Battery Storage Upgrade in West Malling (ME19): 69.12kWh of Fox ESS Battery Storage
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At Sunbright Energy, not every project starts with a blank slate.
Many homeowners already have renewable energy systems installed, but as their homes, lifestyles and energy requirements change, those systems may need to evolve too.
Recently, our team completed a battery storage upgrade for a homeowner in West Malling, Kent (ME19). Rather than installing solar panels, this project focused on replacing an existing battery system with a much larger, three-phase solution designed to better suit the property’s changing energy needs.
The result is an impressive 69.12kWh of battery storage, giving the homeowner the ability to dramatically reduce their electricity costs by making the most of low-cost overnight electricity tariffs.
Let’s dive into this project!
System Size
Battery Units
Electricity Cost
Project Overview
System Specifications
Location: West Malling, Kent (ME19)
Existing System: Fox ESS Mira High Voltage Single-Phase Battery
New Inverter: Fox ESS H3 Pro 20kW Three-Phase Hybrid Inverter
Battery Storage: 6 × Fox ESS EP12 Batteries
Total Battery Capacity: 69.12kWh
Installation Type: Three-phase battery storage upgrade
Why the West Malling System Needed Upgrading
The homeowner in West Malling already had a Fox ESS battery storage system installed, but their energy requirements had changed.
Their original single-phase Fox ESS Mira battery had served them well, but it was no longer the right solution for the property’s new three-phase electrical setup.
Rather than trying to adapt a system that was no longer suitable, we removed the existing battery and designed a completely new solution around the homeowner’s current and future energy requirements.
This approach ensures the system is properly matched to the property while also providing plenty of flexibility for years to come.
It’s a reminder that renewable energy systems should evolve alongside the homes they power.
Energy Needs Change – Your System Can Too
Many people assume that once solar panels or battery storage have been installed, that’s the end of the journey.
In reality, energy requirements often change over time.
Perhaps you’ve purchased an electric vehicle, installed a heat pump, extended your home or upgraded to a three-phase electrical supply. Whatever the reason, these changes can significantly alter how much electricity your property uses and how your renewable energy system should operate.
Rather than replacing everything unnecessarily, it’s often possible to upgrade or expand an existing system to better suit your current circumstances.
That’s exactly what this West Malling project demonstrates.
At Sunbright Energy, we don’t just install renewable energy systems—we help homeowners adapt them as their needs evolve.
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The New Three-Phase Battery System
To meet the homeowner’s new requirements, we installed a powerful Fox ESS three-phase battery storage system.
Fox ESS H3 Pro 20kW Hybrid Inverter
At the heart of the installation is the Fox ESS H3 Pro 20kW Hybrid Inverter.
Designed specifically for larger residential and commercial three-phase applications, the H3 Pro intelligently manages battery charging, discharging and overall energy flow throughout the property.
As part of the wider Fox ESS ecosystem, it also provides advanced monitoring through the Fox Cloud platform, allowing the homeowner to keep track of their energy usage and battery performance in real time.
Six Fox ESS EP12 Batteries
Alongside the inverter, we installed six Fox ESS EP12 batteries, providing a combined storage capacity of 69.12kWh.
This is a substantial amount of battery storage for a residential property and allows the homeowner to store a significant amount of low-cost electricity ready for use throughout the day.
With this level of storage capacity, the system is well positioned to meet high electricity demands while also providing excellent flexibility for future energy usage.
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Sunbright Energy are the only Fox ESS Approved Partner in Kent
Why So Much Battery Storage?
One of the first questions people often ask is:
“Why would someone need nearly 70kWh of battery storage?”
In this case, the batteries aren’t simply storing excess solar generation.
Instead, they’re being used to take advantage of smart electricity tariffs.
By charging overnight when electricity prices are significantly lower and using that stored energy during the day, the homeowner can dramatically reduce the cost of the electricity they consume.
This strategy has become increasingly popular as more suppliers introduce flexible time-of-use tariffs.
Making the Most of Smart Electricity Tariffs
Battery storage isn’t just about storing solar energy anymore.
