Make the most of the solar panel system you already have.
You don't need to start again to see better results from your solar panels.
If you were an early adopter of solar power, the kit on your roof can still work hard for you. With a few sensible solar panel upgrades and a little care, you can store more of what you generate, cut bills, and get clearer control over how and when you use your energy.
Who could benefit from solar panel upgrades?
You already have solar panels. You may be on a Feed-in Tariff and still have the original inverter. You like the idea of getting more from what you have, but you are not sure who to ask or what is worth doing.
That is where we come in. We assess your current setup and create a plan that enhances it without unnecessary replacements.
What improvement looks like
Add a battery: Store spare electricity during the day and use it later. A correctly sized battery lifts self-consumption and reduces imports in the evening. We choose hardware that suits your panels, your usage, and your tariff, then commission it so it works as it should from day one.
Divert surplus into hot water: A smart diverter senses export and sends spare power to your immersion heater. That turns sunshine into hot showers and reduces how often your boiler or cylinder needs to run.
Refresh the inverter where it makes sense: Inverters do the heavy lifting. Older models lose efficiency or develop faults. A tidy, like-for-like replacement can improve yield and reliability. While we are there, we test strings, check isolators, and bring labelling and cabling up to standard.
See what is going on: Real-time monitoring shows generation, usage, and export on your phone. Once you can see the pattern, it is easy to time laundry, dishwashers, and EV charging to make the most of your own power.
Clean and maintain: Panels gather dust, pollen, and bird droppings over time. A safe clean and a quick health check can recover lost output and spot issues early. If cleaning will not pay back, we will say so.
Integrate an EV charger: If you drive electric, we can set up an EV charger that favours surplus solar. More of your mileage is powered by your roof rather than the grid.
Straight talk about “panel swaps”
You may have seen claims that changing all your panels will double generation and income. That's not how it works for most homes.
System size, roof area, and grid permissions set practical limits. FIT rules and metering do not reward like-for-like swaps in the way some adverts suggest, and full replacement often costs more than it returns.
We focus on the upgrades that give real gains for sensible money. If replacement is truly justified, we will show you why with the numbers to back it up.
Will upgrades affect my Feed-in Tariff?
In most cases, adding a battery, diverter, or modern monitoring does not change your FIT. Your generation meter and contract remain in place. We check your paperwork and current guidance before any work starts, so you know exactly where you stand.
Why choose Solar First?
We specialise in improving existing systems rather than pushing replacements. You get straight advice, neat work, and realistic projections. We cover Rutland, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire, and our installers are fully accredited and insured.
FAQs
Can I add a battery to an older system? In most cases, yes. We match hardware to your existing kit and your tariff.
Do panels really need cleaning? In short, yes. It's not just about keeping them clean for appearance's sake, but also the efficiency of your system. We recommend cleaning your solar panels every 12 months.
My inverter throws faults from time to time. Can you help? Yes. We diagnose the cause, replace where needed, and tidy the surrounding electrics.
Can you integrate hot water and EV charging? Yes. We set priorities so surplus generation goes where it saves you the most.
What will I see on my bill? More self-consumption and less import. The exact figures depend on your usage, tariff, and chosen upgrades. We provide realistic projections before you decide.
Ready to get more from your solar?
Tell us a little about your system and your goals. We will come back with a plan that makes sense for your home and budget.
Enquire today
Email hello@solarfirst.uk or call us on 01572 373342, and we'll book a survey.
