When the days get shorter and the clouds roll in, many homeowners assume their solar system slows to a stop, but that’s not the case.
Your panels will still generate electricity throughout the winter months, and with the help of a solar battery, you can make every unit of energy go further.
The secret isn’t just in how much you generate, it’s in how you store and use it.
Here’s how to get the most from your solar battery this winter, from smart charging strategies to time-of-use tariffs and automation.
Understand How Winter Changes Your Energy Profile
In winter, your energy pattern flips.
You’re likely:
- Using more electricity (heating, lighting, cooking)
- Generating slightly less due to shorter daylight hours
That means the goal becomes maximising self-consumption, storing as much as possible during the day and using it efficiently in the evening.
Your battery becomes the bridge between dark mornings and cosy nights, keeping your home running on stored solar rather than expensive grid electricity.
Set Your Battery to Prioritise Daytime Storage
On bright winter days, even if the sun is low, your panels will still generate usable power.
Check your inverter app or battery settings to make sure it’s configured to store surplus energy automatically.
You’ll want your system to:
- Fill the battery during daylight hours
- Release energy in the evening when demand rises
- Only import from the grid once your stored energy is used up
If your home has load-shifting features, you can also schedule high-energy tasks (like running the washing machine or dishwasher) during peak generation hours, usually between 10 am – 3 pm.
This ensures you’re consuming your own clean energy rather than paying the grid rate.
Use Smart Tariffs to Top-Up Overnight
Even the best UK solar system will occasionally need a boost during darker months, and that’s where time-of-use tariffs come in.
Many energy suppliers now offer tariffs with cheaper overnight rates (often between midnight and 5 am).
You can set your battery to charge from the grid during these low-cost hours, then discharge during peak times when prices are higher.
For example:
- Import electricity overnight at 10–15p per kWh
- Use that stored energy during the evening when prices are 30p+ per kWh
You’re still saving — even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If your system supports it, set these charging windows through your app so it happens automatically.
Use App Automation & Smart Scheduling
Most modern solar batteries connect to an app that allows you to:
- Monitor your real-time generation and storage
- Adjust charging schedules
- Track energy use hour by hour
Spend a few minutes reviewing your data each week. You’ll quickly see patterns — like high-use evenings or wasted solar export in mild spells.
With that insight, you can automate:
- Grid charging overnight on cheap tariffs
- Appliance scheduling during daylight hours
- Battery reserve levels so there’s always backup power available
The more your system learns your habits, the more efficiently it runs — keeping your home powered, your bills lower, and your solar output optimised.
Keep an Eye on Weather Windows
Winter in the UK may be grey, but there are still plenty of bright spells.
On clear days, your panels can generate surprisingly high output — so make sure your system is ready to capture it.
Simple steps like cleaning panels before winter (to remove dust and debris) and checking inverter readings after storms can help keep your setup at peak efficiency.
Your installer should offer remote monitoring and support, so if you notice anything unusual — like reduced output or charging inconsistencies — they can check it for you.
Combine Solar, Battery & Tariff for Year-Round Savings
The real power of solar batteries comes from integration.
When your system, app and tariff all work together, you can:
- Use free solar during the day
- Store surplus energy for the evening
- Charge cheaply overnight when needed
- Sell excess back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
It’s about creating a rhythm between generation, storage and usage — even when the weather’s unpredictable.
Plan for the Long Game
Winter isn’t when your system earns the most, but it’s when you see the value.
Every unit you store is one less you buy from the grid — and those small, consistent savings add up over 25 years.
By combining solar panels with a smart battery and flexible tariff, you’re building true energy independence — not just for summer, but for every season.
⚡️ The Novus Energy Way
At Novus Energy, we help homeowners across the UK make the most of their systems year-round.
We design and install smart, MCS-certified solar and battery systems that:
✅ Automatically adjust for weather and usage
✅ Integrate with time-of-use tariffs
✅ Include full monitoring and aftercare
✅ Maximise efficiency, even in the depths of winter
Because real solar savings don’t stop when the sun hides — they’re built into every day of the year.
☀️ Ready to Get More from Your Solar Battery This Winter?
We’ll help you review your setup, optimise your charging strategy, and make sure you’re getting every penny of value from your solar investment.
📲 Book your free winter energy check-up, fill out the form below or call us on 01422 768113.