From period property to future-ready home

The challenge was how to bring a century-old home up to modern energy standards while preserving its character and preparing it for the future.  

Kieran initially began by exploring solar. However, it soon became clear that achieving the family's goals would require more than simply installing panels on the existing roof. 

The property's ageing roof was approaching the end of its life, energy costs remained a concern, and the family wanted a smarter way to manage rising electricity consumption. With EV charging becoming part of daily life and energy prices continuing to fluctuate, Kieran was looking for a solution that could help reduce running costs while preparing the home for the future. 

That's when the homeowner turned to local renewable energy specialist Andrew Ogilvie and the team at OGV Electrical. Based in Scotland and delivering renewable energy projects for homeowners across the country, OGV Electrical worked alongside SOLARWATT and trusted roofing partner Rooftec to develop a coordinated home energy upgrade tailored to the property, creating a future-ready energy system designed to support the family's needs for decades to come. 

Project at a Glance 

Choosing a Local Expert 

For Kieran, choosing a local installer was an important part of the decision-making process. After researching providers in the Falkirk area, he contacted Andrew Ogilvie at OGV Electrical.  

What stood out immediately was Andrew's consultative approach and willingness to explain the options available before recommending a solution. Rather than offering a standard package, OGV Electrical invested time in understanding the property, the family's energy goals and the practical challenges of integrating modern energy technology into a century-old home. 

This attention to detail and commitment to designing the right solution reflects OGV Electricals’ reputation for delivering high-quality, carefully considered installations built around the needs of each customer.  

As well as requiring a new roof, the property's traditional appearance meant aesthetics were an important consideration. Andrew therefore developed a solution that combined renewable energy generation with a complete roof renewal programme. OGV Electrical coordinated the roofing and energy elements so that they could be approached as one project rather than two separate installations. For OGV Electrical, quality begins long before installation day. Every aspect of the project was carefully planned, from system sizing and equipment selection through to roof integration, cable routing and future expansion capability. The result was a solution that not only met the family's current requirements but was designed to perform reliably and efficiently for decades to come. 

The result was a fully integrated approach that delivered: 

• A new roof built for long-term durability
• A discreet in-roof solar installation
• A future-ready home energy system
• Greater protection against changing energy costs
• Increased energy independence through battery storage

Kieran particularly valued the appearance of the in-roof solar design. 

"We personally went for an in-roof solar installation because it suited the profile of the property and our considerations for neighbours." 

For a property where appearance mattered, the in-roof design helped the solar installation blend naturally into the renewed roofline. 

A Complete SOLARWATT Home Energy System 

Rather than simply installing solar panels, Andrew designed a complete SOLARWATT home energy system combining solar generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management. 

The system was tailored to the property's requirements and the family's plans, including EV charging and a desire for greater energy independence. 

The completed installation incorporates: 

• 37 x 450 W SOLARWATT glass-glass solar panels
• A 16.65 kWp solar array
• Two 6 kW SOLARWATT inverters
• 36.4 kWh of SOLARWATT battery storage
• SOLARWATT Energy Manager
• Dedicated cabling between the garage plant room and the main property
• A complete roof replacement using Grade A slate, installed by Rooftec
• An in-roof mounting system from Sunfixings

The project brings SOLARWATT glass-glass solar panels, battery storage, inverters and intelligent energy management together within one coordinated system, designed and installed by OGV Electrical. Chosen for their durability, long-term performance and suitability for a home where longevity was a major consideration, the glass-glass solar panels form the foundation of a system designed to deliver reliable performance and long-term value for decades to come. 

Central to the installation is the SOLARWATT Energy manager, which coordinates solar generation, battery storage and household consumption. Rather than operating as disconnected technologies, the principal energy components can work together as a complete system, helping the household make better use of the electricity generated on-site.  

Beyond the hardware, the objective was simple: maximise the amount of energy used within the home and reduce reliance on imported electricity. By combining solar generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management, the system helps the family capture more of the energy they generate and use it when it delivers the greatest value.

Finding the Right Location for Battery Storage 

Battery positioning formed an important part of the design process. The batteries were ultimately installed in a dedicated plant room, providing protection from Scotland's winter climate while allowing space for future expansion. Dedicated cabling connected the system back to the main property. 

