Kylie McIntyre, Author at Lumos PV Power Systems

Ask Lumos: Solar energy for flats and HMOs

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:51:06 +0000

Ask Lumos is a series from Lumos PV, answering the questions we get asked most often about solar, batteries and home energy. Based in Worton, Oxfordshire, we work with homeowners, businesses and community organisations across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. This piece covers Sol-Share, a way for people in flats and shared buildings to access solar power. If you are considering solar for a standalone property, take a look at our Ask Lumos guide to how solar PV systems work.

Living in a flat or shared building used to rule out solar altogether. Splitting the cost of installation and maintenance, and working out who got what share of the electricity generated, was enough to put off even the keenest residents’ association.

That has changed, thanks to Sol-Share from Allume Energy.

What is it?

Sol-Share is the world’s first technology to connect multiple flats to a single rooftop solar array. Panels on the roof generate electricity as normal, and Sol-Share splits it fairly between each connected household, without needing a separate inverter and wiring set-up for every flat.

It is a genuinely useful option for the roughly one in five UK households who live in a flat or apartment, a figure that rises much higher in cities. It means lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint for a group of homes that solar has largely passed by until now.

Why install now?

Energy costs remain high, and with continued uncertainty in global energy markets, that is unlikely to change soon. At the same time, solar panels themselves have never been cheaper or more efficient.

Sol-Share can be installed as part of a new development, or retrofitted to an existing building. For retrofit projects, it can be added without disrupting residents, and it is also a practical option to include when a building is already undergoing redevelopment.

What are the benefits?

Splits solar power fairly across multiple flats, without the cost and complexity of individual inverters and wiring for each one
Residents keep the right to choose their own electricity supplier, while still benefiting from the solar generated on their roof
A proven way to improve a flat’s EPC rating, which is important for landlords, developers and housing providers alike
Can be paired with battery storage and EV charging, so energy generated during the day can still be used after day, or to charge an electric car
Access to Allume’s SolCentre platform, showing total resident savings, carbon savings, and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments earned
Helps bring solar within reach of households who would otherwise have no way of accessing it

Who is installing it?

Social housing providers, who may be able to access central government grants to help fund installation. It is worth checking what you are eligible for.
Private landlords, looking to improve the energy efficiency of their properties and help tenants manage rising energy costs.
Housing associations, some of whom we have worked with directly, alongside individual homeowners who have pulled together funding themselves.

What next?

If you manage or own a building that could benefit from Sol-Share, our team can visit the site, talk through your options and provide a quote. Submit an enquiry and we will take it from there.

Lumos PV are based in Worton, just outside Witney, and work across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, with experience across domestic, commercial and community projects. And if you are exploring standalone solar for a house rather than a flat, our Ask Lumos guide to how solar PV systems work is a good place to start.

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Ask Lumos: EV chargers for home and business

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:21:06 +0000

Ask Lumos is a series from Lumos PV, answering the questions we get asked most about solar, batteries and home energy. Based on Worton Park, Oxfordshire, we work with homeowners, businesses and community organisations across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. In this blog, we’ll be looking at EV chargers. Head to our Resources section to read our other blogs on solar PV systems and home battery storage.

Electric vehicles no longer feel like a niche option – the infrastructure is finally in place to allow owners to navigate the country, without the dreaded range anxiety. In 2025, UK EV sales hit a record 473,348, a 23.9% increase on the previous year, and the government has confirmed that the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will end by 2030. For most drivers, the switch to electric (or hybrid!) is no longer a question of if, but when.

One of the most practical steps you can take alongside that switch is installing a dedicated EV charger at home, or at your place of work. Here, we share the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is an EV charger?

An EV charger takes electricity, either from the grid or from a battery, and uses it to charge an electric or hybrid vehicle. While it is possible to charge an EV from a standard domestic plug socket, a dedicated charger does the job significantly faster and more efficiently, and is a much safer long-term solution.

