Blending 245 Years of History with Modern Solar Power – East Sussex
Transforming a historic Ashdown Forest home into a future-ready, energy-efficient property
“TLGEC not only delivered a brilliant solar and battery system — their expert advice on our three-phase setup shaped the whole home energy design.”
— Tom Patterson, Homeowner, Ashdown Forest
Background
When Tom Patterson, an IT Managing Director, and his wife set out to renovate a 245-year-old forester’s cottage in Ashdown Forest, their goal was simple: create a beautiful, modern, and eco-friendly family home that respected the property’s history.
The four-bedroom, two-living-room home — now around 2,200 sq ft — had fallen into disrepair, with severe damp and outdated electrics. The couple decided on a full renovation and made one firm rule: it had to be sustainable.
The property runs entirely on electricity — no gas, no oil, and no wet central heating — so finding an efficient, modern energy solution was essential.
The Challenge
Tom initially looked into heat pumps, but the scale of groundwork and drainage required made the project too complex and costly.
He was also sceptical about solar, concerned that traditional panels would spoil the aesthetic of their 18th-century home. A family member suggested in-roof solar could preserve the property’s appearance — and when Tom began researching installers, TLGEC’s testimonials and case studies stood out.
What sealed the deal was confidence.
“When I spoke to the team, they clearly understood three-phase electrical systems. That gave me immediate trust that they could design and deliver the right solution.”
The Solution
TLGEC designed a bespoke solar PV and battery storage system that met the property’s three-phase electrical requirements while maintaining its character and charm.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| System Size | 6.64 kWp |
| Solar Panels | 16 × SunPower Maxeon panels (in-roof mounted) |
| Battery Storage | Tesla Powerwall 3 (DC-coupled, with Backup Gateway 2) |
| Annual Generation | 6,860 kWh |
| CO₂ Offset | 1,330 kg per year |
| Installer | The Little Green Energy Company |
| Location | Ashdown Forest, East Sussex |
| Completion Date | August 2024 |
The TLGEC team managed several on-site challenges — including a chimney that restricted roof space and the complexities of a three-phase energy supply. Despite these, the system was delivered on time and without compromise to the design or efficiency.
Project Manager Mike Thompson, a qualified electrician, supported Tom closely throughout.
“Having Mike as my project manager made all the difference — his practical experience and clear communication gave me confidence from day one.”
The Results
The impact was immediate and dramatic. Before moving in, the property’s previous owners were spending around £7,000 per year on electricity.
Since switching to solar, Tom’s household energy use has transformed — particularly through the summer
| Period | Typical Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Before Installation | £500–£600/month | Entirely grid electricity |
| After Installation (Summer 2024) | £20–£30/month (off-peak) | With solar generation offsetting most daytime use |
| Winter Estimate | To be confirmed | Expected to rise as storage heaters are used and sunlight hours reduce |
While it’s too early to confirm an exact annual saving, Tom expects a substantial reduction in total energy costs compared to the home’s previous £7,000 yearly spend.
“We’ve already seen a dramatic drop in our bills over the summer months. As we move into winter, we’ll have a much clearer picture — but it’s clear the system is already making a huge difference.”
— Tom Patterson, Homeowner, Ashdown Forest
TLGEC Note: Each home’s solar performance varies with factors like usage, weather, and energy tariffs. Tom’s results reflect his property and system configuration.
A Modern Take on Heritage
By integrating in-roof solar panels, the installation blends seamlessly into the newly renovated home, respecting its original architecture. The result is a property that combines historic beauty with cutting-edge sustainability.
Tom is now considering future renewable options, including EV charging and additional smart home integration — and he knows exactly who he’ll call.
“TLGEC’s expertise shaped our whole home energy design — I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”
Technologies Used
- SunPower Maxeon Solar Panels – world-leading performance and a 40-year product warranty
- Tesla Powerwall 3 – integrated solar inverter, whole-home backup, 10-year warranty
- Three-phase configuration – advanced setup for high-load, all-electric properties
Ready to transform your home?
If you’d like to learn how TLGEC can design a bespoke renewable energy system for your property — from period homes to new builds — contact our team today.
