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British home with solar panels and battery storage at dusk

Home › Services › Solar + Battery

Home › Services › Solar + Battery

Generate your own energy. Store it for when you need it.

Generate your own energy. Store it for when you need it.

Generate your own energy. Store it for when you need it.

Complete solar panel and battery storage solutions, designed around your home and professionally managed by SolaMax from installation to ongoing technical support.

Get Your Free Quote

Get Your Free Quote

How It Works

How It Works

Is solar and battery storage right for your home?

Is solar and battery storage right for your home?

Evening Energy Use

Store unused solar electricity for use after sunset.

Higher Energy Demand

Consider a system designed around present and future household loads.

Energy Cost Control

Explore how solar generation, battery storage and electricity tariffs can work together.

Long-Term Support

SolaMax remains your main contact for technical and warranty-related matters.

How the system moves energy

How the system moves energy

Illustrative energy flows
Solar PV panelsDC generationHybrid inverterDC / AC conversionBattery storageDC charge / dischargeHomeAC household loadsGrid connectionAC import / exportSolar DCChargeDischargeACAC distributionand meteringImport / exportSolar PV panelsDC generationHybrid inverterDC / AC conversionBattery storageDC coupledHomeAC household loadsGrid connectionAC import / exportSolar DCDC charging /dischargingACDistribution+ meteringImport /export
Solar PV panels
Generate DC electricity from daylight.
Hybrid inverter
Converts, controls and routes energy.
Home
Uses available solar and stored energy.
Battery storage
Charges from surplus solar and may discharge when generation falls below demand.
Grid connection
Supplies remaining demand and may receive permitted exports.

How does a solar and battery system work?

How does a solar and battery system work?

How does a solar and battery system work?

Solar panels generate DC electricity from daylight. A compatible inverter and control system make that electricity available to your home. When generation is higher than household demand, the system may charge the battery, subject to its settings and charge limits. When generation falls below demand, the battery may discharge to support your home until it reaches its configured lower charge limit or power limit. The grid can supply any remaining demand.

Solar panels generate DC electricity from daylight. A compatible inverter and control system make that electricity available to your home. When generation is higher than household demand, the system may charge the battery, subject to its settings and charge limits. When generation falls below demand, the battery may discharge to support your home until it reaches its configured lower charge limit or power limit. The grid can supply any remaining demand.

The result is not complete independence from the grid. It is a system designed to change when you import and export electricity. Winter production, weather, available battery capacity, peak appliance loads and your electricity tariff all affect the outcome.

The result is not complete independence from the grid. It is a system designed to change when you import and export electricity. Winter production, weather, available battery capacity, peak appliance loads and your electricity tariff all affect the outcome.

A typical day with solar and battery storage

A typical day with solar and battery storage

A typical day with solar and battery storage

Solar generationHousehold demandBattery power
Solar generation and household demand · kW01234500:0004:0008:0012:0016:0020:0024:00Battery power · kW+ charging / − discharging-20+2
Illustrative daily operating profile only. Actual generation, demand and battery behaviour vary by property, season, equipment and settings.
00:00–24:00 · Power in kW · On mobile, swipe the chart to view the full day.

Morning

Solar output rises and supplies part of the household load. Weather, orientation and household demand determine the result.

Midday

Surplus solar energy may charge the battery. Battery state of charge, charge rate and controls affect the outcome.

Evening

Battery may supply electricity as PV output declines. Usable battery capacity and discharge power determine how long it can help.

Overnight

Home may import from the grid or charge during a cheaper tariff window. Tariff, settings and remaining battery charge affect the result.

This is an example of operating behaviour, not a prediction for any particular home. Some systems allow time-of-use scheduling or export strategies; available modes depend on the actual inverter, battery and monitoring platform.

This is an example of operating behaviour, not a prediction for any particular home. Some systems allow time-of-use scheduling or export strategies; available modes depend on the actual inverter, battery and monitoring platform.

Solar-only versus solar with battery storage

Solar-only versus solar with battery storage

Solar-only versus solar with battery storage

FeatureSolar PV onlySolar PV + battery
CostUsually lower initial equipment cost.Higher initial cost with storage equipment and installation.
Daily useDirect daytime consumption; evening use generally requires grid import.Direct use plus possible storage for evening demand.
ExportsExports can be configured where permitted.Exports may be reduced or scheduled differently, with added controls and settings.
BackupBackup power is normally unavailable.Backup is only available with correctly designed equipment.
ComplexitySystem complexity is lower.Added controls and settings require a complete system design.

Battery storage is not always financially justified. Households with strong daytime consumption or attractive export arrangements may reach a different conclusion from those with substantial evening demand. We should compare the cost and value of both designs for your circumstances.

Battery storage is not always financially justified. Households with strong daytime consumption or attractive export arrangements may reach a different conclusion from those with substantial evening demand. We should compare the cost and value of both designs for your circumstances.

Compare your options

Compare your options

How much battery capacity do you need?

How much battery capacity do you need?

How much battery capacity do you need?

