Blackouts, Storms and the Grid

Why Solar and Storage Is the New UK Insurance Policy

The UK energy system is under pressure. Between extreme weather events, aging infrastructure, and unpredictable demand, homeowners and businesses are more aware than ever of the risk of power cuts. Add in rising energy bills and uncertainty about the future of the grid, and it’s no wonder many people are looking for a solution that keeps the lights on, without costing the earth.

That’s where solar panels with battery storage come in.

Why the UK Grid Feels Unstable

The National Grid is generally reliable, but the cracks are showing:

Storm-related outages

Winter storms are becoming stronger and more frequent, bringing down power lines and leaving households in the dark.

Aging infrastructure

Much of the UK grid was built decades ago. Upgrades are happening, but demand is rising faster.

Peak demand pressures

Cold snaps and heatwaves push electricity use up, leading to warnings about potential shortages.

Energy imports

The UK still relies heavily on imported gas and electricity. Global market shocks can ripple through to supply and price.

Solar Panels and Battery Storage: The Modern Insurance Policy

For many UK households, this has raised the question: what’s my backup plan? Unlike diesel generators, which are noisy, polluting, and expensive to run, solar and batteries offer a clean, quiet, and automatic safety net.

Here’s how they work together:

Solar panels generate clean electricity during the day.
Battery storage saves any excess power you don’t use straight away.
Stored energy is ready when you need it – at night, during peak pricing hours, or when the grid goes down.

Instead of waiting for the power to return, your home keeps running: lights, fridge, WiFi, heating controls – all powered by your own stored energy.

Benefits Beyond Blackout Protection

Installing solar and battery storage isn’t just about resilience. It’s also about long-term savings and sustainability:

Lower bills. Store cheap or free solar energy and avoid paying peak grid prices.
Energy independence. Less reliance on the grid means more control over your costs.
Reduced carbon footprint. Every kWh you generate yourself is one less from fossil fuels.
Property value boost. Homes with renewable systems are increasingly attractive to buyers.

Real-World Example

During Storm Eunice in 2022, thousands of UK homes lost power for hours, some for days. Customers with solar and battery systems were able to keep essentials running while neighbours relied on candles and cold tea.

As extreme weather becomes more common, the question isn’t if blackouts will happen… but when.

Check the most up-to-date UK storm news.

Is Solar and Storage Right for Your Home?

Not every household uses energy in the same way, which is why a personalised assessment matters. Key questions to ask:

How much electricity do you use daily?
Do you drive an EV or plan to in future?
Do you want protection from blackouts, lower bills, or both?
How much roof space and orientation do you have?

At OHM Energy, we’ve been helping UK homeowners answer these questions and design tailored systems for over 15 years.

Ready to protect your home from blackouts?

Blackouts and storms are a growing reality in the UK. But they don’t have to leave you powerless. With solar panels and battery storage, you gain resilience, lower bills, and peace of mind – all while cutting your carbon footprint. Think of it as energy insurance you actually get a return on.

Our team at OHM Energy can design a solar and battery system that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Call 01323 739 474

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