by Duncan Crosthwaite | May 30, 2025
Mountcairn is a domestic property which has underfloor heating designed to operate at 30C. The home owner, Mr Burns, has bills for gas (heating and hot water) and electric (domestic circuits and lighting) and his aim was to become as self-sufficient as possible.
This project consists of:
21 x SunPower X22 360W panels with Solaredge power optimiser inverter system (7.56kWp)
1 x Tesla Powerwall 2 – 13.5kWh of storage
1 x Immersun immersion controller
1 x pre-heat cylinder for the Immersun to heat (up to 80C) and provide heating towards underfloor heating (UFH) system
While a PV and battery storage system is not unique, the unique part is that the solar-powered Immersun heats a pre-heat cylinder which is linked to the central heating and contributes to heating the house. Given the low operating temp of the UFH system then the solar PV will manage to not only reduce electrical consumption but gas as well.
We will be very interested to see how much the customer saves over the course of a year and we’re hopeful it will provide a valuable case study and blueprint for well-insulated homes which have underfloor heating.
Component Features:
Solar PV – We always recommend SunPower panels to our customers because of the fantastic 25 yr product/service warranty, the long life expectancy, enhanced performance and their environmental credentials (Cradle 2 Cradle). However, Mr Burns also wanted to maximise his power output per m2 for his small(ish) roof space. Using the SunPower X22 360W modules we were able to fit 21 panels on his roof to give 7.56kWp.
Inverter – Solaredge give us great flexibility when designing a PV system and the DNO (Scottish Power) told us that we would need Export Limitation due to grid constraints in the area. The Solaredge system allows us to easily set up export limitation as well as the other beneficial features such as optimising power output from each panel.
Battery storage – Mr Burns wanted to be able to use excess solar PV power at night and so the 13.5kWh capacity of the Powerwall 2 give him this ability. In addition to the simplicity and aesthetics of the unit, he now has access to the “Advanced Time Control” feature which will allow Mr Burns to charge from off-peak and use that power at on-peak times (i.e. in winter when/if there’s not enough solar PV power to charge the battery).
Pre-heat Cylinder – The existing central heating system was designed to operate at 30C for the underfloor heating (UFH). Ignite Plumbing modified the system and installed a Pre-heat Cylinder which can be heated to 80C giving us a significant heat dump for excess solar PV power using the Immersun. Using pumps and temp. sensors, the water in the pre-heat cylinder can then either be used to heat the hot water cylinder and/or to be blended down to 30C to heat the UFH.
Immersun – The immersun is designed to divert excess solar PV power to the pre-heat cylinder once the Tesla Powerwall 2 has been charged.
Customer Feedback:
“I had been getting fed up of the rising energy costs to heat and power my home and so I got in touch with Ceiba Renewables when I realised they were a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer. We discussed the various options and I was impressed with the expertise shown by Duncan. Not only is the solar PV system able to produce electricity for my home day and night but it’s able to contribute to my heating as well which is a fantastic feature that I’m delighted with.
The installation and service from Duncan and his team at Ceiba Renewables was first-class. As a business-owner myself I demand high standards for my customers and I was delighted to see that Ceiba Renewables also take this seriously. I’m really impressed by the results so far and I’m very hopeful that the system will not only make substantial savings on my electricity bill but on my heating bill as well.”
by Filip Rasinski | Jan 22, 2025
Client
Business Client – Bringing Solar PV to a historic building in Bishopbriggs
Key statistics
Installed
-
16 x Solar PV – SunPower Maxeon MAX3 375W modules
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16 x Solaredge Power Optimiser P485
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SolarEdge SE5000H inverter
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Tesla Powerwall 2 AC 13.5V
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Tesla Gateway
Synergy Financial Planning is a business based out of a historic 18th Century building in the heart of Bishopbriggs. The business is a registered B Corp, and with the building requiring a series of upgrades, the team decided to put sustainability at the heart of the project. Having worked with Ceiba Renewables before, they expressed their wish to invest in Solar PV and battery storage to allow them to be more self-sustaining.
Given the building’s unique history as the Gatehouse for Cadder Cemetery, it was vital that any works were sympathetic to the building’s aesthetic and respectful of its heritage.
The implementation of the Solar PV and battery storage systems was taking place alongside an extension to the building and maintenance works. After close consultation with Synergy Financial Planning and their architect, Graeme Andrew, we selected an in-roof system that would be placed on the extension, and one that was respectful to the building’s overarching aesthetic. The system we proposed also came with a 40 year warranty, which satisfied the client’s wish for longevity; to future proof the building for decades to come.
We had to modify the original design in line with feedback from SPEN, but with the use of Solaredge optimisers and Tesla Powerwalls, we were able to tailor an output that would work for the business and the building.
