Why Time-of-Use Protection Matters for UK Energy Customers — And Why Solar + Battery Systems Are Becoming Essential

In a recent post, Martin Lewis at MoneySavingExpert highlighted a growing concern around Time-of-Use (ToU) energy tariffs and the pressure they may place on households as electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day.

You can read his full article here:
👉 MoneySavingExpert – “We Need Time-of-Use Protection”
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/martins-blog/2025/12/we-need-time-of-use-protection/

As a local solar PV and battery specialist, we’re seeing first-hand how these tariff changes are affecting homes across Hampshire — and why having more control over your energy usage is becoming essential.

What Are Time-of-Use Tariffs?

Time-of-Use tariffs charge different electricity prices depending on the time of day.
• Cheaper overnight or off-peak hours
• More expensive during periods of high demand

Martin Lewis raises an important point: without proper consumer protections, customers may face unpredictable price spikes during their regular daily energy use.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Many essential household activities — cooking, heating, laundry, EV charging — naturally happen during peak hours. Without control over when you draw energy from the grid, higher peak pricing could mean higher bills.

However, the good news is that technologies like solar PV and battery storage make it much easier to shift usage away from the most expensive times.

How Solar + Battery Storage Helps Protect You From Price Volatility

At Solent Renewables, we install systems designed to give homeowners full control over when they import energy. With a modern solar-and-battery setup, you can:

✔ Charge the battery during cheap off-peak windows

(Using ToU tariffs to your advantage)

✔ Run your home from stored energy during peak times

Protection from sudden price spikes

✔ Store excess solar power instead of exporting it

Saving more and boosting your self-consumption

✔ Reduce reliance on the grid long-term

A more stable, predictable energy setup

We Support Better Consumer Protection

Martin Lewis argues that suppliers should provide clearer warnings, price caps and basic safeguards so households don’t get caught out by unexpected tariff changes. We fully agree — transparency helps everyone make smarter decisions.

👉 Read Martin Lewis’ full blog post here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/martins-blog/2025/12/we-need-time-of-use-protection/

Learn More About Solar & Battery Systems

For those new to solar, you may find these guides helpful:

🔗 Solar Panel Installations

https://www.solentrenewables.co.uk/solar
(Overview of how solar works, benefits & installation process)

🔗 Battery Storage Systems

https://www.solentrenewables.co.uk/battery-storage
(How a battery helps you avoid peak prices & increase savings)

🔗 What is an MCS Certificate?

https://www.solentrenewables.co.uk/blog/mcs-certificate
(Why MCS accreditation protects you as a consumer)

Want to Protect Your Home From Rising Tariffs?

If you're thinking about installing solar panels, battery storage, or simply want to understand your options with Time-of-Use tariffs, we're here to help.

👉 Get Your Free Quote

https://www.solentrenewables.co.uk/get-a-quote
(Quick form – no obligation)

Or get in touch directly for friendly, expert advice.

Solent Renewables – Helping Hampshire households stay in control of their energy.

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