As more homes and businesses make the move to electric, having a charger installed is quickly becoming less of a luxury and more of a practical necessity.

Why install one now?

Beyond the obvious convenience, there are some compelling financial reasons to act sooner rather than later.

Research suggests that installing an EV charger at home could add between £3,000 and £5,000 to the value of your property. And Vauxhall has recently partnered with Zoopla to add EV charging information to property listings, reflecting research showing that 40% of UK drivers now factor proximity to EV charging into their decision when moving home. As the 2030 deadline approaches, that figure is only likely to increase.

For businesses, the case is equally strong. Offering EV charging as a workplace benefit is an increasingly attractive perk for employees, supports your ESG commitments, and positions your organisation ahead of a shift that is coming.

Where can an EV charger be installed?

The short answer is almost anywhere. At Lumos PV, we install EV chargers across a wide range of domestic and commercial properties across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, and we can recommend the right solution depending on your setup and budget.

For homes, a charger can be installed inside a garage or outside the property for straightforward access. If you are also considering solar panels or battery storage, an EV charger fits naturally into that wider system, allowing you to charge your vehicle directly from the energy your home generates.

For businesses and commercial properties, we have worked on a number of installations where organisations have combined solar panels, battery storage and EV charging into a single, integrated energy solution. Whether you are looking to offer charging as a benefit for employees, reduce your operational energy costs, or meet carbon reduction targets, we can design a setup that works for your site and your budget.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of installing a dedicated EV charger go beyond simply being able to charge your vehicle at home.

Convenience: Charging overnight means your vehicle is ready to go each morning without needing to plan around public charging points. Combined with a smart energy tariff, this can also be significantly cheaper than using public chargers.
Cost: The savings can be substantial. Drivers on a smart time-of-use tariff, such as Octopus Intelligent Go, can save up to £820 a year on fuel costs compared to relying on public charging or standard rate electricity. If your charger is connected to a solar PV system, the savings go further still, as you can charge your vehicle using electricity your panels have generated for free.
Environmental: Charging from a solar-powered system means your vehicle is running on genuinely clean energy, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and cutting your carbon footprint in a meaningful way.

How much does it cost, and how can I fund it?

The cost of an EV charger installation varies depending on the type of charger, the complexity of the installation, and whether it is part of a wider solar or battery system. At Lumos PV, we install a range of chargers to suit different budgets and requirements, and we will always recommend the most appropriate option for your situation.

On funding, there are a few options worth being aware of. Businesses and landlords may be eligible for support through the Workplace Charging Scheme or the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant, which can offset some of the upfront installation cost. It is worth checking current eligibility on the government’s website, as these schemes are updated regularly.

For homeowners, pairing an EV charger with a smart tariff is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce ongoing costs. Letting your energy supplier know you have an EV charger installed can unlock access to lower overnight rates, and some suppliers offer specific EV tariffs designed to make the most of off-peak charging.

If you are also considering solar panels, a battery, or both, the investment case becomes even stronger. We can talk you through the options and help you understand the likely payback period for a combined system.

What next?

Whether you are a homeowner looking to make the most of your electric vehicle, or a business exploring how EV charging fits into a wider energy strategy, our team would be happy to help.

Lumos PV are based at Worton Park, just outside Oxford, and work across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. We install a range of EV chargers for domestic and commercial properties, and can design solutions that integrate with existing or planned solar and battery systems.

Get in touch to arrange a survey, or visit our Resources Hub to see examples of our recent installations. You might also find our Ask Lumos guides to solar PV systems and home battery storage useful further reading.

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Cassington Village Hall

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:11:35 +0000

We recently completed a solar and storage installation at Cassington Village Hall, helping the hall reduce its running costs, lower its carbon footprint and improve its energy resilience for the community it serves.

