04/08/2026
“I wish we’d listened and bought the bigger battery"
One of our customers came back to us just six months after their solar installation to add a second battery.
Not because the first one wasn’t working, but because they wished they’d installed more storage capacity from the outset, exactly as we had originally recommended.
It’s a conversation we have time and again. The question isn’t usually whether to have a battery. It’s about choosing the right size, understanding what it can and can’t do, and making an informed decision before you commit.
Having designed and installed thousands of solar systems across southern England since 2011, here are four things every homeowner should know:
🔋 1. Your energy habits matter, not just the size of your roof.
Battery sizing should consider both how much electricity you use and when you use it, as well as your solar generation and future energy needs.
🔋 2. Not every battery system provides backup power.
If you want parts of your home to keep running during a power cut, make sure your system is specifically designed and installed with backup power capability.
🔋 3. Getting the size right first time can save money.
Adding storage later may require another installation visit, additional equipment and compatibility checks. Planning the right capacity from the beginning can reduce both cost and disruption.
🔋 4. Look beyond the length of the warranty.
Don’t just compare the number of years. Check the battery’s guaranteed remaining capacity, cycle or energy throughput limits, exclusions and any conditions you must meet to keep the warranty valid.
Thinking about adding battery storage to your home?
Drop us a message. We’ll help you understand what genuinely suits your household and energy usage, rather than simply recommending the biggest battery available.
📞 01494 773400
✉️ [email protected]
www.chilternsolar.co.uk
