Solar Panel Add-ons & Products
The extras worth considering when you buy solar panels, from bird proofing and iBoost solar diverters to Tigo optimisers, EV chargers and battery backup, plus the panels, inverters and batteries we fit. Everything is installed by our own MCS-certified teams across London, the South East and the East of England, on new systems or solar you already have.
Get a free surveyExtras to consider when buying solar panels
A solar system is more than panels on a roof. These are the add-ons our customers ask about most, and we'll tell you honestly at survey which are worth it for your home.
- Solar panel bird proofing to keep pigeons out
- A solar diverter (iBoost) to heat your hot water
- Solar panel optimisers (Tigo) for shaded roofs
- A solar battery to use your power in the evening
- Backup power (EPS or UPS) for power cuts
- A solar EV charger (zappi or Fox ESS)
- Solar panel monitoring on your phone
- Inverter replacement for older systems
Solar panel add-ons we install
Each of these can be fitted with a new solar system, or added to one you already have.
Solar panel bird proofing
The sheltered gap under solar panels is a favourite nesting spot for pigeons. Nests, droppings and noise can damage cables and roofs and reduce output. We fit bird mesh around the edges of your panels to keep pigeons and other birds out, without drilling into the panels.
It's far easier to fit at installation, but we can bird-proof existing panels too.
Solar diverters: iBoost
When your panels make more electricity than your home is using, a solar iBoost diverter sends the spare power to your hot water cylinder's immersion heater. You heat your water with your own solar power instead of exporting it for a few pence per unit.
Solar panel optimisers: Tigo
If part of your roof is shaded by a chimney, tree or neighbouring building, or your panels face different directions, Tigo optimisers fitted to individual panels stop one shaded panel from dragging down the output of the rest, and let you see how each panel is performing.
Solar battery backup: EPS and UPS
Standard solar systems switch off in a power cut. With a battery and backup set up, your essential circuits, such as lights, the fridge and Wi-Fi, keep running.
- EPS (emergency power supply): switches your essential circuits over to the battery within moments of a power cut
- UPS (uninterruptible power supply): switches over almost instantly, so computers, routers and home office equipment don't even notice
Solar EV chargers: zappi and Fox ESS
Charge your electric car at home, and with solar panels, from your own electricity. We fit myenergi zappi and Fox ESS smart chargers, which can charge from spare solar power or overnight on a cheaper tariff.
- zappi: designed to charge from surplus solar, with eco modes that use as little grid power as possible
- Fox ESS: works alongside your Fox ESS inverter and battery, all in one app
Solar panel monitoring
See exactly what your system is doing from your phone: how much your panels are generating, what your home is using, how full your battery is and how much you're exporting. We set up monitoring for you at handover and show you how to use it.
Solar inverter replacement
Inverters usually need replacing at least once during a solar system's life. If yours has failed or is showing errors, we can diagnose the fault and fit a replacement, often a hybrid inverter that's ready for a battery.
Already have solar? See Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
The solar panels, inverters and batteries we fit
We choose every product for efficiency, reliability and strong manufacturer warranties, and recommend the right combination for your roof, your energy use and your budget.
Aiko, DMEGC and Trina solar panels
- Aiko: high-efficiency panels, ideal for smaller roofs where you want the most power from the space
- DMEGC: reliable, well-priced panels that suit most homes
- Trina: one of the world's largest panel manufacturers, with a long track record
Fox ESS hybrid inverters
The inverter turns the electricity your panels make into power your home can use. We mainly fit Fox ESS hybrid inverters, which run your solar panels and a battery together, so you can add storage now or later.
We've completed the Fox ESS installer programme.
Sigenergy, Fox ESS and Tesla Powerwall batteries
- Sigenergy: a modular, stackable battery that suits larger homes, or homes planning an EV or heat pump
- Fox ESS: modular batteries you can add to as your needs grow
- Tesla Powerwall: a premium all-in-one battery with a well-known app
Not sure what size you need? Read What size solar battery do I need?
Solar panel add-ons: your questions answered
What extras should I consider when buying solar panels?
The most useful extras are a battery to store spare solar power, bird proofing to stop pigeons nesting under the panels, a solar diverter such as an iBoost to heat your hot water, optimisers if part of your roof is shaded, a smart EV charger if you have an electric car, and backup power for power cuts. We'll tell you at survey which are worth it for your home.
Do I need bird proofing on my solar panels?
If pigeons are common where you live, it's worth it. The sheltered gap under solar panels is a favourite nesting spot, and nests, droppings and noise can damage cables and roofs and reduce output. Bird proofing is far cheaper to fit at installation than after birds have moved in, but we can fit it to existing panels too.
Is a solar diverter like an iBoost worth it?
If you have a hot water cylinder with an immersion heater, a solar diverter lets you use spare solar power to heat your water instead of exporting it for a few pence per unit. It's most worthwhile in homes that export a lot of power and don't yet have a battery.
Do I need optimisers on my solar panels?
Only if part of your roof is shaded, for example by a chimney, tree or neighbouring building, or your panels face different directions. Optimisers such as Tigo stop one shaded panel from reducing the output of the others. On an unshaded roof facing one way, most homes don't need them.
Can I charge my electric car from my solar panels?
Yes. A solar-aware charger such as a myenergi zappi or a Fox ESS charger can charge your car from spare solar power, or overnight on a cheaper tariff when the sun isn't shining.
Can these add-ons be fitted to my existing solar system?
Most of them, yes. Bird proofing, iBoost diverters, Tigo optimisers, monitoring, EV chargers, batteries and inverter replacements can usually be added to an existing system, including one we didn't originally install. We'll check what your system can support at survey.
What's the difference between EPS and UPS backup?
Both keep your essential circuits running from your battery in a power cut. EPS switches over within moments, so you may notice a brief flicker. UPS switches over almost instantly, which suits computers, routers and home office equipment that can't handle even a short interruption.
Are the products guaranteed?
Yes. All products come with manufacturer warranties, and warranty lengths vary by product. Your quote lists exactly what's covered.
Not sure which extras you need?
We'll look at your home and recommend only the add-ons that make sense, with no pressure. Call 020 3411 4885 or request a free survey.
Request a free survey