This was the first in a series of community projects we have completed across Oxfordshire. We have since worked on successful installations at Charlbury Community Centre and Stanford-in-the-Vale Village Hall. Each of those projects came to us through recommendation, and it is a pattern that reflects how seriously we take this kind of work.

System Highlights

- 23 x 415W solar panels
- Total capacity: 9.55 kWp
- 1 x 10kW three-phase inverter
- 2 x 4.6kWh batteries (9.2kWh total storage)

What does this mean?

The system is estimated to generate between 8,500 and 9,500 kWh of electricity per year. Month to month, that ranges from around 1,100 to 1,300 kWh during the summer peak, down to 150 to 300 kWh in winter, with an annualised monthly average of 800 to 900 kWh.

For a village hall with regular community use, that represents a meaningful reduction in what needs to be drawn from the grid and a significant cut to energy running costs. The system is also estimated to save approximately 2 to 2.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, a tangible environmental contribution for a community building.

The 9.2kWh of battery storage allows electricity generated during the day to be stored and used in the evening, reducing reliance on grid power during peak tariff hours. The system also includes backup capability, meaning essential services can continue to operate during a grid outage. For a rural village hall that acts as a gathering point for the local community, that resilience has real value.

As with our other community projects, solar installations for village halls and charitable organisations are zero-rated for VAT. Grants and funding options are also available and can make a significant difference to the upfront cost. It is always worth exploring what is available before assuming a project is out of reach.

Get in touch with our team to find out how solar could work for your community project.

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Charlbury Community Centre

Kylie McIntyre — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:32:02 +0000

We recently completed a solar and battery storage installation at Charlbury Community Centre, supporting the centre on its journey to becoming carbon neutral and significantly reducing its reliance on the grid.

We installed 75 solar panels to the roof, paired with a battery storage system providing 50 kWh of capacity. Together, the system is expected to generate close to 29,000 kWh of clean electricity each year. Across the year, it’s estimated this will cover close to 60% of the centre’s energy needs over 12 months, rising to around 75% in the summer months. For a building in near-constant use, this project will have a substantial impact.

System Highlights

75 solar panels
50 kWh battery storage
Expected annual generation: ~29,000 kWh

What does this mean?

The centre is projected to save a significant amount on its current electrical costs. Any surplus energy generated during the day is stored in the batteries for use after dark, and once the batteries are full, any excess power is exported to to the grid, generating additional income.

Beyond the financial savings, the centre will see a large drop in its carbon emissions – an estimated 6,000 kg in the first year alone, which is the equivalent to taking a car off the road for over 21,000 miles. Visitors to the centre can track the system’s performance in real time, via an interactive digital display near reception. Find out more about Charlbury Community Centre.

The installation was largely funded by a £28,450 grant from Sustainable Charlbury, representing the final instalment of a £100,000 commitment to support energy-efficient improvements at the centre. The commitment was originally made as part of the planning application for the community-owned Southill Solar Farm, completed in 2015. Revenues from that farm are now, in turn, funding further solar capacity in the community. Visit the Southill Community Energy website to learn more about the project.

A note on cost and funding

Solar installations for community and charitable organisations are zero-rated for VAT, which can make a meaningful difference to the overall cost of a project. Grants, such as the funding secured here through Sustainable Charlbury, can reduce costs further still. If your organisation is considering solar, it is well worth exploring what funding may be available before you start.

Get in touch with our team to find out how solar could work for your community project.

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Ask Lumos: What you need to know about battery storage

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:28:13 +0000

Ask Lumos is a series from Lumos PV, answering the questions we get asked most often about solar, batteries and home energy. Based on Worton Park, Oxfordshire, we work with homeowners, businesses and community organisations across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. Visit our Resources Hub to view some of our recent projects.

Energy storage is one of the fastest-growing areas of the renewable energy market, and it is not hard to see why. Whether you are a homeowner looking to reduce your electricity bills, a business wanting to take control of your energy costs, or a community organisation working towards a lower carbon footprint, battery storage can make a real difference to how much you spend on electricity and how much you rely on the grid.

