Bristol Electrical Firm Urges Homeowners to Review Solar and Battery Storage Following Energy Price Cap Rise
Bristol [United Kingdom], July 28: Bristol-based electrical and renewable energy company LA Electrical & Solar is encouraging homeowners to review how they use electricity following the latest increase to Ofgem’s energy price cap.
The energy regulator increased the price cap by 13 per cent for the period from July 1 to September 30, 2026. The cap applies to households on standard variable tariffs and limits the unit rates and standing charges energy suppliers can charge, rather than setting a maximum total household bill.
Although the increase to electricity prices is lower than the rise affecting gas, LA Electrical & Solar says the announcement has prompted more homeowners to consider how solar panels, battery storage and smarter electricity usage could reduce their reliance on energy purchased from the grid.
The family-run company, which has served Bristol and the surrounding area since 1997, is advising homeowners not to rush into purchasing a standard solar package without first considering their property, current electricity consumption and the times of day when they use the most power.
Rising Prices Renew Interest in Home Energy Generation
Ofgem announced the new price cap following continued volatility in wholesale energy markets.
For homeowners, the amount paid will continue to depend on their actual consumption, chosen tariff, payment method and where they live. Households that have moved to a fixed-rate energy tariff may not be directly affected by the latest cap change.
LA Electrical & Solar says the announcement nevertheless provides a timely reason for households to examine their electricity usage and consider whether renewable technology could form part of a longer-term energy plan.
Solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity during daylight hours. Electricity generated by the panels can be used immediately within the home, exported to the grid or stored in a compatible home battery for use later.
Battery storage may allow households to retain more of the electricity generated by their solar panels, rather than exporting all unused generation during the day and purchasing electricity back from the grid during the evening.
However, the company warns that the right system will vary considerably between properties.
Factors such as roof orientation, available roof space, shading, annual electricity use, daytime occupancy, electric vehicle ownership, energy tariff and future plans for the property can all affect which system is suitable.
Homeowners Should Assess Usage Before Choosing a System
Matthew Corney, owner of LA Electrical & Solar, said:
“With electricity prices rising again, it is understandable that more homeowners are looking at what they can do to reduce their reliance on the grid.
“Solar panels and battery storage can be extremely effective for the right household, but there is no single system that is suitable for every home. The starting point should always be understanding how much electricity the household uses, when it uses it and what the homeowners want the system to achieve.
“A household that is occupied throughout the day may use solar electricity very differently from one that is empty until the evening. An electric vehicle, heat pump or other high-consumption equipment can also significantly change the type and size of system that may be appropriate.
“Our role is to look at the whole property and recommend a system based on realistic usage rather than simply installing the largest number of panels or the biggest battery available.”
The company says homeowners should be cautious of estimated savings that do not take their individual circumstances into account.
The financial performance of a solar and battery system can be influenced by the household’s electricity tariff, the proportion of generated energy used within the home, export payments, system cost and any changes to electricity consumption after installation.
A larger system will not automatically offer the best value if the property cannot use or store the electricity it generates effectively.
Combining Solar Panels with Battery Storage
Solar panels generate the greatest amount of electricity during daylight hours, which does not always align with when households consume the most energy.
A household may produce surplus electricity around the middle of the day but use considerably more power in the early morning or evening. Battery storage can help address this difference by retaining surplus solar generation for later use.
Some battery systems can also be charged from the grid during lower-cost tariff periods, subject to the equipment, electricity tariff and household’s energy arrangements.
This can give homeowners greater control over when they purchase electricity from their supplier, although LA Electrical & Solar says systems must be designed and configured around the customer’s actual needs.
Corney said:
“A battery can be a valuable addition to a solar installation, particularly for households that generate electricity while they are away from home and then use more power in the evening.
“But adding a battery should still be a considered decision. Its capacity needs to make sense for the amount of energy being generated and the amount the household is likely to use.
“We would always rather recommend a properly sized system that works efficiently for the customer than oversell equipment that may not provide an appropriate return.”
Electric Vehicle Owners May Have Additional Options
Households with electric vehicles may have further opportunities to use more of the electricity generated by their solar panels.
A compatible solar-diversion or smart-charging setup may allow surplus solar generation to be directed towards charging an electric vehicle, reducing the amount of electricity exported when it could instead be used at the property.
The potential benefit will depend on when the vehicle is at home, how frequently it requires charging and the compatibility of the solar, battery and vehicle-charging equipment.
LA Electrical & Solar installs solar photovoltaic systems, home battery storage and electric vehicle chargers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
The company says integrating these technologies during the planning stage can help create a more coordinated home-energy system than treating each product as a separate installation.
Choosing an Appropriately Qualified Installer
LA Electrical & Solar is also advising homeowners to check an installer’s credentials, workmanship standards and aftercare arrangements before proceeding.
Solar and battery installations involve both roofing and electrical work and must be designed with the property’s existing electrical system in mind.
Homeowners should receive clear information about the proposed equipment, estimated generation, warranties, system limitations and the assumptions used to calculate potential savings.
LA Electrical & Solar is NICEIC registered, MCS certified and a Which? Trusted Trader. The company is also an Octopus Energy Trusted Partner for solar installations.
Corney added:
“Energy-price announcements often create a rush of interest in solar, and unfortunately that can also lead to exaggerated promises.
“Solar and battery storage should be viewed as a long-term investment in the property. Customers should understand what is being installed, why it has been recommended and how the estimates have been calculated.
“The latest price increase is a sensible opportunity for homeowners to review their energy use, but the decision to install solar should still be based on proper advice and a detailed assessment of the individual home.”
About LA Electrical & Solar
LA Electrical & Solar is a family-run electrical and renewable energy company based in Easter Compton, near Bristol.
Founded in 1997 by Richard Corney as Light Assistance, the business is now led by his son, Matthew Corney.
The company provides solar panel installation, home battery storage, solar maintenance, inverter replacement, electric vehicle charging and domestic and commercial electrical services across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
LA Electrical & Solar is the trading name of LA Bristol Ltd.
Media contact:
LA Electrical & Solar
Meadow View
Main Road
Easter Compton
Bristol
BS35 5RE
Telephone: 01454 633 336
Email: [email protected]
Website: laelectrical.com