Get more from your solar panels. Store what you generate and use it when it matters.
Most households export the solar energy they don’t use back to the grid for next to nothing, then buy it back at full price after dark. A battery stops that. It stores what your panels generate during the day so you’re running on your own electricity when the sun goes down, drawing far less from the grid when rates are highest.
UPS Solar installs solar panels with battery storage as a combined system, designed and sized for your property. We’re MCS accredited, Which? Trusted Traders, and a Fox ESS Elite Installer. Every installation comes with a 25-year panel warranty and 10-year inverter warranty, carried out by our own in-house fitting teams, not subcontractors.
If you already have solar panels and want to add battery storage, we can do that too.
Get a quote and we’ll tell you exactly what system size makes sense for your property and what you can realistically expect to save.
Welcome to UPS Solar, we install solar panels and battery storage solutions nationwide, with teams situated around the country.
Can I add battery storage to my existing solar panels?
Yes, in most cases. If your current inverter is a hybrid inverter it will already have a battery connection point and adding storage is straightforward. If you have a standard string inverter the options are either to replace it with a hybrid or to add an AC-coupled battery, which connects to the grid side rather than the panels directly. Both work. The right choice depends on your inverter make, age and the size of your existing array. We survey every property before recommending a system.
What size battery do I need?
For a typical three to four bedroom house the most common choices are between 9.5kWh and 15kWh. A 9.5kWh battery covers most of an average household's evening and overnight usage. A 15kWh system gives more headroom if you have an EV or higher than average consumption. The honest answer is that the right size depends on how much your panels generate, how much you use and when you use it. We size every system based on your actual consumption data, not a rule of thumb.
How much can I save with battery storage?
It depends on your tariff and how you use it. On a standard tariff a battery typically saves between £400 and £700 per year by using stored solar rather than buying from the grid in the evening. On a time of use tariff like Octopus Agile or Intelligent, where overnight rates can drop to 7p per kWh against a peak rate of 25p or more, the savings are significantly higher because you can charge the battery cheaply overnight even when the sun is not shining. Payback periods are typically between six and ten years depending on the system size and tariff.
Do I need solar panels to benefit from a battery?
No. A battery without solar still makes financial sense on a time of use tariff. You charge it overnight when electricity is cheap and discharge it during peak hours when rates are highest. The savings are lower than a solar and battery combination but the upfront cost is also lower. It is worth running the numbers on your current tariff before ruling it out.
What is the difference between AC and DC coupled battery storage?
DC-coupled storage connects directly to your solar panels through the inverter, which means energy only goes through one conversion process before it is stored. AC-coupled storage connects to the household circuit and converts energy twice, once from the panels and once into the battery. DC coupling is slightly more efficient but requires a compatible hybrid inverter. AC coupling is more flexible and can be retrofitted to almost any existing system. In practice the efficiency difference is small and the right choice is usually determined by what inverter you already have.
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The photovoltaic effect is what’s known as a thermodynamic process. Solar panels directly convert sunlight into electricity and are formed of photovoltaic cells, which are usually made of silicon. When sunlight strikes the cells, the photons from the sunlight are absorbed by the atoms in the silicon material. This absorption excites electrons in the silicon, causing them to move and create an electric current. The electric current is then captured and can be used to power electrical devices or sent to the grid for distribution.
The cost of solar panels can vary significantly depending on factors such as the size of the system and your specific energy requirements. For a more accurate estimate tailored to your needs, we recommend completing our quick remote survey to receive detailed pricing information.
The cost of solar panels depends on your energy usage and roof space. A typical 4kW system, consisting of 10-16 panels, is usually the most cost-effective option for homes. Commercial properties, with higher energy needs and more roof space, generally require more panels. Smaller businesses might need a few dozen panels, while larger operations could need significantly more. To get an accurate, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs, complete our free survey.
UPS Solar panels typically last 25-30 years, retaining at least 80% of their power output. With good quality, favorable conditions, and proper maintenance, their lifespan can be even longer. UPS Solar offers a 25-year manufacturer warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee to protect your investment.
The energy a solar panel system produces depends on its size, panel efficiency, and sunlight exposure. In the UK, a 4kW system typically generates 3,400 to 4,200 kWh annually, enough to cover an average household’s electricity needs. Actual output can vary based on installation conditions and weather. For a precise estimate, request a free quote survey.
South-facing roofs (south-east, south, south-west) are the most efficient for solar panels, but flat roofs and ground-mounted systems are also viable. It’s crucial that the installation area has minimal shading and gets sunlight most of the day. For a detailed assessment of your home’s solar suitability and options, request a free quote survey.
Solar panel batteries are used for storing the electricity from solar panels, which get the energy from the sun directly. Solar panel batteries can be used to give power to your house or your workplace in the form of electricity, when the weather is cloudier, or at night. Some of them can be used as well to charge by charging electric cars, which increases their usefulness and is practical.
Cleaning your solar panels regularly maximises their efficiency by ensuring they absorb the most sunlight. Dust, dirt, and bird droppings can reduce their effectiveness. Panels typically need cleaning once a week. In dry areas, manual cleaning is required, while in rainier regions, natural cleaning is often sufficient.
Battery storage maximises the benefits of commercial solar panels by storing excess energy for use during peak times, at night, or on cloudy days. This boosts energy independence, reduces reliance on the grid, and lowers costs by avoiding peak utility rates. Additionally, battery storage provides backup power during outages, ensuring continuous operations.
Yes, solar panels generate electricity in cloudy weather. They continue generating electricity even when the sun isn’t directly visible.