These works were carried out alongside a busy programme of other works, which also included the addition of a heat pump and new insulation. We liaised closely with all parties to ensure that works were carried out at a suitable time, and with minimal disruption to the overall business.
The results were nothing short of spectacular. Aesthetically sympathetic to the building, but providing the business with a high-quality installation that’s performing in line with how we expected it to. With this new renewable technology, the business has actively driven down energy costs and is maximising the use of its energy thanks to battery storage.
David Neely of Synergy Financial Planning commented:
“We recently renovated our offices, which included the solar PV and Tesla Powerwall installation from Ceiba Renewables. We wanted our business to self-generate as much energy as possible to meet our requirements so we renovated our offices including insulation, glazing, heat pump and then another crucial piece of the puzzle was the solar and battery storage combined with our Tesla EVs.
Our business helps our clients plan for their future and with that in mind, being able to demonstrate that we care about the future we leave our children with doing what we can to operate as an ecoconscious business, the installation from Ceiba Renewables has helped us achieve this, especially with the SunPower Maxeon panels which have Cradle2Cradle certification and the Solaredge optimiser system that allows every solar panel to perform to its optimal. And then of course, the Tesla Powerwalls which capture excess solar to allow us to run the office during the early morning/late evening and also charge from cheap-rate electricity, we have driven down the energy overheads of the business which helps us deliver more value to our stakeholders.
Ceiba Renewables has carried out high quality installations for us in the past and we have referred numerous customers as we recognise the quality they deliver to their customers. True to form they carried out another high quality installation, the solar PV and Tesla Powerwalls are performing as expected and we’re delighted with the results.“
by Filip Rasinski | Jan 22, 2025
Client
Residential Client – Solar PV & Battery Storage System in Argyll and Bute
Key statistics
Installed
- 12.75kWp Solar PV
- 30 x SunPower Maxeon MAX3-425W
- 30 x Solaredge Optimisers
- Solaredge SE6000H inverter
- 2 x Tesla Powerwalls (27kWh) of Battery Storage
- 1 x Zappi 7kW EV Charger
Energy production & environmental impact
- Estimate saving of 9,700kWh pa
Ceiba Renewables were appointed by a private customer to advise on the installation of Solar PV, for a remote residential property on the Isle of Arran. After finally being connected to the National Grid a few years before, the house still experienced frequent power cuts, with minimal support available due to its remote location.
As a result, the customer was keen to become independent from the National Grid and realise as many cost-savings as possible by investing in the best of technology.
The unique location of the home presented us with a few challenges when trying to design the right solution for the customer. The property was accessible via a 2km dirt track that was more suited to a tractor than one of our vans. The house was shaded by a large hill to the south of the property. Immediately to the north of the property was another steep hill which should really be defined as a cliff rising 30m above the house to the rear.
We therefore had to be innovative with the placement of the Solar PV panels to catch the sun, and work with local contractors who specialised in the landscape to help us with the associated groundwork.
After submitting the G99 grid application, SSE informed us that the maximum power output allowed from the solar inverter was 6kW. Given the customer has asked for as large a solar PV and storage system as possible, this presented another challenge. We came up with a unique solution that allowed the 30 solar panels to be split into three areas, each capturing the sun most effectively at a different time of day. This, combined with a Solaredge inverter and power optimisers allowed us to realise as much solar generation as possible for the customer, within the limits placed on us by SSE.
It was a sizeable task, and one that allowed us to exercise our excellent organisational skills. From start to finish we liaised with multiple contractors, on-site team, and the customer to get the install completed in a timely and professional manner – which the customer was most grateful for.
The project successfully reduced the customer’s reliance on the Grid and provided the client with a powerful, long-lasting and efficient system to secure energy for his home, long into the future.
Beyond achieving the customer’s desired results, it was an excellent test for our team to find a solution when faced with numerous challenges. This project now acts as a case study in best practice for rural areas and remote properties – one which can be replicated for properties across rural parts of Scotland and its islands.
Mr Carse commented:
“Originally built in the 18th century our farmhouse sits at the end of a 2km farm road, looking out to the islands of Scarba and Jura. When we first moved here there was no running water, let alone electricity. We ran on a 7,5kva Lister generator for years, cooked and heated with Calor gas and even had a gas powered fridge.
As part of a rural, remote scheme, we were eventually connected to the electricity grid. However, being in a remote location, at the end of the power line, in the winter months, we experience power cuts. As a single house, we are not a high priority, and when power is restored to the nearby village, it can take a day or two longer for us to get back online.
For a couple of years, we have been considering reducing our reliance on the grid and our fossil fuel usage.