Understanding the Value of Battery Storage 

While Kieran was familiar with the benefits of solar generation, battery storage was a newer concept. 

Working closely with Andrew, he learned how battery technology could store excess solar generation, support the family's household consumption patterns and take advantage of lower-cost electricity tariffs when appropriate. 

For Kieran, battery storage has become one of the most valuable parts of the installation. By storing excess solar generation and taking advantage of lower-cost electricity tariffs when appropriate, the SOLARWATT battery system provides additional flexibility while helping to reduce day-to-day electricity costs throughout the year. 

"The battery side was something I wasn't really familiar with at all. Andrew introduced me to that concept, and it's been a huge benefit for us personally." 

More Than Just Solar Panels 

For Andrew Ogilvie and OGV Electrical, the project demonstrates why every installation should be designed around the individual property and homeowner. 

Kieran and his family were not simply investing in solar panels. They wanted a long-term energy solution that could reduce energy costs, support EV charging and help future-proof the home. 

For SOLARWATT, the project highlights the growing demand for complete home energy systems that combine solar generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management. When these technologies work together, homeowners can increase self-consumption, reduce reliance on the grid and take greater control of their energy use. 

Quality and longevity played a major role in both the homeowner's and installer's decision-making. 

For Kieran, SOLARWATT's engineering, product testing and long-standing presence in the solar industry contributed to the decision. 

For Andrew Ogilvie and OGV Electrical, delivering long-term value means combining proven technology with high installation standards and meticulous attention to detail. Product quality is only one part of the equation. System design, workmanship and the ability to integrate multiple technologies into a cohesive energy solution are equally important. That philosophy underpins every project undertaken by OGV Electrical and was evident throughout the Falkirk installation. 

"It's about installing the best quality technology on the market, with proven track records in the market being a massive part as well." 

For both OGV Electrical and SOLARWATT, long-term performance was a central consideration. The installation combines SOLARWATT glass-glass solar panels, inverters, battery storage and intelligent energy management, supported by long-term product and performance warranties that provide additional confidence in the investment. 

The renewed roof complements that long-term approach. Rooftec installed Grade A slate using non-corrosive fixings, creating a durable foundation designed to support the energy system for years to come.  

A Straightforward, Pressure-Free Experience 

One theme runs consistently throughout Kieran's experience: trust. 

From the initial survey through to final commissioning, Andrew and the OGV Electrical team focused on providing clear information and realistic projections rather than applying sales pressure. 

Andrew conducted the survey, shared calculations and explained the available options, enabling Kieran and his family to make an informed decision at their own pace. 

"There's no pressure. No calling every day or putting pressure on you. He'll leave you with the information; you make up your own mind." 

The complete project, including the substantial roof renewal, was delivered in approximately six weeks, with the solar installation itself completed in a matter of days.  

The Outcome 

This project has delivered more than renewable generation. It has given the family greater control over how and when they use energy, reduced dependence on volatile electricity prices and created a clear pathway for future technologies such as EV charging and further home electrification. 

The completed project delivered three clear benefits for Kieran and his family: 

• A new roof designed to provide long-term durability
• Lower energy bills supported by solar generation and battery storage
• Greater confidence in the family's investment through quality products and long-term warranties

For Andrew Ogilvie and OGV Electrical, the project demonstrates how the best home energy solutions start with understanding the homeowner's priorities and designing a system around them. By combining Andrew's consultative approach, Rooftec's roofing expertise and SOLARWATT's integrated home energy technology, the project delivered far more than a conventional solar installation. 

Together, the partners transformed a century-old Scottish property into a future-ready home energy system. Combining a durable new roof, SOLARWATT glass-glass solar panels, battery storage, intelligent energy management and long-term warranties, the installation demonstrates how trusted local expertise and integrated energy technology can help homeowners reduce energy costs, increase self-consumption and take greater control of their energy future. 

For Kieran and his family, the result is a home that retains all the character of a century-old property while benefiting from modern energy technology designed to deliver value, flexibility and peace of mind for decades to come.