Here is everything you need to know.

How does battery storage work?

A battery stores electricity so that you can use it at a time that suits you, rather than at the moment it is generated or drawn from the grid.

If you have solar panels, your battery will charge during the day when your panels are producing more electricity than you need. You can then draw on that stored power in the evening, overnight, or on cloudy days, rather than buying electricity from the grid at a higher rate.

Without solar panels, a battery can still save you money. By charging overnight on a time-of-use tariff, when electricity is cheapest, and discharging during peak hours when rates are higher, you can significantly reduce your bills. Tariffs like Octopus Go and Intelligent Octopus Go are designed with exactly this kind of flexibility in mind.

For businesses, the same principle applies at scale. Sites with high daytime energy usage can pair batteries with solar to reduce reliance on expensive peak-time grid electricity, while organisations on time-of-use tariffs can use storage to shift consumption away from their most costly hours. For schools, community centres and commercial premises, this can translate into meaningful reductions in operating costs.

Most battery systems connect to your existing electrical setup and are managed by a smart inverter or energy management system, which takes care of when to charge and discharge automatically.

Battery myths

You need solar panels to benefit from a battery: Not true. While solar and battery storage work brilliantly together, a standalone battery can still deliver meaningful savings if you are on the right tariff. The payback period will typically be longer without panels, but many homeowners and businesses find the combination of lower bills and greater energy independence more than worth it.

Batteries are too big and intrusive: Modern battery systems are compact and unobtrusive. For domestic installs, wall-mounted units from brands like GivEnergy, which Lumos PV install as a preferred supplier, are designed to sit neatly in a garage, utility room or hallway. For commercial and community sites, systems are scalable and designed to work within the constraints of the building, whether that is a plant room, outbuilding or rooftop enclosure.

They are not safe: Battery systems installed by accredited professionals are safe, reliable and designed to last. MCS-accredited installers like Lumos PV follow strict industry standards on installation and commissioning, so you can be confident the system is set up correctly from day one.

They do not last long enough to be worth it: Most modern batteries carry a warranty of around ten years, with many systems expected to perform well beyond that.

How much energy can a battery store?

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To put this in context, the average UK home uses around 8 to 10 kWh of electricity per day, while a school or community centre might use anywhere from 50 to 100 kWh or more, depending on size and activity.

A typical entry-level domestic battery sits at around 5 kWh, which would cover roughly half of an average household’s daily usage. A 10 kWh battery could, in the right conditions, cover a full day’s consumption. Many systems are modular, meaning you can add capacity over time as your needs change or budget allows.

For commercial and community sites, larger modular systems can be configured to match higher consumption patterns. The principle is the same: store cheap electricity when demand and rates are low, use it when they are high.

To give a practical example: a 10 kWh battery, charged overnight on a cheap tariff, could power lighting, appliances and phone charging through the following evening without drawing from the grid at peak rates. Add solar panels, and you could cover the vast majority of daily usage without touching the grid at all for much of the year.

What can you expect to save?

Savings vary depending on your energy usage, your tariff, and whether you have solar panels.

For homeowners, a battery paired with solar can save a typical household anywhere from £500 to £1,000 per year, depending on system size and usage patterns. The payback period for a combined solar and battery system is typically in the region of seven to ten years, with panels now at their lowest ever price point. A standalone battery, used with a time-of-use tariff, can save in the region of £200 to £500 per year.

For businesses, schools and community organisations, the picture is often more compelling. Higher energy consumption means greater exposure to peak-rate grid electricity, and therefore more to gain from storage. Sites with significant daytime usage, such as schools running during term time or commercial premises with high operational energy demand, often see faster payback periods than domestic installs. When combined with solar, the savings can be substantial.

The sooner a battery is installed, the sooner it starts working for you.

Where can a battery be installed?

