Solar panels are a welcome addition when you move into a home. But as the days get shorter, you may find that they no longer produce enough electricity to cover your household’s needs.
That was the situation for a customer in Haddington, East Lothian. Their house already had solar panels when they bought it, and they wanted another way to help reduce their electricity bills heading into winter.
This week, our team completed the next step: installing a Fox ESS inverter and an EP6 battery.
Adding battery storage to an existing solar setup
The customer already had the panels, so this project focused on adding storage rather than installing a new solar array.
Our team fitted the Fox ESS inverter and EP6 battery in the garage. The inverter sits above the battery on the brick wall, keeping the equipment together in one location.
It’s a useful example of how a home energy system can develop over time. Having solar panels already in place doesn’t mean you’ve reached the end of your options.
Why consider a battery ahead of winter?
During the brighter months, solar generation may cover more of a home’s daytime electricity use. As daylight hours fall, the balance changes. The home still needs electricity, even when the panels are producing less.
A battery gives homeowners more flexibility over when they use electricity. Where there is surplus solar generation, it can be stored for use later.
However, a battery doesn’t create extra solar energy. If the panels cannot cover the home’s demand, there may be little surplus available to store.
For households on a suitable time-of-use tariff, charging a battery during cheaper periods can offer another way to manage costs. The benefit depends on the tariff, charging settings, household use and energy lost during charging and discharging.
A Fox ESS inverter and EP6 battery in Haddington
For this installation, the customer chose a Fox ESS inverter paired with an EP6 battery. The aim was straightforward: build on the solar panels already at the property and give the household more control over its electricity use.
With winter approaching, it was a good time to review how the household uses electricity and add storage to the existing system.
Thinking about adding a battery to your solar panels?
If you already have solar panels and would like to explore battery storage, we can look at your existing equipment, electricity use and available installation space.
Find out more about our Fox ESS inverter and battery systems, or visit our Haddington solar installation page to discuss your project with Renew-able Solutions.
