Can battery storage be added to an existing commercial solar system?

Yes. An AC-coupled battery installs alongside your existing array with its own inverter, so there is no need to alter the original system. It is one of the most common upgrades we deliver for businesses whose export volumes have grown or whose tariffs have changed.

How long do commercial solar batteries last?

Most commercial lithium-ion systems are warrantied for 10 years or a defined number of charge cycles, with useful life often extending to 15 years. Warranties typically guarantee a minimum retained capacity, so factor one replacement into a 25-year investment appraisal.

Do solar panels work in a power cut without a battery?

No. Grid-tied solar inverters shut down automatically during an outage for safety reasons. Backup power requires a battery system specifically configured for islanded operation, which keeps selected circuits live while the grid is down.

What size battery does a business need?

Battery capacity should be sized to your surplus generation and the load you want to shift, not to the size of the solar array. Half-hourly data analysis identifies the capacity that delivers the best return, and oversizing is one of the most common ways to damage a battery business case.

Is it cheaper to install solar and battery storage together or separately?

Installing together is usually more cost-effective because the project shares design, groundworks, electrical infrastructure and potentially an inverter. Retrofitting later is entirely viable, but expect some duplicated installation costs.