How Battery Storage Systems Complement Solar Panels

Battery storage systems are revolutionizing how we use solar power by allowing us to store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use during cloudy days or at night. This post examines the benefits of combining solar panels with battery storage for maximum efficiency.

Why Combine Solar Panels with Battery Storage?

Solar panels generate electricity when the sun is shining, but most households use the majority of their energy in the morning and evening when solar production is lower. Without battery storage, excess solar energy is exported to the grid for a fraction of what you pay to import electricity later.

A home battery system changes this dynamic completely. By storing surplus solar generation during peak production hours, you can use your own clean energy when you need it most—reducing reliance on expensive grid electricity and maximising your return on investment.

Key Benefits of Solar + Battery Systems

1. Increased Self-Consumption

Without a battery, typical solar self-consumption rates hover around 30-40%. With properly sized battery storage, this can increase to 70-80% or even higher. This means more of the energy you generate stays in your home rather than being sold back cheaply.

2. Protection Against Rising Energy Costs

Electricity prices have risen dramatically in recent years. By maximising self-consumption of your solar energy, you're effectively locking in your energy costs and protecting yourself from future price increases.

3. Backup Power During Outages

Many modern battery systems offer backup power functionality. When the grid goes down, your battery can keep essential appliances running—providing peace of mind and practical resilience.

4. Smart Tariff Optimisation

Modern battery systems like Fox ESS and Anker SOLIX can integrate with time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Intelligent Go or Agile. Charge from the grid during cheap overnight periods and use stored energy during expensive peak times, even on cloudy days when solar generation is low.

Sizing Your Battery System

The right battery size depends on several factors:

**Daily energy consumption**: A typical UK home uses 8-10 kWh per day

**Solar panel system size**: Larger solar arrays generate more excess energy to store

**Usage patterns**: When you use most of your electricity affects how much storage you need

**Budget**: Larger batteries cost more but offer greater savings potential

For most households with a 4-6kW solar system, a 5-10 kWh battery provides an excellent balance of storage capacity and cost-effectiveness.

Popular Battery Options

At Eastbourne Energy, we install leading battery brands including:

**Fox ESS**: Reliable hybrid systems with capacities from 5.2 kWh to 12 kWh

**Anker SOLIX X1**: Premium modular system with 5 kWh expandable units and industry-leading 10-year warranty

Is Battery Storage Right for You?

Battery storage makes the most sense when:

You have or are planning to install solar panels

You use most electricity during mornings and evenings

You want protection against power cuts

You're on or considering a time-of-use electricity tariff

Get Expert Advice

Choosing the right solar and battery combination requires careful consideration of your energy usage, roof space, and budget. Our team at Eastbourne Energy can conduct a free assessment to determine the optimal system for your home.

[Contact us today](/contact) for a no-obligation consultation, or use our [solar calculator](/solar-calculator) to get an instant estimate of potential savings with solar and battery storage.