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System upgrades · Independent advice

Solar system upgrades

Already have solar panels or a battery system and want to get more from it? This section covers every upgrade option available to UK homeowners — from adding backup power and extra storage, to protecting panels from pigeons and replacing ageing inverters.
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  • Independent — no installer bias
  • All major brands supported
  • Costs confirmed before work starts
Not sure which upgrade you need?

A solar system health check covers your current system, what it can support, and which upgrades are worth considering for your situation. We assess compatibility, costs, and return on investment before you commit to anything.

Book a System Health CheckWhat's included in a health check
5.0
Rated 5.0 on Google Read all 151 reviews

We were having problems with our inverter, couldn’t get an early response from our installer a stressed conversation between our installer and solar tech support led to a text to us to authorise connection to your company . Ron was a very helpful and knowledgeable man who tried with a bit of difficulty as we are pensioners and very knowledgeable. Spent time on phone without making us feel small.we would recommend this company if you have any problems. Thanks Ron 5 star

Me and the boss · Aug 2026 Trustpilot

Ronald tried to help solve a fault with communications between battery and inverter. Whilst in the end a hardware fault was diagnosed and not possible to fix remotely his attempt to fix and guide me through steps to fault find were appreciated. He was available at a time convenient to my availability. Great service for anyone requiring independant tech support for their solar or battery system.

Ben Charlton · Jul 2026 Google

Absolutely fantastic customer service. The team were incredibly helpful, responsive and genuinely willing to do everything they could to help get things sorted. With all the uncertainty surrounding the future of GivEnergy at the moment, it was particularly reassuring to have people who were knowledgeable, approachable and prepared to step in when needed. After a glitch with my firmware update caused problems with my system, these guys really did come in and save the day. They took the time to investigate the issue, explain what was happening and work towards getting everything back up and running. It’s refreshing to deal with a company that genuinely seems to care about its customers and is willing to go the extra mile when something goes wrong. Superb service from start to finish. Many thanks for all the help and support — it’s very much appreciated. Highly recommended.

robert lee · Sep 2026 Google

Ron is incredibly knowledgeable about solar installs in general but knows givenergy products inside out and the key personnel that worked there from the start to the end. My problem was spurious in its nature but Ron spotted it straight away when he understood the installation details. In essence the installers didn’t fit the correct trip switch. He also gave me hope that in the future hardware repairs could be possible but it’s still early days. This guy really is in the know and keen to sucas a business If you need help don’t hesitate

Geoffrey Heathcote · Jun 2026 Google

Diligent and reliable service.

Samuel Jakovljevic · Jul 2026 Google

Had a problem with my GivEnergy battery which seemed to be a calibration issue. My installer was unable to help so contacted Ron at Solar Tech Support who was immensely helpful. He diagnosed, confirmed and fixed the problem remotely and very speedily. Would thoroughly recommend this company for their knowledge and ability.

Geoff Henney · Oct 2026 Trustpilot

Written by · Independent Solar Engineer Last updated

Upgrade options
EPS / backup power installation

Keep your home running during a grid outage. Four configuration types from a single EPS socket to full-house automatic changeover.

From £495 4 configuration types
Solar panel bird mesh

Aluminium mesh fitted around the panel perimeter to stop pigeons, starlings, and squirrels nesting underneath your solar array.

From £995 Panel count dependent
Add an extra battery

Already have a hybrid inverter and battery? Add a second or third battery module to increase your storage capacity and reduce grid import further.

Hardware + installation
Inverter replacement

Inverter failed, out of warranty, or switching to a hybrid for battery compatibility? Replacement covers supply, installation, commissioning, and settings migration.

From £995 All major brands
GivEnergy batteries — supplied & installed

GivEnergy system? We sell the batteries too. GivBat units supplied and installed by our own engineers, with addressing, cabling and portal configuration included.

One fixed price per battery Three refurbished models
Replacement GivEnergy inverters — supplied & installed

Dead GivEnergy hybrid or AC-coupled unit? Like-for-like replacements fitted by our engineers — removal, commissioning and portal setup all part of the job.

One fixed price per model Hybrid & AC-coupled
Add battery storage to solar-only system

Have solar panels but no battery? This guide covers AC vs DC coupling, inverter compatibility, DNO requirements, CT clamp changes, and realistic costs for a full battery retrofit to an existing solar-only system.

AC coupling from £2,495 DC coupling from £3,495 Works with any existing inverter (AC)

Which upgrade suits your situation?

Use this quick decision guide to identify the most relevant upgrade for your system.

You have solar panels but no battery

Your priority is adding battery storage. Read the add battery to existing solar guide — it covers AC coupling (works with any inverter), DC coupling (needs a hybrid inverter), compatibility, and realistic costs.

You have solar + battery but want more storage

Adding a second or third battery module to an existing hybrid system is usually straightforward. Read the add extra battery guide to understand compatibility, installation, and costs. GivEnergy, Sunsynk, Growatt, and most other hybrid inverters support multi-battery configurations.