Most properties are suitable for battery storage. For domestic installs, the battery needs to be in a dry, ventilated indoor space, such as a garage, utility room or cupboard, located close to your consumer unit to keep installation straightforward.

For commercial and community sites, our team surveys each property individually to identify the best approach. We have experience across a wide range of settings in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, from standard residential properties to schools, community centres, agricultural buildings and commercial premises. If you are unsure whether your property is suitable, we will assess this during an initial survey.

How much does a battery cost, and how can I fund it?

The cost depends on the capacity you need and whether the battery is being added to an existing solar system or installed as a standalone unit. As a guide, a 10 kWh battery system, fully installed, typically costs in the region of £4,000 to £7,000 for domestic properties. Commercial systems vary considerably depending on scale and site requirements.

Battery storage is not currently subject to VAT, which keeps the upfront cost lower than it might otherwise be.

For homeowners, the government’s Warm Homes Plan, formally launched in January 2026, includes low and zero interest loans to help fund green home improvements including battery storage. The Consumer Loan Scheme is expected to launch in April 2027 through banks and mortgage lenders, with eligibility details still to be confirmed.

For businesses and organisations, there are additional financial levers worth exploring. Capital allowances allow businesses to offset the cost of qualifying energy equipment against their tax bill, which can significantly improve the economics of a battery install. Some energy tariff providers also offer incentives for battery owners, and it is worth exploring what is available through your current supplier. We would be happy to talk through the funding options that are most relevant to your situation.

What next?

If you would like to explore whether a home battery is right for your property or business, our team would be happy to talk it through. And if you are also considering solar panels, our Ask Lumos guide to how solar PV systems work is a useful companion read.

Lumos PV are based in Worton, just outside Oxford, and work across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, with experience across domestic, commercial and community projects. Get in touch to arrange a survey, or use our cost calculator for an initial estimate.

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Ask Lumos: Honest answers on solar panels

Kylie McIntyre — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:56:46 +0000

How do solar PV systems work?

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. When the sunlight hits the silicon cells in a panel, it knocks electrons loose, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity.

An inverter then converts this DC into alternating current (AC) for household use.

You can either use the electricity as it is generated, store it in a battery to use later, or sell it back to the National Grid for a profit.

What you decide to do, and when, with the solar generated electricity can have a big impact on the return on your investment. As an example, storing the energy to use at peak times, when tariffs are higher, can help you save more money.

Solar panel myths

There are a lot of misconceptions about solar. Such as panels only working in the summer. Or needing a south-facing roof. Or that they can reduce the value of your home.

The truth is that solar PV systems can be a great way for homes and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and the amount they spend on energy bills. Speak to the team to find out how solar could help you.

How much energy do solar panels generate? And how much money will I save?

This is a ‘how long is a piece of string’ question. The amount of energy you can generate depends on a range of factors, like which way your roof faces, how much space you have for panels, and what your budget is.

The solar panels on the market now are the cheapest and most effective they have ever been. At Lumos PV, we are able to fit and maintain panels from a range of suppliers, ensuring that we are able to suggest the best solution for your situation. To receive an instant quote, follow the link and enter your postcode. Alternatively, reach out to the team to chat through your options.

Where can solar be installed?

We have worked on a range of projects across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds, from ground-mounted systems to panels for community projects. We have worked with local businesses to maximise the value of their roof space, helped homeowners reduce their energy bills, and even installed solar PV systems on flats and HMOs. You can learn more about our recent installations by visiting our Resources Hub.

How much is solar, and how can I pay for it?

The cost of a solar PV system depends on the individual configuration. Installing more panels or adding battery storage will understandably increase the cost. Our cost calculator can provide a rough estimate based on your current energy consumption, along with an indication of how long it will take to see a return on your investment.

