How upgrading your inverter and battery can maximise efficiency

If you already have solar panels on your roof, you’re ahead of the game. But did you know your inverter might be losing efficiency after a decade or so, even while your panels keep going strong for 25?

Upgrading to a modern inverter can boost conversion efficiency to nearly 99%, meaning more of that sunshine powers your home instead of getting lost along the way. And adding a battery? That can double your self-consumption, helping you use up to 60% or more of your own solar power and drastically cut grid dependence.

The result? Lower bills, greater energy independence and a bigger impact on the planet, all backed by real-world data. Upgrading isn’t just a nice-to-have it’s a smart move to supercharge your solar investment. Let’s explore how!

Understanding how solar energy is stored and used

When you first installed your solar PV system, it probably felt like a big step toward a greener, cheaper energy future. But most homeowners don’t realise that the panels are just one part of the puzzle. The energy they produce needs to be converted and stored before you can use it efficiently.

Without a modern inverter and a good battery, much of your solar power might get sent back to the grid instead of powering your home during peak times or at night.

What does a solar inverter do and why does it matter?

Your inverter is basically the brains of your solar operation. It converts the DC electricity your panels produce into AC electricity that your home can actually use. No inverter? No usable solar energy. And today’s inverters are smarter than ever. Many are hybrid-ready, meaning they can work seamlessly with batteries and even integrate with smart home systems. They track energy production, optimise usage and allow you to monitor everything from an app on your phone.

So why upgrade your inverter? Beyond the efficiency gains, there are other compelling reasons to consider:

• Improved monitoring and control: newer inverters often come with sophisticated monitoring apps that give you real-time insights into your system’s performance. You can track your energy production, consumption and even battery charge levels right from your smartphone.
• Enhanced safety features: modern inverters often incorporate advanced safety features like rapid shutdown, which quickly de-energises your solar array in an emergency, offering you peace of mind.
• Future-proofing: as technology advances, so do the capabilities of solar components. Upgrading your inverter can future-proof your system, making it compatible with smart home technologies and potential grid services.

Why a better battery is a game-changer

A modern battery lets you store excess solar power produced during the day and use it later when the sun isn’t shining. It’s like running your dishwasher or charging your electric vehicle overnight using this morning’s sunshine.

By upgrading your battery, you rely less on the grid and more on your own power. But beyond this, there are more reasons as to why upgrading your existing battery is a good move:

• Energy independence: with a battery, not only do you become less reliant on the grid but you can power your home with your own stored solar energy, even when the sun isn’t shining. This means fewer surprises on your electricity bill and a greater sense of security.
• Backup power during outages: let’s face it, power outages happen, most especially during Maltese summertime and we know that being left in the dark is no fun. A solar battery, especially when paired with a hybrid inverter, can provide seamless backup power to your essential appliances, keeping your lights on, your fridge cold and your Wi-Fi humming, amongst other things.
• Reduced grid dependence and carbon footprint: the more you use your own stored energy, the less you pull from the grid, which often relies on fossil fuels. This further reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to a cleaner, greener future.

Signs your current system isn’t running at peak performance

Your PV system works hard every day, but how can you tell if it’s doing its absolute best? There are a few clear signs and knowing these can save you money and headaches down the road.

High electricity bills despite having solar

This is often the first red flag homeowners notice. You invested in solar to cut those bills, but if they’re still uncomfortably high, it might mean you’re not using your solar energy as effectively as possible. Often, this happens because an older inverter isn’t efficiently converting your solar power or your battery can’t store enough excess energy for nighttime use.

Frequent inverter errors or shutdowns

Older inverters can start to show their age through error messages, unexpected shutdowns or reduced output on hot days, a problem known as thermal derating. If you notice these issues, it might mean your inverter is struggling and needs an upgrade to handle your system’s power more reliably.

Limited or no battery storage capacity

If your system doesn’t include a battery or only has a small one, you’re missing out on huge potential savings. Without storage, you’re forced to rely on grid power every time the sun isn’t shining. A modern battery upgrade increases your ability to store and use your own energy exactly when you need it.

Outdated monitoring or no monitoring at all

Many early solar setups came with basic or no monitoring systems. If you can’t see how much energy you’re producing, using or exporting, you’re flying blind. Modern inverters and batteries come with smart apps that let you watch your energy flows in real time, helping you make smarter usage choices and spot inefficiencies early.

Not keeping up with your growing energy needs

Our lifestyles change over time. Maybe you’ve built a home office or installed air conditioning. If your system wasn’t sized for these new demands, you could be drawing more power from the grid than you realise. An upgraded inverter and battery can help you better match your solar production to your current and future needs.

What to consider before upgrading

1. Age of your current system
   If your current PV system is getting on in years, say 10+ years old, its inverter might be approaching the end of its lifespan anyway. This makes it an ideal time to upgrade to a more efficient and feature-rich model.
2. Your energy goals
   Think about what you want to achieve. Lower bills? More backup power? Total grid independence? Your goals will guide which products and configurations make sense for you.
3. Space an installation
   Batteries need space and ideally in a cool, dry location. Your installer can help assess your home to ensure there’s room for the new gear.
4. Warranty and support
   Check the warranties on new equipment and look into the installer’s support services. A good warranty protects your investment and gives you peace of mind.
5. Local incentives and rebates
   Don’t forget to check for any local incentives for battery storage or inverter upgrades These can significantly reduce the upfront cost and make the investment even more attractive. In fact, our GO Energi inverter and battery solution is inclusive of the Government Grant.

Environmental benefits of upgrading your solar setup

By using more of your own solar energy and relying less on fossil-fuel-generated electricity from the grid, your personal carbon footprint takes a nosedive. Every kilowatt-hour you store and use later is one less coming from non-renewable sources. Meanwhile, when you feed excess power into the grid during peak times, you’re helping stabilise it and reduce the need for polluting backup generators.

Want to know more? Take a look at how PV panels are key to sustainable energy.

How to choose the right inverter and battery for you

As mentioned above, when evaluating whether to upgrade or change your PV system’s inverter and battery, start by assessing your current energy usage and goals, whether you want cost savings, enhanced reliability or full resilience during power outages. GO Energi’s solution, featuring a Sungrow hybrid inverter paired with a 9.6 kWh battery, offers seamless, automatic switch‑over in the event of grid interruptions and is designed for maximum reliability and efficiency. You’ll also enjoy long-term peace of mind with a 10-year warranty included in your package. Even better, the hybrid inverter is available in a variety of sizes to perfectly match your existing PV panel setup, so you get exactly what you need without waste. And to make the decision even easier, our offering comes with 0% interest, no upfront costs, generous government grants for both PV and battery systems, and flexible monthly plans starting from just €13.99. By balancing technical compatibility, strong performance guarantees, advanced monitoring capabilities, and accessible financing, you can confidently choose the inverter and battery package that best suits your needs with GO Energi.

You’ve already made a smart choice by going solar. Now, it’s time to take it to the next level. Upgrading your inverter and integrating a battery storage system isn’t just about improving efficiency, but about gaining greater energy independence, enjoying peace of mind and truly maximising the return on your solar investment.

Check out our GO Energi inverter and battery solution.