You probably know us as solar panel installers, and that is indeed the vast majority of our work. 

But there’s more to solar installation than putting panels on your roof - from wiring and inverters to optional extras like EV chargers and batteries, the possibilities are pretty much endless. 

And batteries have become much more commonplace in recent years as export rates have fallen. There are even some customers who skip the panels altogether, with some choosing a battery instead of, or in preparation for, a full solar array.

But how do you know what’s right for you? If panels and a battery isn’t an option right now, one or the other installed separately could still bring you significant benefits.

Should I install a battery on its own?

There are a few scenarios where installing a battery without panels, at least for the time being, makes total sense:

• The roof is not ready or not suitable for panels - if you’re having major work done on the roof, or it’s only north-facing or severely overshadowed, panels might not be worth the investment

• You don’t own the roof or have permission to install panels - for example, if you live in a flat you might not be in a position to install panels but could still benefit from storing energy with a battery

• You travel a lot in the summer months - if you’re going to be away when panels would be generating the most power, you could still benefit from having a battery in the winter. That way you can store power imported on a cheaper tariff to be used in peak hours

• Ease of installation - installing panels is quicker and more straightforward than many people realise, but it does usually involve scaffolding. So if the timing’s not right for getting onto your roof, because of access requirements for example, we can still install a battery to start you saving on your bills

• Special offers - like the one we have running until 31 October 2026, which could get you a battery installed for as little as £1,725. Find out more here.

What about just panels?

Of course, it’s also an option to do things the other way around, ie install your panels and inverter first, and add a battery later down the line if you need it. So when is this the right approach?

• Commercial installations - if your business operates in daytime hours, you’re likely to have high self-consumption and not much excess to store

• Spread the cost - a battery can make up a major portion of the cost of a solar PV system, so starting without it means you could afford solar sooner than you thought

• Space constraints - it’s rare, but some people have space on their roof for panels and limited space elsewhere for a battery. If this is you, we’d love the challenge of finding a solution - but if you’re convinced a battery is too much of a threat to your feng shui, we’ll leave it out!

So what’s right for you?

The power of solar panels combined with battery storage is a brilliant match, but having both is not always the best option for everyone. We talk to every customer about their circumstances before completing our designs, so you get a solution that’s tailored to you with no pressure to go further.

Check out our current offers before 31 October 2026, or get in touch anytime for a chat about your energy needs.