Solar and battery storage
Sustainable Energy Solutions
Solar panels and battery storage solutions provide homes, schools and businesses across the UK with a sustainable and cost-effective way to manage energy needs.
By harnessing renewable solar power users can reduce their reliance on the grid, lower energy costs and decrease carbon emissions, contributing to environmental goals.
How It Works
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar and Battery Storage
How much can I save with solar panels and battery storage?
Most UK homeowners save between 50-70% on their electricity bills. With battery storage, you can store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during peak evening hours when electricity rates are highest, maximising your savings.
Can I add battery storage to my existing solar panels?
Yes, absolutely. Battery storage can be retrofitted to most existing solar panel systems. Our engineers will assess your current setup and recommend compatible battery solutions from leading manufacturers like Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy, and Sunsynk.
How long do solar batteries last?
Quality solar batteries typically last 10-15 years with a warranty period of 10 years. The lifespan depends on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and maintenance. Most modern lithium-ion batteries retain 70-80% capacity after their warranty period.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels and batteries?
Most domestic solar panel and battery installations are permitted development and don’t require planning permission. However, listed buildings, conservation areas, and certain commercial properties may need approval. We handle all necessary assessments and applications as part of our service.
- Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into electricity providing a renewable energy source
- Battery Storage: Stores excess solar energy generated during the day for use during peak times or when sunlight is unavailable
- Smart Energy Management: Integrates with existing electrical systems to optimise energy use reducing waste and maximising efficiency
Benefits for Businesses and Commercial Premises
Investing in solar and battery storage solutions can be a game-changer for businesses looking to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability.
- Lower Energy Bills: Solar generation can help reduce dependency on grid electricity. Any savings will vary depending on system size, energy usage, and operating patterns.
- Energy Security: Battery storage can provide access to stored electricity during certain outages and help manage exposure to energy price fluctuations.
- Sustainability and CSR: Support corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives by reducing carbon emissions and demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy.
- Government Incentives: Businesses may be eligible for schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which provides payments for exported electricity. Eligibility and availability depend on current government policy and supplier terms.
- Scalability: Systems can be designed to suit businesses of all sizes from small offices to large industrial sites.
Benefits for Residential Properties
For homeowners, solar and battery storage solutions can support greater energy independence and help manage long-term energy costs.
- Reduced Energy Costs: Generating and storing your own electricity can help reduce household energy bills. Savings will vary depending on system size, usage patterns, and property characteristics.
- Energy Independence: Stored energy can be used during peak times, helping to reduce reliance on the grid.
- Environmental Impact: Lower household carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Property Value Increase: Some buyers may view solar and battery systems as a positive feature, which could enhance property appeal.
- Smart Home Integration: Many systems can integrate with smart home technology, allowing monitoring and control via mobile applications.
Why Choose Oakford Integration?
Oakford Integration offers solar and battery storage solutions tailored to the needs of businesses and homeowners.
- Custom System Design: Designed based on your energy usage, property characteristics and project requirements.
- Professional Installation: Installed by qualified and experienced engineers in line with current industry standards.
- Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Helping to maintain system performance and reliability over time.
By choosing Oakford Integration, you are investing in a smarter, greener and more cost-effective energy future. Contact us today to learn how solar and battery storage can benefit your home or business.
What Our Customers Say
Solar and Battery Storage Across Wiltshire and the South of England
Oakford Integration provides solar panel and battery storage installations across Wiltshire and surrounding counties, including homes and businesses in Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Devizes, Swindon, Bath, Bristol and neighbouring areas. Our regional presence means we understand the characteristics of properties across the South of England, from rural homes and agricultural buildings to town centre offices and industrial facilities.
We work with clients throughout Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, delivering renewable energy solutions that reflect local needs and building types. For homeowners considering solar in specific areas, we offer dedicated guidance tailored to Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham and Devizes.
Our installations are carried out by qualified engineers familiar with the region, and we handle everything from initial site assessment and system design through to installation, testing and handover. If you’re exploring solar and battery storage options in Wiltshire or the surrounding counties, get in touch for a free consultation on 01380 530500 or email hello@oakfordintegration.co.uk.
