Yes we do ! We have a 3.6KW hybrid inverter with 10 x 430W panels and a 12.5KW battery. Two years in and the payback has been amazing ! Battery storage is really important with a smaller system, as it allows us to spread our energy consumption throughout the day and night. 

My main roof wasn’t suitable to install solar PV Panels, so we managed to fit one group (or string) on our lower extension roof and another string on our home garden office roof, using a flat roof system. We’re Engineers, so sometimes we can find solutions that aren’t obvious.

We are based in Portsmouth and generally cover, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Havant, Fareham, Gosport, Winchester, West Sussex, Worthing, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Chichester, Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Weymouth, Dorchester, Oxfordshire, Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, Abingdon, Witney, Wiltshire, Salisbury.

Firstly, we can usually find a suitable alternative, so don’t worry too much.

As engineers, we made a decision NOT to fit batteries in lofts. Originally, due to reducing the lifespan of the battery. In large industrial data centres, the back-up battery power supplies (UPS) are housed in strictly temperature controlled plantrooms. This SIGNIFICANTLY increases the lifespan of the batteries. 

Recently the BSI has released PAS 63100:2024 – Protection against fire of battery energy storage systems, where they ADVISE engineers not to install Battery technologies in loft spaces, under stairs, in or next to bedrooms or any escape route (think hallway etc). Although this is currently NOT mandatory, the electrical industry and Insurance companies are advising customers to avoid this type of installation.

More information about PAS 63100:2024 here:

https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/electrical-installations-protection-against-fire-of-battery-energy-storage-systems-for-use-in-dwellings-specification?version=standard 

It shouldn’t be an issue, as long as we comply with our RECC and MCS obligations. It’s always worth having a chat with us before doing this.

• Properties with slate roofs, which usually require a specialist roofing service. This could depend on the age and condition of the slate roof tiles. Also, we will require a slate flashing kit for all of our roof hooks, in order to maintain the roof integrity, this is really important, because we need to guarantee the roof will not allow any water to penetrate. 
• Properties with flat roofs, that will require a flat roof system. usually this is a ballast weighted system, that “sits” on the roof and therefore does not affect the integrity of the roof structure and covering.
• Scaffolding complexities, such as installations over conservatories or properties with difficult access. Also for additional roofs, such as an East / West installation. 
• Extended or complex cable runs beyond standard distances, for example, detached outbuildings, requiring a armoured cable buried in a trench or installing a network cable due to wi-fi issues. Again, we have a set daily charge to cover these extras, if required.
• Existing electrical systems that require upgrading to meet current regulations or safety standards. We will generally spot this in advance, as we’ll ask for a few photos of your existing installation at the enquiry stage. For example; if you have an old fuse board and don’t want to change it, we probably can’t use it, so we may need to fit an additional small one, just for the solar Inverter and battery supplies. This again, will have a set fixed price. Also, we must have a good earthing system in place and again, we will advise if this an issue. 

In such cases, we will always inform you in advance and provide a detailed breakdown of any additional costs before proceeding.

Solar panels work well in the UK, even during cloudy conditions they generate electricity from daylight (irradiance) rather than direct sunlight, so they can still produce power on overcast days. It’s always better to think of total generation over the year. During spring to Autumn, we generate, store, use and sell back to the grid, in-order to cover those darker winter periods; although, on a cold bright winter day, your panels will work more efficiently than during summer ! which can really top up that annual production.

Battery storage systems store excess electricity generated by your solar panels during the day for use at night or during peak demand times, they maximize self-consumption and further reduce reliance on the grid. 

Certain energy suppliers charge a cheaper overnight electricity tariff, generally between set times; 00:00 – 05:00 for example. We can force charge our batteries during this cheaper period and use this stored energy during the day. 

If we want to be really smart using our Solar PV and battery Storage: we can sell-back to our energy supplier at peak times (usually between 17:00 – 19:00) for a much higher tariff. There are some great YouTube tutorials on making the most out of your system and SEG payment options.

Solar PV systems are relatively low maintenance. Periodic checks of panel cleanliness and inspection for any shading issues are recommended. Inverter maintenance and system performance checks may also be needed.

We can provide a comprehensive maintenance service and periodic inspections of existing PV Solar systems. 

We can check the health of your system and the power produced is within the expected specification. Just one faulty panel can pull down the total power output of the entire array. 

We check and tighten to the correct (torque) settings  all A/C and D/C connections inside your inverter, batteries and switchgear

Most properties in the UK are suitable for solar panel installation, provided they have a roof space with reasonably unobstructed sunlight exposure. South facing is good, as is an east / west configuration. The panels can  be installed on a pitched or even flat roof, sometimes we can use garages or outbuildings. A professional assessment can determine the feasibility and optimal configuration for your property.