Living with Solar Power: A Real Homeowner’s Experience with Solar Panels and Battery Storage in Surrey

As energy prices continue to rise and the planet gets hotter, more Surrey homeowners are looking for ways to take control of their energy use and their bills. But does solar power with battery storage really make that much difference, especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather?

To find out, we’re sharing the real-life experience of Dan Curran, who has spent the past year living with a solar and battery system as part of his journey to make his home more sustainable. Dan’s story shows that with the right setup, solar panels with battery storage can be a genuine game-changer for comfort, cost savings, and energy independence.

The System Behind the Success

Dan’s home features a substantial 8.4kW solar array made up of 21 panels installed by YEYW. Eleven of these are installed on the west and south-facing roof sections, while the other ten sit on a flat garage roof angled to capture the strong afternoon sun.

But the real secret to his home’s energy independence lies in the 27kWh of Tesla battery storage that accompanies the panels. This large-capacity battery allows the power generated during the day to be stored and used through the night, meaning the family can run their air source heat pump and the rest of the home almost entirely from renewable energy.

For homeowners considering solar panels with battery storage in Surrey, this combination offers the perfect balance between self-sufficiency, comfort, and long-term savings - even when the weather doesn’t always play along.

YEYW installed 11 panels on the west and south-facing roof sections, while the other ten sit on a flat garage roof angled to capture the strong afternoon sun.

What It’s Really Like to Live with Solar Power

Surrey may not be known for endless sunshine, but Dan’s first full “solar season” (March to September) delivered impressive results. Despite some cloudy days, the system generated 6.2MWh of electricity — about 11% more than expected.

Even on overcast days, there was enough energy to power the home, while on sunny days the system produced far more electricity than needed, allowing energy to be stored for later or exported back to the grid.

“On a bright May day we generated over 42kWh - enough to run our house for several days. Even on cloudy days, we were still producing around 10kWh, just enough to cover all our needs,” Dan says.

These results show that solar panels with battery storage in Surrey can perform brilliantly, giving households a reliable and sustainable way to manage their energy needs all year round.

The Benefits of Solar Panels with Battery Storage in Surrey

From March through September, Dan’s home produced more electricity than it used on 75% of the days, and likely over 90% if you exclude EV charging. That means for most of the spring and summer, his home was energy self-sufficient, and even earning money by exporting excess power back to the grid. What’s more, it required almost no effort.

“The Tesla system runs itself,” Dan explains. “It automatically prioritises power for the house, then charges the battery, and finally exports the excess. I don’t have to adjust tariffs or manage anything manually - it just works.”

This hands-off reliability is one of the biggest benefits of solar panels with battery storage, especially for busy families who want all the benefits of renewable energy without the complexity.

Dan with our director Richard next to the Tesla Powerwall we installed at his home in Surrey

The Financial Bonus

While Dan plans to share the detailed financial breakdown in a separate post, the headline is simple: from late April through mid-September, his electricity bills were in credit.

That means for nearly five months, his energy supplier paid him. The combination of solar generation, battery storage, and smart charging made it possible to avoid daytime electricity costs entirely while selling excess power during peak times.

For anyone wondering if solar panels with battery storage in Surrey can pay off, Dan’s experience shows the answer is a clear yes.

A Glimpse of the Future

Dan’s experience proves that solar and battery systems aren’t just for hot climates or futuristic homes - they work right here in Surrey. With a well-designed setup, homeowners can:

• Cut electricity bills dramatically

• Power their homes sustainably

• Reduce reliance on the grid

• Even earn money from excess energy

As Dan sums it up:

“Our first solar season has shown that pairing solar panels with battery storage is transformative. It’s not just sustainable - it’s the first real step toward energy independence.”

Thank You

A big thank you to Dan Curran for sharing his story and allowing us to adapt it for our readers. You can follow his journey toward a more sustainable home on his excellent blog, The Directionally Good Life.

If you are considering solar and a battery for your home, you can book a Discovery call or complete our online questionnaire via our Contact Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels with Battery Storage in Surrey

1. Do solar panels really work well in Surrey’s weather?

Yes — even in Surrey’s variable weather, modern solar panels perform exceptionally well. While sunshine levels affect daily output, today’s panels still generate energy on cloudy days. With battery storage, any extra energy produced on brighter days can be stored and used later, keeping your home powered efficiently year-round.

2. What are the benefits of solar panels with battery storage in Surrey?

Pairing solar panels with battery storage gives you control over your energy use. You can:

• Reduce reliance on the grid

• Cut electricity bills significantly

• Store daytime energy for use at night

• Earn money by exporting excess powerIt’s a practical, sustainable step toward energy independence for Surrey homeowners.

  
  

3. How much can I save with solar panels and battery storage?

Savings depend on your home’s energy use, panel size, and tariff. Many Surrey homeowners see reductions of 50–80% in annual electricity costs. With smart batteries like the Tesla Powerwall, you can also take advantage of cheaper off-peak tariffs and export incentives, further increasing savings.

4. Will battery storage work during a power cut?

Yes, depending on your setup. Some battery systems (like Tesla Powerwall) can provide limited backup power during outages. It’s worth discussing this feature with your installer so your system is configured for both savings and resilience.

5. Is my home suitable for solar panels with battery storage in Surrey?

Most homes in Surrey can benefit. South, east, or west-facing roofs work best, but even some shaded or north-facing properties can generate meaningful energy. A professional survey will assess your roof angle, available space, and electrical setup to design the most efficient system for your home.

6. How long does installation take?

Typically, installation takes 2–4 days for solar panels and another 1 day for the battery system. Your installer will handle scaffolding, wiring, and setup, with minimal disruption to your household.

7. What incentives or tariffs are available in Surrey?

Surrey homeowners can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for the excess electricity you export to the grid. Combined with off-peak charging tariffs, this helps maximise the value of your solar and battery system.

8. What maintenance do solar panels require?

Very little. Occasional cleaning and periodic inspections are usually enough. Most systems can be monitored via an app, so you’ll always know your panels and battery are performing efficiently.