In recent years, UK households have faced unprecedented energy bill hikes driven by global events beyond their control resulting in volatility in oil and gas markets. While governments scramble to stabilise supplies, the burden of rising prices continues to fall on homeowners. Fortunately, there's a long-term solution that puts you back in control: combining solar panels with battery storage.
In this post, we explore how a solar + battery system not only shields your home from today’s turbulent energy landscape but offers peace of mind against tomorrow’s political and economic instability.
Energy Prices Are Rising—and They're Not Just a Domestic Problem
While the UK continues its push toward renewable energy, our electricity market is still largely pegged to volatile gas prices. Events like the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East have caused energy prices to spike worldwide. Here at home, that’s translated into record-breaking energy bills, with some households in Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire seeing their annual costs double over the past five years.
When global political events ripple through the energy market, UK consumers feel the shockwaves almost immediately.
Solar Panels: A Hedge Against Grid Dependence
Installing solar panels allows you to generate clean electricity directly from your roof. This dramatically reduces your reliance on the National Grid—and by extension, your exposure to fluctuating energy prices.
At UKGEI, we install high-performance solar panel systems tailored to each home's needs. With electricity prices rising, the return on investment has never been more compelling.
Local example: One of our customers in Fleet, Hampshire recently installed a system with 12 x 385W panels, and saw a 60% drop in their reliance on grid power within the first three months.
Battery Storage: Store Your Power, Spend Less
Solar power is strongest during the day, but most homes use more energy in the evenings. That’s where battery storage comes in.
A home battery lets you store surplus solar energy generated during the day and use it in the evenings or during peak-rate times. Better yet, many batteries allow smart charging from the grid when prices are low (like overnight on Economy 7 or Octopus Agile), so you always get the best rate—solar or not.
Case Study: A client in Hook, Hampshire installed a 9.5kWh GivEnergy battery alongside their solar panels. With our automated switchover system, their home seamlessly uses battery power when grid prices spike or if there’s an outage - read case study.
UKGEI are official partner installers for Myenergi Libbi battery storage, Tesla Powerwall 3, and GivEnergy batteries and inverters including their all-in-one solution.
Homeowners across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire are increasingly searching for solutions like solar panel installation, solar PV systems, and battery storage ranging from 10kWh to 20kWh. Whether you're considering a 5kW solar system, a Tesla Powerwall, or a GivEnergy 9.5kWh battery, combining solar with storage helps reduce bills, protect against outages, and hedge against rising energy prices.
Higher Bills = Faster ROI
Let’s face it—solar and battery systems require upfront investment. But with energy prices climbing year over year, the payback period is shrinking fast. Many of our customers now report a return on investment in as little as 6–8 years, depending on system size and usage patterns.
The more prices rise, the faster the system pays for itself—and the longer you'll enjoy free or low-cost energy.
Smart Tariffs & Export Benefits
Pairing a battery with a smart tariff (like Octopus Go or Agile) can help you optimise when to buy and store electricity. On sunny days, you store your own power. On cloudy days or at night, you top up your battery at off-peak rates.
While some homeowners export extra energy back to the grid, the real financial value lies in self-consumption—because avoiding high import costs saves more than you’d earn from export rates.
Energy Independence in an Uncertain World
Political instability—whether abroad or at home—adds a layer of unpredictability to energy policy. From fuel subsidies being restructured to shifting government priorities, what’s affordable today may not be tomorrow.
By installing a solar + battery system, you're insulating your home from these unknowns. Even during outages or peak-pricing periods, your system ensures your essential appliances keep running.
Why It Matters in Surrey, Hampshire & Berkshire
In the South of England, we’re lucky to enjoy some of the best solar conditions in the UK. That makes a solar investment even more effective for homeowners here. UKGEI is proud to have helped families across Woking, Basingstoke, Reading, and surrounding areas reduce their energy bills and boost their energy independence.
Take Control Today
If you’re tired of unpredictable bills and concerned about where energy prices are headed, now is the time to act.
At UKGEI, we design and install tailored solar and battery systems using trusted brands like GivEnergy and Tesla Powerwall 3. Our systems are built to last and designed with flexibility in mind—so you can scale up as your needs grow.
Ready to future-proof your home?
Contact UKGEI today for a free consultation and find out how solar + battery storage can work for your home in Surrey, Hampshire, or Berkshire.