Energy Prices Rise Again in October — How Solar and Batteries Can Protect Your Bills

The BBC has reported that UK energy prices are set to rise again this October, with a typical household paying around £35 more per year. While the increase may sound small, it adds to years of rising costs — and many families are looking for ways to take back control of their energy bills.

At UKGEI, we specialise in helping homeowners across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire cut their reliance on the grid through solar panels, battery storage, and smart home energy systems.

Why Energy Bills Are Going Up

Energy costs continue to rise due to global supply issues and increased demand. Unfortunately, this leaves homeowners exposed to higher charges — especially during peak usage hours when electricity prices are at their highest.

How Solar Panels Can Help

By installing solar panels, you can:

• Generate your own clean electricity.

• Reduce how much power you buy from the grid.

• Shield yourself from future price rises.

Every unit of solar energy you generate is one less you need to pay for at inflated rates.

Why Battery Storage is a Game-Changer

Batteries take solar savings to the next level:

• Store your excess solar during the day for use in the evening.

• Charge your battery on cheaper overnight tariffs and use it at peak times.

• Lower your reliance on expensive grid energy, even on cloudy days.

For example, a small battery system could help households save more than the £35 annual rise in just a few months — and those savings grow year after year.

Smart Energy with UKGEI

We don’t just install equipment — we provide MCS-certified, TrustMark-accredited solutions designed for maximum efficiency and savings.

• GivEnergy Platinum Installer – advanced battery storage and solar solutions.

• Sigenergy Approved Installer – cutting-edge battery and energy management.

• MyEnergi Product Champion – including the popular Zappi EV charger, integrating solar and storage with electric vehicle charging.

Take Control Before the Next Price Rise

Energy prices are beyond your control — but how much you rely on the grid isn’t. With solar panels and battery storage, you can reduce your bills, lower your carbon footprint, and future-proof your home against rising costs.

Book your free consultation with UKGEI today and discover how much you could save.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: How much can I save with a solar battery system?

A: Savings vary depending on your home and usage, but many customers reduce bills by hundreds of pounds per year — well above the £35 increase expected in October.

Q: Do I need solar panels to benefit from a battery?

A: No — batteries can be charged on cheaper overnight tariffs and used during peak times, helping you save money even without solar.

Q: Are UKGEI installations certified?

A: Yes — we’re MCS-certified and TrustMark-accredited, ensuring all installations meet the highest standards.

Q: What areas do you cover?

A: We install solar, batteries, and EV chargers across Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire.

The Process of Converting Solar Energy into Usable Electricity

This information has been created to provide a basic overview of how solar works. It should be noted that there are different confgurations, batteries and inverters that could change depending on requirements.

The process of capturing solar energy, storing it in a battery, and using it involves several steps. Here's a breakdown of how solar energy is captured, stored, and used through a solar battery system:

1. Solar Energy Generation

Solar Panels Capture Sunlight: Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, typically mounted on the roof or ground, absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

Inverter Conversion: The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, the type used by most household appliances.

Diagram of standard solar power process utilising a DC to AC inverter and storage battery.

2. Power Flow Management

Once the solar panels generate electricity, it is managed in different ways:

Direct Usage: The AC electricity can be used immediately by the home or building to power devices and appliances.

Excess Electricity: If more electricity is produced than used, the excess is either stored in a battery system for later use or sent back to the grid (if no storage system is present or full).

3. Battery Storage

Charging the Battery: When there's excess electricity, instead of sending it to the grid, the solar system directs it to charge the battery storage system. These batteries store the energy as DC electricity.

Battery Type: Most solar energy storage systems use lithium-ion batteries, although lead-acid, flow, and other types of batteries can be used.

4. Energy Usage from Battery Storage

Discharging the Battery: When solar energy is not available (e.g., at night or during cloudy periods), the stored energy in the battery is used. The battery discharges its stored DC electricity.

Inverter Use: Before being used by household appliances, this DC electricity from the battery passes through the inverter again, converting it to AC electricity.

Energy Supply to Appliances: The AC electricity from the battery then powers the home or building.

5. Backup Power (Optional)

During Power Outages: Many solar battery systems are designed to provide backup power during a grid outage. In this case, the battery system automatically switches to power critical loads like refrigerators, lights, and other essentials.

6. Grid Interaction (Optional)

Net Metering: If the battery is full and the solar panels continue to produce electricity, the excess can be sent back to the grid. In many areas, utility companies offer net metering, where you get credit for the electricity you send to the grid, offsetting your future electricity costs.

Grid Usage: If the battery is depleted and solar generation is low, the home or building will pull energy from the grid as a last resort.

Key Benefits of Solar and Battery Storage:

• Energy Independence: Reduce reliance on the grid by storing your own solar energy.

• Peak Shaving: Use stored energy during high-cost peak hours, reducing utility bills.

• Backup Power: Maintain power during grid outages with stored energy.

• Energy: Rely on clean, renewable solar energy, reducing carbon emissions.

This process ensures that solar energy is efficiently captured, stored, and used when needed, providing flexibility and energy savings.