Battery capacity is measured in kWh, while battery charge or discharge power is measured in kW. A 10 kWh battery and a 10 kW inverter describe different characteristics. If a battery offers 9 kWh of usable energy under a stated specification, a continuous 3 kW load could theoretically use that energy in around three hours before additional losses and operating limitations; in reality, usable time varies with efficiency, reserve settings and changing household loads.

Battery capacity is measured in kWh, while battery charge or discharge power is measured in kW. A 10 kWh battery and a 10 kW inverter describe different characteristics. If a battery offers 9 kWh of usable energy under a stated specification, a continuous 3 kW load could theoretically use that energy in around three hours before additional losses and operating limitations; in reality, usable time varies with efficiency, reserve settings and changing household loads.

The appropriate size depends on consumption outside daylight hours, expected surplus PV generation, seasonal patterns, export value, budget, battery operating limits and future loads such as a heat pump or EV. A larger battery is not automatically a better financial choice. If much of its capacity is rarely filled or discharged, the added investment may deliver little additional benefit.

The appropriate size depends on consumption outside daylight hours, expected surplus PV generation, seasonal patterns, export value, budget, battery operating limits and future loads such as a heat pump or EV. A larger battery is not automatically a better financial choice. If much of its capacity is rarely filled or discharged, the added investment may deliver little additional benefit.

Illustrative battery sizes, not product recommendations

Illustrative battery sizes, not product recommendations

Illustrative battery sizes, not product recommendations

Around 5 kWh

Could suit a property with relatively modest evening demand.

Around 10 kWh

May offer more flexibility for a household with meaningful evening use.

Around 15–16 kWh

Worth considering where demand, solar generation and operating strategy justify it.

These are prompts for assessment, not universal suitability thresholds. A specific quote must confirm usable capacity, continuous and peak power, installation conditions and manufacturer warranty terms.

These are prompts for assessment, not universal suitability thresholds. A specific quote must confirm usable capacity, continuous and peak power, installation conditions and manufacturer warranty terms.

Why inverter and battery compatibility matter

Why inverter and battery compatibility matter

Why inverter and battery compatibility matter

A hybrid inverter can coordinate solar production and compatible battery storage, but not every inverter works with every battery. Communication protocols, voltage ranges, battery management systems, firmware, approved combinations and warranty conditions all matter. The right design must also consider maximum PV input, AC output, supply connection, monitoring and any planned future expansion.

A hybrid inverter can coordinate solar production and compatible battery storage, but not every inverter works with every battery. Communication protocols, voltage ranges, battery management systems, firmware, approved combinations and warranty conditions all matter. The right design must also consider maximum PV input, AC output, supply connection, monitoring and any planned future expansion.

Inverter compatibility

Communication protocols, voltage ranges, battery management systems, firmware and approved combinations all matter.

Backup / EPS

A battery does not automatically provide backup power. Correct switching, wiring and supported loads are required.

SolaMax’s approach is to specify a complete arrangement with defined components and operating functions rather than assembling equipment whose interoperability has not been checked.

SolaMax’s approach is to specify a complete arrangement with defined components and operating functions rather than assembling equipment whose interoperability has not been checked.

Will it power your home during a power cut?

Will it power your home during a power cut?

Will it power your home during a power cut?

Not automatically. Many grid-connected hybrid systems shut down or isolate during a power cut unless they have a specific backup function and the correct switching and wiring. An EPS or backup output may supply selected circuits rather than the entire property. Available power can be limited, and equipment such as high-load showers, ovens or EV chargers may exceed the supported backup load.

Not automatically. Many grid-connected hybrid systems shut down or isolate during a power cut unless they have a specific backup function and the correct switching and wiring. An EPS or backup output may supply selected circuits rather than the entire property. Available power can be limited, and equipment such as high-load showers, ovens or EV chargers may exceed the supported backup load.

If backup power is important, tell us at the quotation stage. We will assess the loads you need to support, the switching arrangement, battery reserve strategy and whether the selected equipment can provide that function. Never assume that buying a battery alone creates an emergency power supply.

If backup power is important, tell us at the quotation stage. We will assess the loads you need to support, the switching arrangement, battery reserve strategy and whether the selected equipment can provide that function. Never assume that buying a battery alone creates an emergency power supply.

Off-peak tariffs and charging from the grid

Off-peak tariffs and charging from the grid

Off-peak tariffs and charging from the grid

Some systems can charge from the grid during a cheaper tariff period and discharge when import rates are higher. Whether this produces useful savings depends on the price difference, conversion losses, battery cycling, available capacity, tariff terms and the value of exporting solar electricity instead. Automation and tariff integrations also depend on equipment compatibility. We will distinguish supported functions from features that are merely advertised in a general product range.

Some systems can charge from the grid during a cheaper tariff period and discharge when import rates are higher. Whether this produces useful savings depends on the price difference, conversion losses, battery cycling, available capacity, tariff terms and the value of exporting solar electricity instead. Automation and tariff integrations also depend on equipment compatibility. We will distinguish supported functions from features that are merely advertised in a general product range.

How much can a solar and battery system save?

How much can a solar and battery system save?

How much can a solar and battery system save?

Savings must be calculated for your individual home. A credible assessment compares solar-only and solar-plus-battery designs using the same household profile, rather than multiplying total annual generation by a peak retail price.

