BrightGridMany homeowners who already have solar panels later decide to add battery storage. A retrofit can be practical, but the installer needs to understand the existing inverter, panel configuration and electrical installation.
Is your existing system battery compatible?
The first step is checking the existing inverter and system architecture. Some systems can integrate directly with a compatible battery while others require additional equipment.
AC-coupled battery systems
An AC-coupled battery uses its own inverter and can often be added alongside an existing solar inverter. This can be useful for retrofit projects.
DC-coupled battery systems
A DC-coupled configuration can connect battery storage within a compatible hybrid inverter architecture.
| Option | Potential advantage |
|---|---|
| AC-coupled | Can suit some existing solar systems |
| DC-coupled | Can provide integrated solar and battery management |
| Hybrid inverter replacement | Can modernise the system architecture |
What should the installer check?
- Existing inverter
- Solar panel configuration
- Battery location
- Electrical protection
- Cable routes
- Consumer unit
- Existing monitoring
- DNO requirements
Add battery storage to your existing solar
We can assess your existing system and determine the most suitable retrofit approach.
Explore Battery RetrofitFrequently asked questions
Can I add a battery to existing solar panels?
In many cases, yes. The existing inverter and electrical system need to be assessed first.
Do I need to replace my solar inverter?
Not necessarily. Some retrofit systems use a separate battery inverter, while other installations may benefit from a hybrid inverter.
Is a solar battery retrofit worth it?
It can be worthwhile where additional self-consumption or tariff optimisation creates enough value to justify the installation cost.
George Palmer
Battery Systems Engineer at BrightGrid Energy