Integrating Solar with EV Charging, Smart Energy Monitoring and Electrical Upgrades
One of the key advantages of working with Oakford Integration is our ability to integrate solar and battery storage with other technologies and services. Rather than treating solar as a standalone installation, we can design whole-home or whole-building solutions that combine renewable generation with electric vehicle charging, smart energy monitoring, electrical system upgrades and building automation.
For homeowners installing solar panels, adding an EV charger means you can power your vehicle using energy generated from your own roof, reducing fuel costs and supporting a low-carbon lifestyle. When combined with battery storage and smart energy management, the system can prioritise charging your car when solar generation is highest or when stored energy is available, rather than drawing from the grid during expensive peak periods.
Businesses benefit from the same integrated approach. A commercial solar installation can be designed alongside EV charging infrastructure for fleet vehicles, staff or visitors, with smart energy monitoring providing real-time insights into generation, consumption and storage. This visibility helps facilities managers make informed decisions about energy use and identify opportunities for further efficiency improvements.
In some cases, solar and battery installations require upgrades to existing electrical systems, such as consumer unit replacements or enhanced earthing arrangements. Because Oakford Integration provides full electrical design and installation services, we can carry out any necessary works as part of the same project, ensuring all systems are safe, compliant and working together effectively. To explore how solar fits into a broader energy and infrastructure strategy, visit our complete guide to solar panels and battery storage.
Commercial Solar Considerations: Roof Space, Three-Phase Supplies and Maintenance
Commercial solar and battery storage projects involve different considerations compared to residential installations. Businesses typically have larger roof areas available, higher daytime energy consumption and three-phase electrical supplies, all of which influence system design and performance.
Available roof space determines the maximum size of the solar array and the potential generation capacity. Larger commercial roofs can accommodate systems capable of meeting a significant proportion of a building’s energy demand, particularly in offices, warehouses, schools and industrial premises where daytime electricity use is high. Our engineers assess roof suitability, including orientation, shading, structural capacity and access, to design systems that make the most of the space available.
Three-phase electrical supplies, common in commercial properties, require different inverter and battery configurations compared to single-phase domestic systems. We design installations that work seamlessly with existing electrical infrastructure, ensuring balanced loading and optimal performance across all phases. For businesses generating more electricity than they use, grid export capacity becomes an important consideration. We liaise with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) where necessary to ensure systems can export surplus power safely and, where applicable, generate income through schemes such as the Smart Export Guarantee.
Maintenance contracts provide businesses with ongoing support to keep solar and battery systems operating efficiently over their lifespan. Regular inspections, performance monitoring and prompt responses to any issues help maximise uptime and protect the investment. To understand more about how battery storage works within commercial environments, read our guide to understanding battery storage systems in the UK. For a free consultation about commercial solar and battery storage, contact us on 01380 530500 or email hello@oakfordintegration.co.uk.
Is It Worth Getting Battery Storage with Solar Panels?
Adding battery storage to solar panels significantly enhances the value of a renewable energy system, but the decision depends on your energy usage patterns and priorities. Battery storage allows you to store excess electricity generated during daylight hours rather than exporting it to the grid at lower rates, then use that stored energy during evening peak times when grid electricity costs more.
Maximising Solar Investment Returns
Without battery storage, surplus solar generation is typically exported to the grid through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee, often at rates considerably lower than what you pay to import electricity. A battery system captures this excess energy for your own use, improving the financial return on your solar investment. This is particularly valuable for households and businesses where energy demand peaks outside daylight hours.
Energy Resilience During Grid Disruptions
Battery storage provides a degree of energy security during power interruptions. While not all systems offer backup functionality, those designed with this capability can supply power to essential circuits when the grid fails. This can be especially important for businesses requiring continuous operation or homes with vulnerable occupants. Our security and access control systems can also integrate with backup power solutions to maintain site protection during outages.
Integration with Smart Building Technologies
Modern battery storage systems connect seamlessly with smart home automation and EV charging infrastructure, creating an intelligent energy ecosystem. Smart energy management can automatically divert stored solar power to charge your vehicle overnight or adjust when batteries discharge based on time-of-use tariffs, optimising every kilowatt-hour your system produces.