Installation of Solar PV
Eastlight Community Homes, 10 residential homes, Essex
Highlights
Axis’ M&E team installed Solar PV systems to 10 Eastlight Community Homes social housing properties in Essex as part of our wider Renewables Contract. The fully occupied homes comprised seven houses and three bungalows located in Millers Row, Cornish Hall End in Braintree, Essex.
We installed Trina 445Wp All Black Solar PV systems with PV arrays ranging from 2.51kW to 3.48kW. Each property received up to eight solar panels and our M&E team also installed Sungrow Hybrid Inverters in readiness for future battery storage integration.
Axis completed all associated electrical and compliance works. This included DNO notifications, installation of Orsis S2 - M Generation Meters for monitoring system performance, Arc Boxing to electrical PV connections for enhanced fire safety, RCBO installations and replacement fuseboards with integrated Type 2 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs). We also installed 4-way Consumer Control Units (CCUs) where viable to create dedicated solar circuits within the homes.
To further improve resident safety, our teams upgraded fire detection systems through the installation of Aico LD2 smoke alarm systems, including wireless modules and Optical Smoke Alarms/RF, a photoelectric fire detector equipped with Radio Frequency (RF) technology which uses a light sensor to detect smoke and wirelessly communicates with other alarms in the home, ensuring that if one alarm detects a fire, all alarms will sound simultaneously. All installations were fully certified on completion.
Our client set us a target of completing installations within five days per property. Axis exceeded this target on 98% of properties by completing works within three days. We quickly rectified any minor delays on the remaining properties by ensuring future new roof installations will be contracted to us so we can keep to the projected timetable of works. Weekly progress updates and regular site meetings ensured Eastlight remained informed at every stage.
The solar panels we installed on the roofs will last up to 25 years: their longevity supports Eastlight Community Homes’ long-term wider decarbonisation strategy as well as immediate governmental Net Zero targets.
Axis also reduced waste across the programme. Our teams recycled metal rails, brackets, cupboards and plastics through approved recycling centres to support sustainable delivery practices.
Eres, our subcontractor, employed apprentices on the programme.
Specifications
• Trina 445Wp All Black Solar PV systems
• PV arrays ranging from 2.51kW to 3.48kW
• Maximum 8 x 435w panels installed per property
• Sungrow Hybrid Inverters
• Orsis S2 - M Generation Meters
• DNO notifications completed
• Arc Boxing to electrical PV connections
• Bird caging to PV systems
• 4-way CCUs
• Replacement fuseboards
• RCBO installations
• Aico Smoke Alarm systems to LD2 standard
• Smoke alarm certification
• Wireless modules and Optical Smoke Alarm/RF systems installed
• Certification
£100,000 value
4 weeks duration
Resident Communication and Care
The works took place within fully occupied homes. And so Axis carefully coordinated works with residents to minimise disruption to their lives.
Our client wanted to help residents learn about the benefits of renewable technologies and Solar PV systems, so Axis teams delivered personal letters, held consultation meetings at the Village Hall and conducted in-person door visits, not only to keep residents informed about the progress of the work but also to encourage engagement and acceptance.
Client Relationship
Axis has developed a strong working relationship with Eastlight Community Homes. In September 2023, Eastlight Community Homes awarded Axis a Domestic Gas and Oil Servicing and Maintenance contract which includes annual Domestic Landlord Gas Safety and Oil Checks alongside a 24/7 responsive repairs service across 345 homes in Essex and Suffolk.
In 2025, Axis also secured a 2-year Renewables Contract to deliver renewable and decarbonisation works including Air Source Heat Pumps, Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery systems, Solar PV, battery storage, EV charging points and SMART heating upgrades.
In a similar project, Axis’ M&E Division previously installed Solar PV panels at Mill View bungalows in Greenstead Green, Essex for our client.
Benefits
• Estimated resident savings of £300 - £500 per year on energy bills
• EPC ratings improved from EPC D to EPC C
• Supports clients Net Zero obligations
• Supports client’s long-term wider decarbonisation strategy
• Future-proofing the properties for evolving renewable technologies.
Axis and Eastlight have been working together for over just over a year on various renewable technology works including Solar PV works at these homes. All works have been delivered smoothly and on time and to meet the expectations of tenants and Eastlight. Eastlight are focused on all our properties reaching EPC C by 2030. And Solar PV installations aid this on all our projects. Working with Axis has been a pleasure. This has enabled me to deliver the project successfully, on time with little intervention from myself. I thank Axis for that.
Phil Porter, Assistant Asset Manager (Sustainability), Eastlight Community Homes
