Solar Panel & Heat Pump Installation in Gillingham, Dorset
Whole House in Gillingham, Dorset goes green...
We recently completed a full renewable energy installation in Gillingham, Dorset, helping a homeowner make the switch to a fully green home. The project combined a solar PV system with battery storage and an air source heat pump, creating an integrated setup that generates, stores and uses clean energy to heat the home and hot water throughout the year.

About this Project in Gillingham
Following a full site survey and energy assessment, we designed a system that would meet the property’s heating and hot water demands while maximising the benefit of solar generation through on-site storage and smart energy diversion.
The result is a complete renewable package: a 12kW Grant Aerona 290 air source heat pump providing efficient space heating and hot water, paired with a 10kWh Haier Smart Cube battery and 20 Aiko Neostar 465W all-black solar panels for a combined system output of 9.3kW.
If you’re interested in what a solar panel installation in Dorset could look like for your property, take a look at our dedicated page.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation
We carried out the following works as part of the heat pump installation:
- Supply and install a 12kW Grant Aerona 290 air source heat pump including rubber feet for vibration isolation
- Supply and install a 210 litre Grant high recovery unvented hot water cylinder to meet the property’s domestic hot water needs
- Supply and install a 50 litre volumiser to ensure the system operates efficiently at low flow temperatures
- Supply and install a Grant Mag 1 primary filter to protect the heat pump and system components
- Supply and install a 3-port diverter valve to manage flow between heating and hot water circuits
- Supply and install all associated plumbing accessories to complete the system pipework
- Carry out the electrical installation of the heat pump
- Add inhibitor and biocide to protect the system internally
- Carry out full commissioning of the system and provide an MCS certificate

Solar PV and Battery Installation
We carried out the following works as part of the solar and battery installation:
- Erect scaffolding to the front and rear elevation of the property to allow safe access for the installation
- Supply and install 20 Aiko Neostar 465W all-black solar PV panels with an on-roof mounting kit
- Supply and install a Haier Smart Cube 6kW hybrid inverter to manage solar generation and battery charging
- Supply and install a Haier Smart Cube 10kWh battery for storing surplus solar energy
- Supply and install generation meter, switchgear and ancillaries to ensure safe and compliant operation
- Supply and install an Eddi solar power diverter to direct surplus solar energy into hot water heating
- Carry out all associated electrical installation
- Commission the system and complete MCS registration

The completed system gives this Gillingham homeowner a high level of energy independence. The solar panels generate electricity throughout the day, the battery stores what is not immediately used, and the Eddi diverter puts any remaining surplus to work heating water. The air source heat pump then provides low-carbon space heating and hot water, running largely on energy generated by the roof rather than drawn from the grid.
Why Choose the Grant Aerona 290, Aiko Solar Panels and Haier Smart Cube?
Selecting the right components is central to delivering a system that performs reliably over the long term. For this Gillingham project we specified products that are proven in UK conditions and well suited to a fully integrated renewable setup.
Grant Aerona 290 Air Source Heat Pump
The Grant Aerona 290 is a well-established heat pump in the UK market, designed specifically for the demands of British homes and climate.
Key benefits include:
- High seasonal efficiency delivering consistent performance even at low outdoor temperatures
- Quiet operation making it well suited to residential settings
- Flexible sizing with the 12kW unit appropriate for larger homes with higher heat demands
- Compatibility with unvented cylinders for efficient domestic hot water production
- MCS certified and eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
Aiko Neostar Solar Panels
Aiko is a leading solar manufacturer producing some of the highest-efficiency panels available on the market today. The Neostar range uses advanced n-type ABC cell technology to deliver exceptional output from each panel.
Key benefits include:
- Industry-leading cell efficiency generating more power per square metre than standard panels
- All-black design for a clean, premium finish on any roof
- Strong low-light performance maximising generation on overcast UK days
- Excellent long-term warranties providing confidence in the investment
Haier Smart Cube Inverter and Battery
The Haier Smart Cube system is a compact, intelligent solution for solar energy storage that integrates neatly with both solar generation and heat pump systems.

Key benefits include:
- Modular battery design making future capacity expansion straightforward
- Hybrid inverter technology seamlessly managing solar input, battery storage and grid interaction
- Smart energy management allowing homeowners to monitor and control their system with ease
- Compact form factor well suited to domestic installations
Together, these three technologies create a coherent and efficient system where solar generation, battery storage and low-carbon heating all work in harmony.
Are You in or Near Gillingham and Interested in Going Green?
If you are considering a solar panel installation, heat pump or a combined renewable energy system in Gillingham or anywhere across Dorset and the surrounding area, our team at Ace Energy can help.
We design and install bespoke systems tailored to your property and energy needs, handling everything from the initial survey and design through to installation, commissioning and MCS registration.
Visit our pages on air source heat pumps and solar panel installation in Dorset to find out more about what we offer.
Or get in touch directly with our team:
01747 858852 / [email protected]
Take the first step towards a greener, lower-cost home with Ace Energy.