The recent installation of solar panels and Tesla Powerwalls has made a dramatic difference to how we run the house and our energy costs. Since the installation in December, we have net exported 0.7 MWh. We have migrated away from using gas to heat water and reduced the amount of time the central heating runs, instead heating rooms with electric heaters.
The fear of power cuts is no longer a concern.
There is also something particularly satisfying in being able to charge our EV from spare solar capacity and drive on sunshine!”
by Filip Rasinski | Jan 22, 2025
Client
Commercial Client – Carradale Community Shop & Post Office in Kintyre Peninsula
Key statistics
Installed
- 12.75 kWp ground-mounted Solar PV
- 2 x SMA Sunny Boy 3.6kW Inverter
- 1 x Tesla Powerwall 13.5kWh Battery Storage
Energy production & environmental impact
- Estimated Annual Production: 4,250 kWh
- CO2 savings: 1.1 tonnes
Carradale Community Trust has been operating as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) for the benefit of communities within the Campbeltown area of Scotland. The trust owns and runs the local community shop and post office, which was recently been reopened in 2021 with the support of the village and community trusts around the area.
They wanted to maximise the roof space of their community shop and post office as part of their sustainable plan for the future and extend the value of their community shop with renewable technology.
The Chairman of the trust Trust contacted the Ceiba Renewables team to find out more about Solar PV and battery storage, and how it could help them achieve their overarching goals and secure the future running of the shop, in its rural location.
Following the thorough consultation with Mr Leighton, we recommended an appropriate Solar PV solution, complete with the Tesla Powerwall battery storage system. The Solar PV system combined with battery storage system would allow the shop to store the energy generated and use it at a time that suits them – namely, during opening hours. Our dedicated team travelled to Campbeltown for the install and continue to provide the Community Trust with appropriate aftercare – which the board of the trust are delighted with.
Carradale Community Trust commented:
Carradale Community Shop and Post Office now benefits from solar panels and Tesla Battery Storage System provided by Ceiba Renewables . Ceiba was chosen because of the quality of components to be used and the warranty that went with them. They were not the cheapest, but we are delighted with the installation. Their technicians were first class and their after sales support thorough. With rising electricity prices, we anticipate that the installation will help to keep our Community Shop sustainable into the future.
Feedback from the community trust emphasised how impressed they were with the quality of products, workmanship, and services provided by Ceiba Renewables. We are ecstatic that everyone is happy and the systems have helped them to secure the future of the Community Shop and Post Office – which provides vital services for the otherwise rural community.
by Filip Rasinski | Jul 7, 2023
Client
Domestic Client – Stoneykirk
Key statistics
Installed
- 12.75 kWp ground-mounted Solar PV
- 30 x SunPower Maxeon 6 425Wp panels
- 2 x Tesla Powerwall
- 1 x Zappi EV charger
Ceiba Renewables customer, Mr Davies, was keen to harness renewable technology to make his home more sustainable and lower his carbon footprint. He had already identified Solar PV as the technology he’d like to invest in and got in touch with Ceiba Renewables to advise him on the best route forward.
Mr Davies’ home sits on a large piece of ground and he himself was keen to make sure that any installation did not affect the aesthetic of his house too drastically.
Appreciating Mr Davies desire to protect the look of his home, we recommended a ground-mounted system instead of the more usual roof-mounted panels. We installed ground-mounted panels with build in Enphase microinvesters, which would minimise the amount of space used, and added two Tesla Powerwall battery storage systems, to ensure Mr Davies could use the energy generated, at a time that suits him. We also installed a Zappi EV charger, which would allow him to charge his vehicle, with the energy generated by his new solar panels.
Appreciating Mr Davies desire to protect the look of his home, we recommended a ground-mounted system instead of the more usual roof-mounted panels. We installed ground-mounted panels with build in Enphase microinvesters, which would minimise the amount of space used, and added two Tesla Powerwall battery storage systems, to ensure Mr Davies could use the energy generated, at a time that suits him. We also installed a Zappi EV charger, which would allow him to charge his vehicle, with the energy generated by his new solar panels.
The system is generating more electricity than the forecasts suggested – an excellent result.
Mr Davies commented:
“Duncan and the Ceiba Renewable team were professional from the outset. Duncan provided clear information for the sizing rationale and planning permissions and overall process. His support team did a great job of keeping us informed of delivery dates and introduced us to Alastair who completed the groundworks as we couldn’t find a suitable local supplier. Duncan quickly responded by identifying alternative panels when it became clear the supply of the original panels could be problematic.
Simon and the electrical installation team were very professional and very tidy, checking with us for any queries beforehand. We were very confident to leave them to it when we had a family crisis that fell over our installation period, and we were not able to be at the house for most of the time. We are very pleased with our ground array and Tesla Powerwall.”
