Solar PV October 2025

4kW Solar in a Bradford on Avon Conservation Area

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire (BA15) — Victorian stone cottage

A Victorian stone cottage in the Bradford on Avon conservation area. The homeowners wanted solar but were concerned about planning rules and the visual impact on their traditional stone property.

3,920 kWh
Annual generation
£850
Annual saving
918 kg
CO2 saved/yr

The Challenge

The property sits within a conservation area, meaning panels visible from a highway could require planning permission. The stone slate roof required careful handling to avoid damage. Partial shading from mature trees affected the western portion of the rear roof.

Our Solution

All panels installed on the rear roof slope, invisible from the street — within permitted development rights. We used slate-specific hooks designed for stone slates with foam gaskets to prevent cracking. Sigenergy panel-level optimisers handle the partial shading without affecting the rest of the array.

The Result

No planning application required — rear-only installation is permitted development even in conservation areas. The system generates 3,920 kWh annually despite partial shading. The homeowner saves approximately £850 per year with a 7-year payback.

“We live in a conservation area and assumed solar was off the table. Lumos explained the rules clearly, kept everything on the rear roof, and there was no planning application needed at all. The system looks smart on the stone slates.”

A

A. Turnbull

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

System Specifications

System size 4 kW
Property type Victorian stone cottage
Roof type Natural stone slate
Panels 10 x AIKO Neostar 2P 440W All-Black
Inverter Sigenergy SigenStor 4kW with panel optimisation
Completed October 2025

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