Ground-Mounted Solar Installation in Canterbury, Kent (CT4)
At Sunbright Energy, we recently completed a 6.6kW ground-mounted solar and battery installation for a homeowner in Canterbury, Kent (CT4) – a project that highlights how solar can still be a highly effective solution even when roof installation isn’t ideal.
Rather than forcing a suboptimal roof system, this installation was designed from the ground up to maximise performance, improve self-consumption, and significantly reduce long-term electricity costs.
Before we dive in, here’s how we estimate this system will perform over the course of it’s life:
System Size
Solar Generation
Net Present Value
Why a Ground-Mounted Solar System?
Not every property is suited to roof-mounted solar.
In this case, a ground-mounted system provided a better overall outcome, allowing us to:
Optimise panel angle and orientation for maximum generation
Avoid roof limitations such as shading or layout constraints
Install a larger, more efficient system
Provide easier long-term access for maintenance
Ground-mounted solar isn’t a compromise – in many cases, it’s the most effective way to generate more electricity from the available space.
System Specification
This solar installation in Canterbury was designed to deliver strong year-round performance with integrated battery storage.
Solar Array
15 × Jinko Tiger Neo 440W N-Type All Black panels
Total system size: 6.6kW
Installed on a ground-mounted frame system
Battery & Inverter
1 × Fox ESS KH 7kW hybrid inverter
1 × Fox ESS EP11-H 10.36kWh lithium-ion battery (with heating function)
The hybrid inverter enables full integration between solar generation, battery storage, and grid interaction – allowing the system to operate efficiently throughout the day and night. The Fox EP11 has been one of our most popular batteries at Sunbright Energy.
Expected Solar Generation & Environmental Impact
The system is projected to generate approximately:
7,379–7,380 kWh of electricity per year
This is enough to cover a large proportion of the property’s annual electricity usage.
Environmental Impact
1,528 kg of CO₂ saved per year
That’s the equivalent to driving approximately 5,457 miles, or the carbon absorption of around 70 trees
First-Year Financial Performance
Before installation, the homeowner’s electricity bill was approximately:
£2,030 per year
With the new solar and battery system:
New electricity bill: £676.06
Direct saving: £1,353.94
Export Income
Exported electricity: 2,526 kWh
Export rate: 16.00p per kWh
Annual export income: £404.12
Total First-Year Benefit
£1,758.05 in combined savings and income
This demonstrates how both self-consumption and exporting contribute to overall system value.
Every home is different, and savings will vary, however most homes can save up to 75% on their energy bill with solar and battery storage.
Want to see what your home would save? Get an estimate in 60 seconds by entering your postcode into our solar savings checker below!
Long-Term Value & Payback
Using a full lifecycle financial model that accounts for inflation, panel degradation & discount rates
We estimate:
Payback period: 6 years
25-year Net Present Value: £58,239.08
A positive net present value at this level indicates a strong long-term investment.
After the payback period, the majority of electricity generated is effectively at no extra cost.
How Battery Storage Transforms Performance
Battery storage plays a critical role in this Canterbury installation.
Without a battery, a large portion of solar generation would be exported during the day and bought back in the evening at higher rates.
With the 10.36kWh battery installed:
Excess daytime solar is stored
Energy is used during evening peak periods
Grid reliance is significantly reduced
Measurable Impact
Grid dependence reduced by an additional 33% compared to a PV-only system
The property now only needs to import around 33% of its electricity from the grid
This shift is what drives both financial savings and long-term energy control. Want to learn more about how battery storage with solar impacts savings?
Take a read of our comparison between solar alone, and solar + battery storage here.
Why Ground-Mounted Solar Works Well in Kent
Properties across Canterbury and the wider Kent area are often well suited to ground-mounted systems.
Typical advantages include:
Larger garden or land availability
Fewer roof design constraints
Strong solar generation levels in the South East
Flexibility in system sizing and layout
For many homeowners, especially in semi-rural areas, ground-mounted systems can outperform roof-based alternatives.
Is a Ground-Mounted System Right for You?
A ground-mounted solar system may be worth considering if:
Your roof isn’t suitable for solar
You have available outdoor space
You want to maximise system size and output
Your electricity usage is above average
It may be less suitable if space is limited or if planning constraints apply – though many installations fall within permitted development.
Considering Solar in Canterbury or Kent?
If you’re a homeowner in Canterbury or the surrounding Kent area and your roof isn’t suitable for solar, a ground-mounted system could still deliver significant savings and long-term value.
Solar isn’t limited to rooftops – and as this project shows, the right design can unlock strong performance in a wide range of settings.
The best way to understand what’s possible is to model your property specifically.
Using the Sunbright Solar Savings Calculator, you can see realistic projections based on your usage and available space.
Simply enter your postcode below to get started, and get a an estimate for your property’s savings in just 60 seconds.
Meet The Owner
Oliver Crouch – Director
“I’m Oliver, the Director of Sunbright Energy. We’re a local, family-run business in the solar industry, which I’ve proudly led since its founding in 2014.
As a family business, we value personal connections and community. We’re driven to treat every customer with the respect and attention they deserve. Don’t hesitate to start your solar journey today – get in touch with Sunbright Energy for a service you can trust.”
Are ground-mounted solar panels better than roof systems?
They can be, especially when roof space is limited or poorly oriented. Ground systems allow optimal positioning.
Do you need planning permission for ground-mounted solar in the UK?
Many systems fall under permitted development, but this depends on size, location, and local regulations.
How much space do you need for a ground-mounted system?
It depends on system size, but typically a modest garden area is sufficient for residential installs.
How much can a 6.6kW system save per year?
In this case, the system delivers around £1,758 per year in combined savings and export income.
Is battery storage worth it with ground-mounted solar?
Yes. Battery storage significantly increases self-consumption and reduces reliance on grid electricity.
