Smarter energy management with solar PV and battery storage
As energy costs continue to fluctuate and pressure mounts to decarbonise buildings, the combination of solar PV and battery storage offers a powerful solution, yet uptake remains slower than expected across the built environment. Griff Thomas, Director at GTEC, explains the opportunities that integrating these complementary technologies presents; from better energy management and reduced electricity bills, to supporting Net Zero goals in commercial and public sector buildings.
There is a strong case for on-site energy generation and storage in the face of rising costs and grid instability. As the UK moves towards electrification, the twin strategies of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage offer a key solution for smarter energy management.
Why now?
Solar energy is leading the way in the race to meet Net Zero targets by 2050, but it’s estimated the UK will need to triple its solar capacity during the 2020s to stay on track. The recently announced Warm Homes Skills Programme, which offers funded training
places for solar panel fitters, will hopefully go some way to increase installers needed to fulfill this aim.
GTEC delivers the LCL Awards Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Commissioning of Electrical Energy Storage Systems from its approved centres nationwide, alongside recognised solar PV installation qualifications. Ongoing market uncertainty and
increasing grid instability will no doubt affect the renewables sector, prompting decision-makers to shift focus to integrated solar PV and battery storage solutions to hedge against price spikes and supply issues, while taking proactive steps towards sustainability.
For many buildings – commercially and domestically – relying solely on the grid is proving to be both costly and unsustainable, making self-generation an appealing prospect that offers both stability and financial benefits; particularly as the cost of solar hardware has come down significantly in recent years. Return on investment is swift, and accelerated by battery storage. But, despite the fact that domestically 200,010 solar PV systems were installed between January 2024 and January 2025, home battery storage take-up has been much slower, just 22,667 systems.
Batteries + PV = smarter energy use
Batteries, or electrical energy storage systems (EESS), allow buildings to store excess renewable energy for use when it’s needed most. Pairing batteries with solar PV ensures energy is captured and used efficiently – reducing dependence on the grid during peak times or outages. Solar power generated during the day can be stored and used overnight, reducing the impact on households from the volatility of energy markets. Surplus energy can also be exported back to the national grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The result is a more resilient and cost effective energy model that enhances operational reliability and significantly cuts carbon emissions.
Reducing costs and carbon
Using self-generated electricity is the most cost effective approach, as SEG payments are typically much lower than the price of grid-supplied energy. By taking advantage of time-of-use tariffs, consumers and businesses can access further savings. These tariff models help energy providers balance supply and demand while offering end-users access to off-peak electricity – sometimes as low as 7.5p/kWh – by scheduling energy-intensive tasks accordingly. Smart systems help automate this process to ensure electricity is used when it’s cheapest.
Real-world examples are highlighting the benefits of combining solar PV and battery storage. Halifax based Together Housing installed solar panels and smart battery storage in 250 homes as part of a wider plan to deliver up to 50MW of solar capacity across 17,000 properties. Battery storage enabled residents to use surplus solar energy around the clock.
This set-up allowed households to meet up to 80% of their electricity needs, saving around £300 a year and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 625kg per property.
Opportunities for the building services workforce
The integration of solar PV and battery storage presents significant opportunities for the building services sector. Those who stay ahead of the curve by keeping abreast of emerging technologies and keep up to date with regulation, will be well positioned to offer valuable advice on long-term energy strategies. Professionals who can guide clients through choosing and optimising systems are instrumental in shaping long-term, sustainable energy strategies.
Looking forward
Emerging battery technologies present a promising future, such as developments in using EV car batteries as home energy storage while parked on the drive.
Electric vehicles (EVs) typically have batteries up to 10 times the size of a standard home storage unit – making them ideal for storing off-peak or excess renewable energy. As EV adoption continues to grow, so does the potential to use this capacity to support the grid or power homes.
While adoption of solar PV and battery storage may still be catching up to its full potential, the benefits are becoming increasingly clear. Together, these technologies offer a scalable, future-ready solution for smarter energy use. For building owners, facilities managers and engineers, the opportunity to invest and innovate is not just timely – it’s essential.
