.