Project Overview


Our client got in touch with Same Electricals Limited to upgrade an existing domestic solar PV installation in Ballachulish, Scotland, with battery storage and smart EV charging capabilities. The property already benefited from a recently installed solar PV system connected to a conventional string inverter. While the client wanted to maximise self-consumption of their generated electricity, they also wished to retain the manufacturer's warranties provided by the original installer.

Following a detailed consultation, we designed an AC-coupled battery storage solution using the GivEnergy All In One battery system. This approach allowed the existing solar installation to remain completely un touched whilst providing intelligent battery storage, whole-house backup and seamless EV charging integration.

To complete the renewable energy system a GivEnergy Smart EV Charger was also installed, allowing the EV charger to communicate seamlessly with the battery storage and solar installation to maximise self usage of the property.

Project Brief

Our client contacted Same Electricals Limited wanting to install battery storage to their property. They already were adopters of renewable technology with an air source heat pump installed to save them the troubles of oil heating and they recently had solar PV installed, without battery storage.

Although battery retrofitting options were available, preserving the warranties associated with the existing PV installers was an important consideration as well as the location of the inverter being within an eaves void not allowing practical installation of a battery. Rather than replacing the existing inverter with a hybrid system, we recommended an AC coupled battery solution that would integrate with the existing installation without affecting the original equipment.

Living within the Scottish Highlands, our client also expressed concerns regarding occasional power outages. Following discussion of the available options, the decision was made to install the GivEnergy All In One battery system incorporating whole house backup ensuring essential services would continue operating during a grid failure. The completed installation included:
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  • Design of an AC-coupled battery storage solution.
  • Installation of a GivEnergy All-In-One battery system.
  • Whole-house backup installation with automatic changeover.
  • Integration with the existing solar PV system.
  • Installation of a GivEnergy Smart EV Charger.
  • Full system configuration using the GivEnergy monitoring platform.
  • Inspection, testing, commissioning and certification.
  • Client demonstration and handover.

Project Challenges

The original solar PV installation had only recently been completed by another contractor and remained fully covered by manufacturer warranties. Replacing the existing string inverter with a hybrid inverter would have required significant alterations to the original installation and would have affected warranty arrangements. By designing an AC-coupled battery system, the existing solar installation remained completely untouched while still providing all of the benefits of battery storage.

The client's location within Ballachulish also influenced the system design. Rural properties are generally more susceptible to grid outages than urban locations, making minimising grid reliance an important factor when selecting equipment. The GivEnergy All-In-One system was therefore specified with whole house backup, allowing the property to continue operating during power outages. Unlike many battery systems that only provide backup to selected circuits, this solution was designed to maintain power to the entire property, significantly improving resilience and peace of mind.

The addition of the GivEnergy Smart EV Charger further enhanced the installation by creating a fully integrated ecosystem. The charger can intelligently communicate with the battery storage system, allowing charging schedules to be optimised around solar generation, battery state of charge and electricity tariffs.

The Results

The completed installation transformed the client's existing solar PV system into a fully integrated renewable energy solution. The GivEnergy All In One battery now stores excess solar generation for use later in the day, significantly increasing self consumption while reducing grid reliance.

Whole house backup capability provides additional reassurance during power outages, allowing the property to continue operating even when the grid supply is unavailable. Just 3 weeks after installation our client contacted us to let us know how invaluable this featured turned out to be. As the UK was hit with winter storms their local area was affected by a 72hr grid outage, which thanks to the GivEnergy All In One did not affect them. Their property continued to operate seamlessly with the solar PV and battery storage generating and supply enough power to keep their home fully self sufficient.

By selecting an AC-coupled solution, the client retained all existing warranties associated with their original solar installation while gaining the benefits of modern battery storage technology without unnecessary alterations to the existing system. The addition of the GivEnergy Smart EV Charger completed the installation, providing intelligent vehicle charging that integrates with the home's battery storage and solar PV system.

This project demonstrates Same Electricals Limited's ability to design bespoke renewable energy systems that balance technical performance, future flexibility and long-term reliability while delivering solutions tailored to each client's individual requirements.
When you choose Same Electricals Limited, you can expect:
✓ Professionally Designed Systems
✓ High-Quality Workmanship
✓ Premium Products from Trusted Manufacturers
✓ Honest, Transparent Advice
✓ Fully Tested and Commissioned
✓ Clear Communication
✓ Ongoing Technical Support

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Tell us a little about the work you'd like carried out and upload any relevant photos or plans. We'll review your enquiry, discuss the available options and provide a detailed, no-obligation quotation with clear pricing and honest advice.

Whether it's a small domestic job or a large commercial installation, you'll receive the same high standard of communication, workmanship and customer service that Same Electricals Limited is known for.

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✓ EV Chargers • Consumer Units • Rewires • Commercial • Solar PV
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Same Electricals Limited is a trusted electrical contractor providing high-quality domestic and commercial electrical services throughout the North East and Cumbria. Whether you require an EV charger installation, electrical testing, maintenance or a complete installation, we're committed to delivering exceptional workmanship and outstanding customer service.