Frequently Asked Questions

Installation:

  • We are currently operating to serve Durham and Sheffield post codes. The full list of supported post codes is:

    DH1, DH2, DH3, DH4, DH5, DH6, DH7, DH8, DH9

    S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S11, S12, S13, S14, S17, S18, S20, S21, S25, S26, S32, S33, S35, S36, S40, S41, S42, S43, S44, S45, S49, S60, S61, S62, S63, S64, S65, S66, S70, S71, S72, S73, S74, S75, S80, S81, S96, S97, S98

    However, if you live elsewhere but are keen to have a system installed get in touch and we’ll let you know.

  • EquiVolt systems are compact, flexible and modular. Each battery module is 900mm x 300mm x 450mm, so they fit easily in most homes. The inverter mounts on the wall, either inside or outside. The EquiVolt controller is IP67-rated and can be placed outside to get the best signal.

    Installing on the ground floor is best as each battery weighs 120kg.

    See an example 30kWh layout here.

  • Typically installation takes <8hrs and the power to the home is normally off for <10 mins so disruption is minimal.

  • Currently we are only supporting single phase 230V connections.

    The EquiVolt system inverter will be connected to your Main Consumer Unit (MCU). This connection requires a dedicated 32Amp way/breaker. The MCU must be in suitable condition to allow for fitting of this new way/breaker. If your MCU is not in suitable condition it may require replacment before system installation

    An example of good and bad MCU can be found here.

  • During the installation we will keep disruption to a minimum, power is typically only off for about 10 mins.

  • The EquiVolt system is comparable in size to common household ‘white goods’ like washing machines, fridge/freezers, and similar appliances. Therefore, installing the system requires convenient, step-free access to ensure smooth delivery and setup. Each battery pack weighs approximately 120kg, so ground floor locations such as garages or utility rooms are ideal for installation. If you have any concerns or doubts about your access route or the best location for installation, our team is always ready to assist and provide guidance. Simply send us a message, and we’ll be happy to help clarify any questions you might have.

  • Yes, to fully benefit from a time-of-use tariff and access discounted electricity rates, you will need a smart meter installed in your home. This installation can be done free of charge by simply contacting your current electricity supplier, who will arrange for a qualified technician to visit and fit the meter at a convenient time for you.

  • Unlike solar panels, installing an EquiVolt system doesn't require scaffolding or significant roof work. The unit is highly portable — it comes on wheels — and professional installation typically takes < 8 hours, causing minimal disruption to your household and daily routine.

System Operation:

  • The EquiVolt system operates quietly, producing less than 40 decibels of sound—comparable to the gentle hum of a computer fan—ensuring it won’t disturb you in your home or workspace.

  • The EquiVolt system inverter must be installed in a well-ventilated area because it relies on natural convective cooling to maintain optimal performance. During operation, the heatsink can reach temperatures exceeding 60°C while the system is charging. For this reason, it is absolutely critical to place the inverter in a safe and secure location, well away from pets and children to prevent any potential hazards.

  • An EquiVolt+ subscription helps you save even more and significantly extend your battery’s life by intelligently managing the optimal times and conditions for charging cycles. You don’t have to subscribe if you prefer not to, and there’s absolutely no minimum term or long-term commitment required. From day one, you own the entire system outright and have complete freedom to use it however you want without the need for an EquiVolt+ subscription.

  • You don’t need to be on one already but you will need to switch to one to start saving money. The cheaper the off-peak rate the more money you can save. Check our our How it Works page and Calculator to understand more about the concept and example tariff rates from a variety of suppliers.

  • Each home and every user has unique energy needs, so the best approach is to use our in-house calculator to generate a personalised estimation (Calculator). Since we launched in 2025, the average customer has been making savings equivalent to over £500 annually, making a real difference both to their bills and the environment!

