
Solar System Upgrades in Barry
Get more from the system you already have by adding storage, extra panels or newer equipment, planned so everything works together.
12 years
specialist solar experience
25 years
in the construction industry
2-year
workmanship warranty
£2m
public liability insurance
MCS · NAPIT
TrustMark · RECC
Making an Existing System Work Harder
Many solar systems were installed before batteries were common, before the household had an electric car, or when energy use was lower. An upgrade brings your system in line with how you use energy today.
Upgrades suit owners whose bills have crept up, who export a lot of power during the day, who have added an EV or other large loads, or whose original equipment is ageing.
Common upgrades include adding a Fox battery, replacing an older inverter with a Fox hybrid unit, adding panels where roof space allows, and adding an EV charger.
Upgrading an existing system means working with equipment that may have been fitted by someone else, years ago. Compatibility, safety and correct sizing all need to be checked. Complete Solar Services Ltd brings 12 years of solar experience and is MCS certified and NAPIT registered.
What an Outdated System Costs You
A system designed for how you lived years ago may not be saving you as much as it could.
Exporting power you could use
Without storage, daytime surplus leaves your home and you buy power back later.
Ageing inverters
Older inverters can be less reliable and may not support a battery.
Growing demand
An EV or new appliances can outstrip what your original system was designed for.
Piecemeal additions
Adding equipment without a plan can lead to incompatible parts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a battery that is not compatible with the existing inverter.
- Adding panels without checking the inverter can handle them.
- Upgrading one part at a time without an overall plan.
- Assuming an old system cannot be improved.
How the Job Works
1
Enquiry
Tell us what you have now and what you want to improve.
2
System review
We review your existing equipment, roof and energy use.
3
Upgrade plan and quote
We recommend the upgrades that make sense and quote individually.
4
Installation
Agreed upgrades are fitted and integrated with your existing system.
5
Testing and handover
We test everything together and back the work with a 2-year workmanship warranty.
What You Get
More from what you own
Build on the panels you already paid for.
Use more of your power
Storage lets you use solar in the evening.
Compatibility checked
We make sure new and existing equipment work together.
Future-ready
Prepare your home for EV charging and higher demand.
Safety
Work by a NAPIT registered installer, £2m public liability insurance.
Warranty
Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers the upgrade work.
Solar Upgrades in Detail
The right upgrade depends on what you have and what you want.
Adding battery storage
One upgrade option is adding a battery. Depending on your inverter, a battery can be added alongside it or by swapping to a Fox hybrid inverter. See our battery installation page.
Inverter upgrades
Replacing an older inverter can improve reliability and add battery capability. Fox inverters are what we primarily install.
Adding panels
If you have spare roof space, extra panels can increase generation. Any addition needs to be matched to your inverter and wiring, so we check that before recommending it.
EV charging
Adding a home charger lets you use your solar to power your car. Planned alongside a battery, it can make a big difference to how much of your own generation you use.
Commercial upgrades
Business premises with existing systems can also benefit from added storage or capacity. These are assessed and quoted individually.
Planning a whole-home upgrade
If you are thinking about several changes, such as a battery, a new inverter and an EV charger, it is usually better to plan them together. This can help identify compatible equipment and cabling requirements; future changes may still be needed.
Upgrades when moving into a new home
If you have moved into a house with an older system, an upgrade can bring it up to date with how you live. We start by reviewing what is there, then recommend the changes worth making.
Upgrading during roof work
If panels are coming off for roof work, it is an ideal moment to upgrade. See our panel removal and refitting service.
Residential and commercial upgrades
For homes, upgrades are usually about using more of your own solar in the evening and powering new loads such as an electric car. For businesses, upgrades often focus on covering more daytime demand or extending the benefit of solar beyond working hours with storage. Either way, we start with what you already have so new equipment works with it, not against it.
Each upgrade is quoted individually after reviewing your existing system.
Where we work
We are based at Cardiff House in Barry and carry out solar system upgrades across South Wales, the South West of England and the West Midlands border, including Barry, Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Porthcawl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Brecon, Bristol, Bath, Gloucester, Hereford. See all the areas we cover.
Our Solar and Construction Experience
Complete Solar Services Ltd was set up by Sam Hayes about three years ago. Sam has 12 years specialising in solar and 25 years in the construction industry. Each solar system upgrades job needs assessment of the relevant roof and electrical requirements.
The business is MCS certified, TrustMark endorsed, RECC approved and NAPIT registered. MCS is the recognised standard for small-scale renewable installations in the UK. TrustMark is the government-endorsed quality scheme for work in and around the home. RECC is a consumer code for renewable energy, and NAPIT registration covers the electrical side. We also carry £2m public liability insurance.
We primarily work with Fox batteries and inverters. Each job is quoted individually, with a 2-year workmanship warranty on our work. Any additional faults or upgrade options should be assessed and included in the agreed scope before work proceeds. System suitability, the work involved and visit arrangements depend on your property.
What to Expect From Your Quote
- A price for your property and your needs only. We do not sell fixed packages or standard rates.
- A plain explanation of what we recommend and why, so you can compare quotes properly.
- No work goes ahead without your agreement.
- Payment by bank transfer or credit/debit card.
- A 2-year workmanship warranty on the work we carry out.
- Contact during our working hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
To help us prepare a quote, tell us your postcode, a little about your property and anything you already know about your existing system. You can request a solar service quote or call 07301 504889.
Solar System Upgrades FAQs
Still have a question? Call Sam Hayes on 07301 504889.
How much does a solar upgrade cost?
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It depends on the upgrade and your existing system. Every job is quoted individually.
Can you upgrade a system another company fitted?
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Yes. We review the existing equipment first and plan the upgrade around it.
What is the best first upgrade?
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For many homes it is a battery, but it depends on how you use energy. We will advise after reviewing your system.
Can I add more panels to my system?
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Often, if roof space and your inverter allow. We check both before recommending it.
How long does an upgrade take?
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It depends on the work involved. We will confirm the timescale with your quote.
Will an upgrade affect my existing paperwork?
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Upgrades should be documented properly alongside your original installation records. We will explain the paperwork involved for the work we carry out.
Can I add an EV charger to my solar system?
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Yes. A home charger can be planned alongside your solar and battery so you use more of your own power. See our EV charger installation page.
Do you upgrade systems across South Wales?
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Yes. We cover Barry, Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Porthcawl, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Brecon, plus Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Hereford.
What guarantee do you give?
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All of our work is backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty.
Are you accredited and insured?
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Yes. We are MCS certified, TrustMark endorsed, RECC approved and NAPIT registered, and carry £2m public liability insurance.
Do you offer emergency call-outs?
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Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Contact us during working hours to discuss your enquiry.
How can I pay?
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By bank transfer or credit/debit card.
Which areas do you cover?
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We are based in Barry and cover Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Porthcawl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Brecon, Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Hereford.
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Get More From Your Solar
Find out which upgrades make sense for your system with an individual quote.
MCS certified · 2-year workmanship warranty · £2m insured
