Dunkeld Homeowner’s Solar PV & Battery Installation Success with RW Bell Green Energy – 90% Energy Cost Savings!
Case Study: Stuart Paton’s Solar PV & Battery Installation in Dunkeld
Background
We recently caught up with Stuart Paton, a customer from the scenic town of Dunkeld in Perthshire. Stuart had our RW Bell Green Energy team install Solar PV and Battery Storage in his home. He had decided he wanted to take charge of his energy costs and do something positive for the environment, so after a friend’s recommendation, he decided to reach out to RW Bell Green Energy. After listening to Stuart describe his experience from the initial planning stages through to the benefits he’s now seeing, we thought we’d share his story. We highlight the setup process through to showing the impact renewable energy can have on everyday life, particularly how we can use and monitor our electricity consumption by installing smart integrated renewable solutions.
Project Overview
Client: Stuart Paton
Location: Dunkeld, Scotland
Installation Type: Solar PV Panels & Battery Storage
Installer: RW Bell Green Energy
Why Stuart approached us:
Reduce energy bills, embrace sustainable living, and explore greater energy independence
Why Solar PV and Battery?
Stuart’s decision to go solar was for both environmental benefits and financial savings. He was keen on reducing reliance on the ever-increasing cost of electricity and saw solar as a logical first step. Adding a battery system allowed him to store any excess energy generated during the day, giving him a practical way to use that stored energy later.
“The payback time analysis I did showed that the battery system would offer a similar payback period to the solar panels. With that in mind, it seemed like a valuable addition.”
Choosing RW Bell Green Energy
When it came to choosing an installer, Stuart put his trust in a personal recommendation from a friend who had worked with us before. His friend, an architect and engineer, had first-hand experience with our team and was impressed with the quality of work we had carried out on a recent project. After comparing quotes from several companies, Stuart felt confident in moving forward with us.
“A friend recommended RW Bell after they did an excellent job on his project. Given his background in architecture and engineering, I valued his opinion highly.”
The Installation Process
The installation itself was a smooth experience for Stuart. Following a comprehensive survey, our team was on-site for just a few days, efficiently handling the project. As his panels are flush-mounted, our team took special care with the installation, with our in-house roofers temporarily removing and later replacing roof slates to ensure everything fitted securely. Stuart appreciated the team’s professionalism and the way they kept him updated throughout.
“The installation team was fantastic. They were tidy, communicative, and kept us informed every step of the way. And the weather was great, which helped, but the team really exceeded expectations.”
Living with Solar and Battery Technology
Since the installation, Stuart has found his solar and battery setup easy to live with. The system is low-maintenance, and he’s able to keep an eye on energy production and consumption with an app, which he enjoys checking regularly, something we’ve notice in many customers is enjoying being able to monitor and control their homes energy in a smart and convenient manner. He’s even looking into ways to maximise efficiency further by charging the batteries overnight during low-cost off peak grid hours.
“I’m a bit of a tech enthusiast, so I enjoy checking the app regularly. It’s satisfying to monitor the energy we’re generating, even while on holiday.”
Financial Impact and Energy Savings
The financial benefits have been substantial for Stuart. In the summer months, the combination of solar panels and battery storage has cut his household electricity costs by about 90%. During winter, he estimates that his annual savings amount to 40-50% when factoring in both the energy generated and stored. These savings reinforce his investment, with an estimated payback period of around eight years.
“Our energy consumption costs dropped by about 90% in the summer, and around 40-50% across the whole year. The standing charge remains, but the reduction is remarkable.”
Going the Extra Mile: Support from RW Bell Green Energy
At RW Bell Green Energy, we don’t just stop at installation; we’re here to help with the paperwork, too. From providing documentation for Stuart’s interest-free loan application to assisting with the export tariff setup, we made sure he had everything needed to make the process smooth.
“The team at RW Bell Green Energy made sure we had all the documentation we needed for our interest-free loan and export tariff applications. It made the entire process incredibly straightforward.”
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Investment in the Future
Stuart Paton’s experience with us is a testament to the impact a well-designed solar PV and battery system can have. From a professional, smooth installation to the substantial savings he’s already seeing, his journey highlights the value of renewable energy for both financial and environmental benefits. For Stuart, the switch has been a straightforward and rewarding step, and he’d encourage others to consider it, too.
“Absolutely, I would recommend it. The biggest hurdle is the upfront cost, but with financing options like our five-year interest-free loan, and the long-term savings, it’s a rewarding decision. RW Bell Green Energy made it easy from start to finish.”
Key Takeaways for Homeowners Considering Solar PV & Battery Storage
Compatibility Matters: Assess your home’s suitability for green technologies—solar PV might be ideal where other systems, like heat pumps, may not be.
Choose a Trusted Installer: Recommendations can help you find skilled, reliable installers who focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Track Your Savings: Monitoring your system through an app gives you insights and real-time satisfaction as you see your energy costs decrease.
Explore Financing Options: Interest-free loans and other financing options make the upfront investment more accessible.
Think Long-Term: With a projected payback period of around 8 years, solar PV and battery systems offer significant cost savings and support sustainable living.
Ready to Start Your Journey with Solar PV & Battery Storage?
If Stuart’s story has inspired you to explore your own journey into renewable energy, we’re here to help. At RW Bell Green Energy, we have dedicated information hubs in Pitlochry and Inverness where our team can answer your questions, provide guidance on solar PV and battery storage solutions, and walk you through financing options like interest-free loans. Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to help you get started.
Visit us in Pitlochry or Inverness, give us a call, or drop us an email to start your journey towards a more sustainable and cost-effective energy solution.