  • The EquiVolt system provides ~3.6kW of instant power, enough for over 90% of a typical home with gas-fired heating. This means you can keep using electricity as usual without changing your daily habits. Shifting your peak usage has never been so easy!

    You can save even more by using appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine during off-peak times. EV chargers typically draw 7kW so we also strongly recommend to keep charging your EV, if you have one, overnight to maximise your off-peak usage.

    Want to learn more and see real world data: https://www.equivolt.co.uk/blog-news/inverter-size-and-battery-capacity-what-we-learnt-from-our-first-case-study

  • Energy loss is inevitable when converting between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC), presenting a fundamental challenge for home storage batteries. To tackle this head-on, EquiVolt systems utilise industry-leading, highly efficient inverters combined with advanced, cutting-edge battery technology that significantly minimise these losses. As a result, the overall system efficiency can exceed 85%, ensuring more effective energy use, maximising environmental benefits, and delivering greater cost savings for customers over the long term.

  • Yes. Your home remains connected to the grid. If the battery is empty, you simply draw from the grid as normal.

  • Your battery will automatically shut down safely. EquiVolt products are primarily designed for energy arbitrage — buying electricity when rates are low and using it when rates are high — and are not intended to serve as full home backup batteries.

    Further information about power cut frequency in the UK and options for whole‑home backup can be found on our blog.

  • No specific appliances are “banned”, but very large loads (e.g. big heaters, hot tubs) can change how quickly the battery empties. If you add new major loads, it’s worth mentioning to us as me might be able to expand your system.

  • EquiVolt storage systems can operate in temperatures ranging between -10 °C and +40 °C, ensuring reliable and comfortable performance throughout the year in the varied UK climate.

System Lifespan:

  • EquiVolt only uses advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, which is renowned for its exceptional safety and durability. These batteries are specifically designed to provide safe, reliable performance and have impressively long service lives. Although they have slightly lower energy density compared to the batteries found in smartphones or high-performance electric vehicles, they offer significantly greater longevity.

    All of our batteries come with a 10-year warranty and are engineered to last through 8,000 cycles, which translates to over 20 years of use if cycled once per day! We further extend battery life by carefully managing charge and discharge conditions through our innovative EquiVolt+ service, ensuring optimal performance and sustained efficiency over time. Read our blog post on battery life span here.

    Our 10-year warranty gives you peace of mind: after 10 years, your system will still perform at 70% or better. Full details can be found here.

  • The inverter is the essential device that converts Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC), enabling the stored energy in you battery to power your home without modifying any of your devices. All EquiVolt inverters come with a comprehensive 10-year warranty, which is included as part of our overall 10-year system warranty, ensuring long-lasting reliability and peace of mind for our customers.

Moving House:

  • Yes — installing a home battery system often boosts your property's value as well. Because you own the system outright from day one, there are no limits on including it in the sale when you move house. You won’t be tied into long contracts with EquiVolt or face any complications that could slow down the sale. And if your system still has remaining warranty years, we’ll transfer that warranty to the new owner at no extra cost.

  • Yes — EquiVolt systems are designed to be modular and portable. The unit will need to be safely disconnected and reconnected by a professional electrician, and your G98 paperwork will need to be updated accordingly. The EquiVolt team can assist in arranging both the electrical work and the necessary paperwork as part of your house move. Please reach out to us at least 30 days before your moving date so we can coordinate everything smoothly.

EquiVolt and Solar:

  • EquiVolt focuses on battery-only systems; these typically cost significantly less upfront but often deliver smaller ongoing savings compared with full solar-plus-storage setups. We have provided a detailed comparison of the different system options in our blog for those wanting to weigh costs, benefits and suitability.

  • Yes — EquiVolt systems are carefully engineered to be fully solar compatible, and solar panels can be added to the system at any time to expand capacity. The inverter includes support for 2 MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) connections to optimize power harvest from PV arrays.

  • Yes! However, we may need to contact the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before installation to get permission to connect our system to the grid.