If you have solar panels, or are considering installing them, you may have heard about battery storage.
Battery storage lets you store the electricity your solar panels generate and use it later. This can help you make better use of the energy you produce and reduce how much electricity you buy from the grid.
We explain what battery storage is, the benefits, and how to find out if it’s right for you.
What is electric battery storage?
Battery storage helps you use more of the electricity you generate yourself through solar panels. Most homes use more energy in the morning and evening, but solar panels generate electricity in the middle of the day. A battery helps bridge that gap.
Electric battery storage stores electricity for you to use later. Without a battery, that extra electricity is exported to the grid instead.
This can be useful if you:
- are out during the day
- use more electricity in the evening
- want to rely less on energy from the grid.
How big are electric batteries?
Most home battery systems are about the size of a large suitcase, roughly 100cm x 60cm x 25cm. The capacity you need depends on your energy use and how much surplus electricity your panels produce. For example:
- Gas or oil-heated homes often use a 5kWh battery.
- Homes with heat pumps or electric heating may need a 9kWh battery or more.
Battery sizes typically range from 1 to 16kWh, and your installer can help you choose the right fit.
What are the benefits of having an electric battery?
An electric battery can help you get more value from your solar panels, especially if you’re looking to reduce your electricity costs.
Use more of the electricity you generate
Instead of sending unused solar energy back to the grid, you can store it and use it later.
Reduce how much electricity you buy
Stored energy can be used in the evening, when electricity from the grid is often more expensive.
Potential to save money over time
How much you save depends on your home and energy use, but many UK households could save around £200 to £400 per year by adding battery storage to solar panels.
More control over your energy use
You’re less reliant on when your solar panels are generating or buying energy from the grid.
How much does an electric battery cost?
Prices vary depending on the size and brand, but a typical 5kWh system costs around £4,600. A 5kWh battery refers to how much electricity it can store. In simple terms, it can hold enough energy to cover a typical evening’s electricity use in some homes. If you install a battery at the same time as your solar panels, it can be cheaper, as both systems can be fitted in one job.
Our free tool, Homewise, can use your property information to help you understand if an electric battery is suitable for your home. Learn more about costs, installation, or how solar panels can interact with other home improvements.
The image below shows the solar panel section of the improvement plan, which explains:
- how much an electric battery will cost
- how much money you can save on energy bills
- how much money you could make by selling energy back to the grid.
What happens when batteries are full?
Once your battery is full, any extra electricity can still be put to use.
- Export it to the grid. You can sell excess electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
- Use it in other ways at home. For example, charging an electric vehicle or running appliances.
- Store cheaper electricity from the grid. Some tariffs offer lower prices at certain times, so you can charge your battery when electricity is cheaper and use it later.
Some electric vehicles also support bidirectional charging, which means their batteries can supply power back to your home.
Can I speak to someone about battery storage?
Our friendly, expert advisors are here to answer your questions and share helpful, impartial information for your home.
Call us free on 0808 1968268, or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you with the information you need to take the next step.