As the renewable energy sector continues to rapidly grow, one of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the growth of battery storage technology. With solar installations on the rise, battery storage systems are becoming a vital component for homeowners and businesses looking to reduce energy costs and increase energy independence.

At GRE, we’ve seen first-hand how installers are adapting to this change. Battery storage is no longer just an add-on, it’s becoming a standard part of a full solar set up.

This trend was very apparent at Solar & Storage Live which we recently attended at the NEC, Birmingham. It was great having the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore the latest innovations and discuss practical solutions for integrating battery storage into both residential and commercial projects.

Elliot, one of our electrical trainers, has expressed his biggest takeaway from the show:

“A theme across the exhibition was the huge growth in commercial-scale energy storage (EESS). With more manufacturers entering the UK market, costs are dropping, making large-scale EESS increasingly feasible.

For businesses, pairing solar with energy storage brings major benefits. While some sites use most of their electricity during the day, others such as bus or logistics depots, experience peak demand at night. Charging EESS with solar during the day and discharging it to fleets overnight not only supports the grid but also helps businesses move toward net zero goals, while effectively providing “free fuel” for vehicles.”

Why Battery Storage Matters

Battery storage allows excess energy generated by Solar PV systems to be stored and used when needed, rather than being exported to the grid. For customers, this means lower electricity bills and increased energy resilience. For installers, understanding how to design, size, and safely install these systems is critical to providing a complete service.

Other key takeaways from the show which we think you’ll find valuable:

Innovations in PV & Solar Maintenance

On the PV side, several exciting developments caught our attention:

• Installation Methods: DEKs are developing a new installation technique for tricky slate roofs, which could make life much easier for installers.
• Automation: Robotic panel cleaners and automated mowers were widely displayed. These innovations speed up maintenance, reduce water usage, cut costs, and lower the risk of accidental damage to solar farms.

EV Reuse & Bidirectional Charging

Another large talking point came from Tellus Power, who had a new bidirectional charger capable of bypassing an EV’s onboard BMS and inverter — effectively making any EV Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X).

While this technology is relatively new and could void warranties for EVs not designed for V2X, it presents exciting possibilities for older vehicles that are out of warranty or have reduced range. For example, a 50kWh EV that once had a 200-mile range may eventually drop to 100 miles. Not ideal for daily driving, but still leaving around 25kWh of usable battery capacity — enough to power most homes. Instead of recycling, reusing EV batteries in this way could give them a valuable second life.

Our Training Experience

At GRE, we deliver courses that equip installers with the skills and knowledge to confidently install Solar PV and battery storage systems. Attending shows like Solar and Storage Live reinforces the importance of staying up to date with technology and industry trends, allowing us to tailor our training to what installers really need on site.

Looking Ahead

The rise of battery storage represents a huge opportunity for installers to expand their services and stay competitive in a fast-growing market. Whether you’re new to battery storage or looking to polish your skills, ongoing training is key to delivering safe, efficient, and reliable installations.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Solar PV & Electrical Energy Storage Systems courses, contact us today on 01246 588589 to see how we can help your team stay ahead in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, you can browse our training courses here.

Find out more on Solar & Storage Live here.