Savings must be calculated for your individual home. A credible assessment compares solar-only and solar-plus-battery designs using the same household profile, rather than multiplying total annual generation by a peak retail price.

Savings must be calculated for your individual home. A credible assessment compares solar-only and solar-plus-battery designs using the same household profile, rather than multiplying total annual generation by a peak retail price.

  • Electricity imports avoided: How much solar and stored electricity can replace grid purchases.

  • Export revenue and tariffs: Import rates, export income received or forgone, and your actual tariff terms.

  • Battery efficiency and lifetime: Storage and conversion losses, usable capacity, cycling and battery lifetime.

  • Seasonal operating behaviour: Realistic generation, household demand and battery operation throughout the year.

  • Individual costs and assumptions: Installed equipment costs, standing charges and other variables specific to your home.

  • Electricity imports avoided: How much solar and stored electricity can replace grid purchases.

  • Export revenue and tariffs: Import rates, export income received or forgone, and your actual tariff terms.

  • Battery efficiency and lifetime: Storage and conversion losses, usable capacity, cycling and battery lifetime.

  • Seasonal operating behaviour: Realistic generation, household demand and battery operation throughout the year.

  • Individual costs and assumptions: Installed equipment costs, standing charges and other variables specific to your home.

  • Electricity imports avoided: How much solar and stored electricity can replace grid purchases.

  • Export revenue and tariffs: Import rates, export income received or forgone, and your actual tariff terms.

  • Battery efficiency and lifetime: Storage and conversion losses, usable capacity, cycling and battery lifetime.

  • Seasonal operating behaviour: Realistic generation, household demand and battery operation throughout the year.

  • Individual costs and assumptions: Installed equipment costs, standing charges and other variables specific to your home.

Illustrative tariff calculation

Illustrative tariff calculation

Hypothetical tariff example — not a forecast.

Electricity value

28p/kWh

Foregone export value

8p/kWh

Energy shifted

1,000 kWh

Gross difference

£200

Illustrative gross difference only, before storage losses, equipment costs, standing charges and other variables. These hypothetical tariff figures must be replaced with your actual assumptions. Not a guaranteed saving.

Discuss Your Energy Needs

What affects installation cost?

What affects installation cost?

What affects installation cost?

Cost depends on roof arrangement, array size, inverter and battery specification, electrical distribution board condition, cable runs, mounting, monitoring, access, potential supply alterations and backup options. We provide the exact equipment and scope proposed, explain what is included, and identify uncertainties before you commit.

Cost depends on roof arrangement, array size, inverter and battery specification, electrical distribution board condition, cable runs, mounting, monitoring, access, potential supply alterations and backup options. We provide the exact equipment and scope proposed, explain what is included, and identify uncertainties before you commit.

Why SolaMax

Why SolaMax

SolaMax
SolaMax

Complete project management

One coordinated journey from quotation to commissioning.

Engineering-led system design

System sizing, compatibility and operating assumptions are considered together.

Own technical servicing

A central contact for technical questions after handover.

Whole-system warranty coordination

Clear support across the installed arrangement under the agreed terms.

The SolaMax installation and support process

The SolaMax installation and support process

The SolaMax installation and support process

We start with a conversation about your electricity use, property and energy goals. Our assessment considers solar generation potential, demand at different times, battery capacity and power, inverter compatibility and installation location. We then issue a written proposal, coordinate installation specialists as main contractor, arrange commissioning and explain monitoring and operation at handover. SolaMax remains the central contact for technical and warranty enquiries under the agreed terms.

We start with a conversation about your electricity use, property and energy goals. Our assessment considers solar generation potential, demand at different times, battery capacity and power, inverter compatibility and installation location. We then issue a written proposal, coordinate installation specialists as main contractor, arrange commissioning and explain monitoring and operation at handover. SolaMax remains the central contact for technical and warranty enquiries under the agreed terms.

See how we handle technical servicing and warranty support. For component-level explanations, visit Home Battery Storage and Solar Panels.

See how we handle technical servicing and warranty support. For component-level explanations, visit Home Battery Storage and Solar Panels.

1. Consultation

Discuss electricity use, property and energy goals.

2. Assessment

Review generation potential, demand and installation conditions.

3. Quotation

Receive a written proposal with equipment and scope.

4. Installation

SolaMax coordinates appropriate installation specialists.

5. Handover

Commissioning, monitoring explanation and ongoing support.

Solar + battery FAQs

Solar + battery FAQs

Solar + battery FAQs

A battery can reduce some grid purchases, but it cannot create energy. Limited winter solar generation, battery capacity, power limits, standing charges and high household demand mean ongoing bills are common.

Get a proposal designed around your home

Get a proposal designed around your home

Get a proposal designed around your home

We will discuss your roof, typical electricity use, preferred budget, optional EV or backup requirements and whether battery storage is justified. Get Your Free Quote.

We will discuss your roof, typical electricity use, preferred budget, optional EV or backup requirements and whether battery storage is justified. Get Your Free Quote.

Get a solar and battery proposal for your home

Get a solar and battery proposal for your home

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