You want power during grid outages

You need EPS (Emergency Power Supply) capability. There are four configuration types — from a simple EPS wall socket to full-house automatic changeover. Read the EPS installation page to compare options, check inverter compatibility, and see pricing from £495 (socket) to £995 (dedicated circuit).

You have pigeons or birds under your panels

Bird mesh is the standard solution — aluminium mesh fitted around the panel perimeter to prevent nesting. Read the bird mesh guide for what's involved, how long it takes, and typical costs.

Your inverter has failed or is end-of-life

Inverter replacement is common after 10–15 years or following irreparable failure. The inverter replacement card above covers what's involved for all major brands. GivEnergy owners can go directly to replacement GivEnergy inverters supplied and installed.

How STS handles upgrade work

Assess first

We review your current system before recommending any upgrade. No upselling — only what your system can support and what genuinely makes financial sense.

Written quote

All upgrade costs confirmed in writing before any work begins. Hardware, labour, DNO applications, and commissioning — no hidden extras.

Tested and documented

Every upgrade is tested on-site and documented in a post-installation report. You leave with a clear record of what was done and how it was configured.

Independent from manufacturers and installers: STS is not tied to any solar brand, manufacturer, or supply chain. This means the upgrade recommendation is based entirely on what's right for your system — not what's most profitable for us to sell. We work with GivEnergy, Sunsynk, Growatt, SolarEdge, Solis, Huawei, Fox ESS, and all other major UK brands.

Related services

Solar System Health Check

Compatibility assessment, generation review, and upgrade recommendations. Start here if you're unsure what your system needs.

£145 →
Inverter Replacement Service

Supply, fit, commission, and document a new inverter. All major brands. Cost confirmed before work begins.

From £995 →
Solar System Repair

Something broken rather than an upgrade? On-site fault diagnosis and repair for all major brands.

From £295 →
Remote Solar Diagnostic

Not sure if you have a fault or just need an upgrade? A remote diagnostic identifies the root cause before you commit to anything.

Free →
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The most common upgrades for existing UK solar systems are: adding battery storage (if you currently have solar-only), expanding battery capacity (if you already have a battery), EPS/backup power installation, bird mesh and anti-pigeon protection, and inverter replacement. Each upgrade has different requirements and costs — the right choice depends on your current system, your goals, and your budget.
Most solar systems can be upgraded in some way. The most common constraint is inverter compatibility — some upgrades (like DC-coupled battery retrofit or EPS) require a hybrid inverter. If yours is a standard string inverter, options may be more limited or require inverter replacement as part of the upgrade. A system health check can confirm what your system is capable of before you commit.
For electrical upgrades (batteries, EPS, inverter replacement), yes — you need a Part P registered electrician, ideally MCS-accredited. For non-electrical upgrades like bird mesh, any competent roofer or solar maintenance company can carry out the work. MCS accreditation is required for battery upgrades if you want to claim any applicable export tariffs or subsidies.
Costs vary by upgrade type: bird mesh from £995 on a bungalow and from £1,495 on a two-storey house with the scaffold included; EPS installation from £495 (wall socket) to £995 (dedicated circuit), and from £1,495 for full-house automatic changeover; adding an extra battery module from £995 installed; inverter replacement from £995 (string) to £1,495+ (hybrid), supplied & installed. Full battery retrofit for solar-only systems starts from £2,495 (AC-coupled), or from £3,495 for a DC-coupled retrofit with a new hybrid inverter. All costs should be confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Yes, for most electrical upgrades. Adding battery storage, replacing an inverter or changing your system's export capacity means telling your distribution network operator (DNO): a G98 notification if the total stays within 16 A per phase, or a G99 application if it does not. Your installer handles it, and a G99 Fast Track answer is due within 10 working days, or up to 45 on the standard route. Bird mesh requires no DNO notification.
For AC-coupled battery upgrades, your existing solar inverter warranty is typically unaffected — you are adding equipment alongside it, not changing it. For DC-coupled upgrades or inverter replacement, you are replacing the inverter, so the old warranty ends and you receive a new warranty on the replacement unit (typically 10 years for a new inverter). Always check warranty terms with the original manufacturer before proceeding with any upgrade that affects existing equipment. Two exceptions: GivEnergy Ltd entered administration on 9 April 2026 and no further hardware warranties will be honoured, and Fox ESS claims go through a Local Installer.
Most single upgrades are completed in one visit: adding an extra battery module typically takes 2–4 hours on site, bird mesh is half a day on the roof for most domestic arrays, and an EPS dedicated circuit is around half a day's work. Upgrades that add storage or change your inverter also need DNO paperwork, and a G99 application can take 10 working days on the Fast Track or up to 45 on the standard route. Bird mesh needs no DNO notification, so it can be booked straight away. All costs are confirmed in writing before any work begins.

Not sure where to start?

A solar system health check covers your current system, identifies which upgrades are compatible, and gives you a clear, costed plan — no sales pressure, just engineering advice.

  • Independent — not affiliated with any manufacturer
  • Compatibility check before any purchase
  • Remote-first — free if we can't fix it

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