The problem a battery solves
Solar panels generate most of their power in the middle of the day. Most households use most of their power in the morning and evening. Without a battery, a lot of what you generate gets sent to the grid for a small export payment, and a few hours later you're buying electricity back at full price.
What happens through the day
- 1MorningYour panels start generating. Your home uses that power first.
- 2MiddayYou're generating more than you need. The surplus charges your battery.
- 3AfternoonOnce the battery's full, any extra is exported to the grid and you're paid for it.
- 4Evening & nightThe sun's gone. Your home runs on the energy stored in the battery instead of the grid.
- 5WinterWith less sunshine, the battery can charge from the grid overnight on a cheap tariff and power your home through the expensive daytime hours.
Why size matters
Too small, and your battery is empty by 8pm. Too big, and you've paid for capacity you'll never fill. The right size depends on how much solar you generate, how much you use in the evening, whether you have an EV or heat pump, and your tariff. That's why we look at your real bills before recommending anything.
Backup power
Some batteries can keep essential circuits running during a power cut. Not every system does this automatically. It depends on the equipment and how it's wired. If backup matters to you, say so at the start and we'll design for it.