Powering Your Future Sustainably
Solar Inverters
The inverter is the smart technology that sits between your solar pv array, your battery storage and your consumer unit. The job of the inverter is to optimise the energy output from the solar panels and change it from Direct Current (DC) to the Alternating Current (AC) your home runs on.
Hybrid inverters also manage your energy by learning your usage patterns and can be operated by a smart app or dedicated device. They also redirect surplus energy to your battery to power an EV Charger, heat pump, air conditioning or hot water heater, and will also export anything remaining to the grid for credit.
All-in-all, the inverter is the “brains” behind the whole system. A professionally optimised inverter will provide the best return on your investment over the lifetime of your system – something the “box-shifter” suppliers often get wrong or ignore altogether, potentially costing you thousands in lost savings.
If your installer doesn’t provide this service then be aware of what the perceived upfront saving could cost you in short order.
At Prime Energy Solutions we don’t leave you to your own devices – literally. All our installations are correctly configured, compliant and fully documented by the end of the installation service.
Ask About “Smart App Configuration” When You Book Your Consultation
Boost Savings With Battery Storage
How Solar Batteries Accelerate Savings
Solar batteries store excess energy produced during daylight for use overnight, which is essential for households that are out at work during the day. Usually, any surplus energy left over is exported back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee that compensates you accordingly. This helps you recover the upfront cost of your investment sooner. However, on average you receive only 20% of the price your supplier charges you for the same amount of energy. Prioritising your self-consumption requirements allows you to use this surplus energy to power a vehicle, heat pump or air-conditioning instead, which is 5 times more efficient than buying it from the grid!
Ask About Our Range Of Solar Batteries When You Book Your Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a solar battery cost, and can I add one to my existing solar panels?
A standalone domestic battery storage system (typically 5kWh to 10kWh) ranges from £3,000 to £6,500 installed, depending on capacity, brand, and discharge rate.
Yes, you can easily retrofit a battery to an existing solar array. We install AC-coupled battery systems that seamlessly integrate with your current solar setup without replacing your existing solar inverter. Under current HMRC regulations, 0% VAT applies to both standalone and retrofitted battery installations, saving you 20% on equipment and labour costs.
Should I add a battery storage system to my solar panels?
While solar panels work without a battery, adding battery storage increases your energy independence by storing unused solar power generated during daylight hours for evening use.
Without a battery, the average home consumes about 30%–40% of the energy their panels generate. Adding a battery boosts self-consumption up to 70%–80%, drastically reducing your reliance on grid electricity and significantly shortening your overall system payback period.
Are your solar installers MCS certified, and will I need planning permission?
Yes, our entire team is MCS certified (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). MCS accreditation is essential because energy suppliers require it to register you for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), allowing you to get paid for exported energy.
In the vast majority of UK residential properties, solar panel installations fall under Permitted Development Rights, meaning formal planning permission is not required. If your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area, we handle any necessary local council applications and DNO (Distribution Network Operator) approvals on your behalf.
What is the difference between a string, hybrid, and microinverter, and which do I need?
The inverter converts DC power generated by panels into usable AC power for your home.
- Hybrid Inverter: Combines solar conversion and battery management in a single unit. Ideal for new installations where panels and batteries are fitted together.
- String Inverter: A single central unit connected to a series (“string”) of panels. Best for unshaded, uniform south-facing roofs.
- Microinverters: Small inverters attached behind each individual panel. Best for complex roofs with shading or multiple orientations, maximizing generation per panel.
During our technical survey, we assess your roof shading and storage needs to recommend the most cost-effective inverter configuration for your property.
How much money can I save with a solar battery and smart energy tariffs?
A solar battery allows you to benefit from Time-of-Use (ToU) smart tariffs (such as Octopus Flux, Agile, or Intelligent Octopus). In winter when solar generation is low, you can schedule your battery to charge automatically from the grid overnight at ultra-low off-peak rates (often 7p–10p/kWh). You then power your home during peak evening hours (30p+/kWh) using stored cheap power.
Combined with summer solar storage, smart tariff arbitrage can reduce your annual electricity bill by up to 70–85%, significantly shortening your battery’s financial payback period.
Will my solar battery keep my home powered during a power outage?
Standard grid-tied inverters automatically shut down during a power cut as a grid safety measure (anti-islanding protection). However, if power backup is a priority, we install inverters featuring an EPS (Emergency Power Supply) gateway or automated backup switch.
An EPS system automatically isolates your home from the grid during a blackout and diverts stored battery energy to designated essential circuits—such as your fridge, lighting, Wi-Fi router, and heating controls—keeping critical appliances running seamlessy.
How long do solar batteries and inverters last, and what warranties are included?
We install modern LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, which are safer, longer-lasting, and non-combustible compared to older lithium chemistries.
- Batteries: Rated for 6,000+ charge cycles (roughly 15–18 years of daily usage) and come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty guaranteeing at least 70% retained capacity.
- Inverters: Hybrid and string inverters typically last 10 to 12 years and come with standard 5 to 10-year warranties (extendable up to 20 years). Microinverters usually carry 25-year warranties.