Same panels, same roof work, whichever family you choose
Every Cube Solar package uses LONGi 480W all-black panels, and bird mesh is included as standard at no extra cost on every solar installation. We install each family as a matched, compatible set rather than mixing brands. The choice between them is about the inverter, battery and how you control the system.
How the three families differ
FoxESS
Proven, straightforward solar and storage with a simple choice of two battery sizes.
Battery: EP6 (5.76kWh nominal) or EP12 (11.52kWh nominal).
App: FoxESS monitoring app, set up at commissioning.
Backup: essential-circuit backup can be discussed if the survey shows it is suitable.
SolaX
The widest choice of battery sizes, including a large option for higher use.
Battery: X1-IES in 5.1, 10.2 or 15.3kWh nominal (about 4.6, 9.2 or 13.8kWh usable per manufacturer).
App: SolaX monitoring app, set up at commissioning.
Backup: essential-circuit backup can be discussed if the survey shows it is suitable.
Sigenergy
One integrated, all-in-one SigenStor unit, with the option of whole-home backup.
Battery: SigenStor BAT 6.0 (5.84kWh usable) or BAT 10.0 (8.76kWh usable), per Sigenergy's specification.
App: Sigenergy app covering solar, battery and backup in one place.
Backup: whole-home backup through a separate Sigenergy gateway, priced separately. It needs a battery and depends heavily on your supply layout.
Common ground
EV charging: a separate compatible AC home charger is available with any tier. Sigenergy DC charging is not included; it is a survey conversation only.
Solar only: each family can start without a battery on a battery-ready inverter. The exact solar-only inverter model may differ from the storage family and is confirmed at survey.
Backup is never automatic with any battery. It has to be designed in.
Trade-offs in plain terms
- FoxESS suits homes that want solar now with a proven, straightforward battery option. Two battery sizes keep the choice simple.
- SolaX suits homes that want more control over battery size, including a large option for higher use such as an EV or a planned heat pump.
- Sigenergy suits homes that want one integrated unit and one app, and that may want whole-home backup. It is the highest-specification option, and the backup gateway is a separate item.
Two hypothetical Bath homes
These households are invented to show how the reasoning works. They are not predictions, recommendations or quotes.
Terrace, out all day
A Victorian terrace with a slate rear slope, a couple out at work, no EV. A modest battery to shift daytime generation into the evening may be enough, which points towards a smaller FoxESS or SolaX battery. Access along the terrace and the slate roof need the same care whichever family is chosen.
Detached, EV and heat pump plans
A family home with higher evening demand, an EV and a heat pump in the next few years, keen on keeping power during cuts. Larger SolaX storage or Sigenergy with a whole-home gateway may be worth discussing, but only once the survey confirms the supply layout can support backup.
The building matters more than the brand
Slate roofs, listed buildings, conservation areas and tight terraced access are real considerations in Bath, and they are the same across all three families. A premium battery does not remove the cost or care of consent, scaffolding or heritage roof work. See our guides to listed buildings, conservation areas and roof and solar together.
What Cube Solar will confirm
- Roof: usable area, condition, shading, fixing method, and whether re-roofing should come first.
- Electrical: consumer unit, earthing, inverter and battery location, cable routes, and whether backup is practical for your supply.
- DNO: the network operator application needed for your system size.
- Design: the exact inverter, battery and any gateway, checked for compatibility. The system you pick in the guide price tool is a starting point; we confirm it at survey.
- Consent: whether listed building or planning consent is needed first.
Check the specifications yourself
Battery figures above come from manufacturer documents: FoxESS EP battery range, SolaX X1-IES datasheet and Sigenergy SigenStor datasheet. Ranges and model names can differ between regions, so the exact UK-supplied equipment is confirmed before any fixed quotation.
Prices aren't listed here, because they depend on your roof and the battery you choose. Our instant guide price shows what each system would cost on your home. Not sure solar suits your home at all? Try the Solar Suitability Check.
What about Tesla?
Cube Solar has been approved onto the Tesla Partner Program. Powerwall isn't in our guide prices yet. If it's on your list, mention it when you book your survey and we'll talk it through.