Modern battery systems can also be used to purchase electricity when it’s cheapest and use it later when prices are much higher.
For eligible homeowners, we often recommend the E.ON Next Drive Smart tariff, which can offer overnight electricity from as little as 6.5p per kWh.*
Eligibility for this tariff depends on having a compatible electric vehicle and charger, and tariff prices and conditions may change over time.
When compared with the average electricity price of around 26.1p per kWh, that’s approximately a 75% reduction in the cost of each unit of electricity used from the battery.
By automatically charging overnight and supplying the property during the day, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy bills without changing how they use electricity.
Battery Storage, as well as solar panels can make for huge energy bill savings for many homeowners in West Malling and the wider South East – but savings depend on your specific property.
If you’d like a full savings estimate based on your unique home, enter your postcode below and get your savings estimate in 60 seconds:
Battery Storage Isn’t Just for Homes With Solar Panels
Battery storage is often associated with solar panels, but that’s only part of the picture.
Modern battery systems are increasingly being installed to work alongside smart electricity tariffs, allowing homeowners to buy electricity when it’s cheapest and use it when prices are highest.
For some households, like this one in West Malling, this can provide substantial savings even without generating additional solar energy.
As the UK continues to move towards more flexible electricity pricing, battery storage is becoming a powerful energy management tool in its own right.
Why We Continue to Recommend Fox ESS
For this installation, we chose the Fox ESS H3 Pro Hybrid Inverter and Fox ESS EP12 battery system because they offer the reliability, scalability and intelligent energy management needed for larger battery storage projects.
The Fox ESS ecosystem also integrates seamlessly with smart monitoring and energy management platforms, making it easier for homeowners to optimise how and when they use electricity.
As the only Fox ESS Approved Partner in Kent, we’re proud to work closely with Fox ESS and install systems that deliver reliable long-term performance for our customers.
We were also named the Fox ESS Installer of the Month last month! Take a read about that here.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Existing Energy System?
If you already have solar panels or battery storage installed, it doesn’t necessarily mean your current setup is the best solution for your home today.
Whether your energy usage has increased, you’ve installed new technology, or you’re interested in making better use of smart electricity tariffs, there may be opportunities to upgrade your existing system rather than starting again.
At Sunbright Energy, we specialise in designing bespoke renewable energy solutions that evolve alongside your property and your lifestyle.
If you’re a homeowner in Kent or the surrounding areas and would like to explore whether your existing solar or battery system could be upgraded, we’d be happy to assess your current setup and recommend the most suitable solution for your needs.
Thinking about solar panels FOR YOUR HOME?
Get in contact with Sunbright Energy today
Meet The Owner
Oliver Crouch – Director
“I’m Oliver, the Director of Sunbright Energy. We’re a local, family-run business in the solar industry, which I’ve proudly led since its founding in 2014.
As a family business, we value personal connections and community. We’re driven to treat every customer with the respect and attention they deserve. Don’t hesitate to start your solar journey today – get in touch with Sunbright Energy for a service you can trust.”
FAQs
Can an existing Fox ESS battery system be upgraded?
Yes. In many cases, existing Fox ESS systems can be upgraded or replaced to better suit changing energy requirements. The most suitable approach depends on your current equipment and your property’s electrical setup.
Can battery storage be installed without solar panels?
Yes. Modern battery systems can be used alongside smart electricity tariffs, allowing homeowners to store low-cost electricity overnight and use it during the day. This battery storage installation we completed in Werst Malling, Kent is a perfect example.
What is a three-phase battery storage system?
A three-phase battery storage system is designed for properties with a three-phase electricity supply, providing higher power capacity and supporting larger electrical loads than single-phase systems.
How do smart tariffs work with battery storage?
Smart tariffs offer cheaper electricity during off-peak periods. Battery systems can automatically charge when electricity is at its lowest cost and discharge when prices are higher, helping reduce overall energy bills.
Is battery storage worth it without solar?
For many homeowners, yes. When combined with suitable time-of-use tariffs, battery storage can significantly reduce electricity costs by shifting energy consumption to lower-priced periods.