The initial cost of solar panels can be prohibitive, but the UK government is working hard to ensure as many people as possible can access them. The Warm Homes Plan, formally launched in January 2026, includes provision for grants to low income households, which is already live, and low or zero interest loans for all homeowners, expected to launch in April 2027 through banks and mortgage lenders. Further eligibility details are still to be confirmed, and we will share updates as they are announced.

What is the installation process?

Installation is normally pretty straightforward. One of the team will visit your property to discuss your requirements and provide a quote based on your budget, roof space and panel choice. From there, we will agree on a date to start the installation.

Installing a solar PV system is considered permitted development and planning permission is not normally required. However, there may be additional restrictions if you live in a conservation area or a listed building.

Our team will make contact with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to register the system and ensure everything is set up correctly. You will also need to contact your energy supplier to make sure you are on the right tariff.

What next?

There are many great places online to learn more about solar panels, including the Energy Saving Trust and Money Saving Expert.

If you would like to discuss your property and project in more detail, our team would be happy to help. And if you are thinking about adding battery storage alongside your panels, our Ask Lumos guide to home battery storage is a good place to start.

Get in touch to learn more.

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How the Warm Homes Plan can help you go solar

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:30:09 +0000

The UK government recently announced the Warm Homes Plan, a package of support and funding to help households increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Below, we share details of the two key components of the plan which are especially relevant if you’re considering installing solar panels.

Warm Homes Grants

Under the Warm Homes Plan, the government is providing grants of up to £8,000 for eligible households to make energy saving upgrades, including installing solar PV systems. The grants will be available starting April 2026.

To be eligible, households must have a total annual income below £30,000 and live in a home with an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of D or below. You can check your home’s EPC rating for free on the government’s website.

If you meet the criteria, a Warm Homes Grant could significantly reduce the upfront cost of going solar. The government esitomates the grants could help up 500,000 households.

Warm Homes Loan Scheme

Starting in April 2027, the government will also launch the Warm Homes Loan Scheme. This will provide interest-free loans to households who want to make energy efficiency improvements but don’t qualify for the grants.

Full details of the loan scheme are still be announced, but it has the potential to make financing a solar PV system much more affordable for a large number of households. We’ll share more information as it becomes available.

The government is urging households to “join the rooftop revolution” and take advantage of these new schemes to increase renewable energy generation. If you’ve been considering solar panels for your home, there may never be a better time to make the switch.

Please note that while Lumos PV is here to help with every stage of your solar journey, we do not administer these government schemes directly. To check out your eligibility or apply, please visit the Government website.

If you have any other questions about solar PV, battery storage, EV charging or how Lumos PV can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is always happy to provide free, no-obligation advice.

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Hailey, Oxfordshire

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:36:44 +0000

This project involved a full solar and storage installation using an in-roof mounting system, giving the finished result a clean, integrated appearance.

27 dual-glass all-black panels were installed using a GSE in-roof system, paired with a SigEnergy hybrid inverter, two batteries and a smart energy gateway. The result is a system that generates, stores and manages electricity, reducing grid reliance and keeping energy costs down throughout the year.

System highlights

- 27 x Solfit 425W dual-glass all-black panels (GSE in-roof system)
- 1 x SigEnergy Sigenstor 8kW hybrid inverter

- 2 x SigEnergy 8.76kWh batteries (17.52kWh total storage)

- 1 x SigEnergy HomePro gateway

What does this mean?

On a good summer’s day, the system can generate between 45 and 55kWH of electricity. In spring and autumn, that typically falls to around 20 – 35kWH, and in winter, to between 5 and 10kWh. With 17.52kWh of battery storage, any surplus generation during the day is saved for use in the evening, rather than exported unused.

For a typical household, that translates to self-sufficiency levels of up to 95% in the summer, 50-70% in spring and autumn and 20-40% in the winter. Even at the low end of that range, the combination of stored solar and smart tariffs means the system is working to reduce costs all year round.

Smart energy management

The SigEnergy HomePro gateway takes the system a step further by acting as a smart energy hub. It provides seamless backup power during any grid outage, with automatic changeover that requires no manual intervention. It also enables the batteries to be charged overnight on off-peak tariffs, so lower-cost electricity can be stored and used during peak hours when grid prices are higher. This is particularly valuable during winter months, ensuring the batteries are put to full use even when solar generation is limited.

Solar installations for domestic properties are zero-rated for VAT. With panel prices at their lowest for years and rising grid electricity costs, we are seeing an increase in demand across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

Thinking about solar for your home? Get in touch to arrange a free estimate.

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Livery Farm, Trowbridge

Kylie McIntyre — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:07:57 +0000

This installation at a livery yard in Trowbridge combined a large rooftop solar array with Tesla Powerwall battery storage, designed to meet the sustained daytime energy demands of a working equestrian yard and residential dwelling on the same site.

With horses and staff on site throughout the day, a livery yard is well placed to make the most of solar. High daytime consumption means more of the electricity generated is used on-site directly, rather than exported to the grid, which is where solar delivers its strongest returns.

System highlights

48 x Trina Solar 455W panels
Total capacity: 21.84 kWp
2 x Tesla Powerwall batteries (27 kWh usable storage)
3 inverters for load distribution and system resilience

What does this mean in practice?

On a good summer’s day, the system can generate up to 120 kWh of electricity. Across the year, self-sufficiency levels are estimated at 70 to 90% in summer, 55 to 75% in spring and autumn, and 30 to 50% in winter. During peak solar months, up to 90% of electricity costs can be offset.

The 27 kWh of battery storage means surplus generation is saved for use later in the day, and can provide between 8 and 24 hours of backup power for essential loads during a grid outage. For a site where uninterrupted power directly affects animal welfare, energy resilience is key.

Three inverters were specified to distribute load across the system and ensure that no single point of failure could take the whole system offline, an important consideration for a site of this size and complexity.

Solar installations for agricultural and equestrian properties are zero-rated for VAT. For a high-consumption site like a livery yard, the payback period is typically faster than a standard domestic install, making it one of the more compelling cases for going solar.

Running a farm, smallholding or equestrian property? Get in touch to find out what solar could do for your site.

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Storing energy at home or the workplace

Kylie McIntyre — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:15:51 +0000

Adding a battery to your home or workplace is one of the simplest ways to get more value from your electricity, regardless of whether you have a solar PV system. It can provide flexibility, resilience, and greater control over when and how you use energy.

Battery technology is also evolving. Alongside lithium batteries, new options are starting to reach the market, including sodium batteries, which we have recently started installing for our customers. For buyers, this is great news – more choice, and more solutions that can be tailored to your individual project and priorities.

Why a battery makes sense

A battery allows you to store electricity and use it when it suits you best.

For homes without solar, installing a battery can still deliver real savings. By charging overnight on cheaper off-peak tariffs and using that energy during peak hours, many households can significantly reduce their bills. We covered this in more detail in a recent post on making the most of off-peak charging.

Established tech, and what’s next

Lithium batteries remain a reliable option for domestic and commercial energy storage, and continue to be a great fit for many. However, we are seeing new technologies beginning to emerge.

Sodium batteries are one of the most exciting developments. Sodium is far more abundant than lithium, which has the potential to reduce pressure on supply chains over the long term. Sodium batteries also perform well across a wide temperature range, making them a practical option for year-round use in typical UK installation locations, such as garages and outbuildings.

The great news about sodium batteries is that they can be retrofitted to your existing solar PV system, without having to make any significant changes.

Choosing the right battery for your home

There is no single “best” battery – the right battery depends on how you use energy, whether you have solar PV, your energy tariff and where the system will be installed.

At Lumos PV, we can talk you through the different options, and make recommendations based on your budget, your energy requirements and what your goals are. Regardless of which battery you choose, the goal is the same: helping you to store energy and reduce your reliance on the grid and fossil fuels.

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