Helping to save on bills through day and night
Solar panels are a fantastic way to cut energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, but many homeowners and businesses wonder: Is battery storage worth it?
Adding a battery to your solar PV system allows you to store excess energy for use when the sun isn't shining, increasing your energy independence and potential savings. However, battery storage comes with upfront costs and key considerations. Let's explore whether solar battery storage is a worthwhile investment for you.
How do solar batteries work?
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, but unless you use all the energy immediately, the surplus is typically sent back to the grid. With a solar battery, instead of losing that energy, you store it for later use—such as at night or during peak electricity pricing hours.
Benefits of solar battery storage:
Store excess energy for later use
Reduce reliance on the National Grid
Protect against power cuts
Increase energy savings with time-of-use tariffs
Why solar battery storage?
Maximise your solar energy usage
Without a battery, any excess solar energy you don't use immediately is sent back to the grid. When you need electricity at night, you have to buy it back—often at much higher rates. A battery ensures you make the most of the power you generate.
Fact: Most UK homes use only 25-50% of the solar energy they generate without a battery. With storage, this can increase to 70-90%.
Reduce energy bills even further
With rising electricity prices, storing solar energy for later use helps cut your reliance on expensive grid electricity. If your energy supplier offers time-of-use tariffs, you can also charge your battery with cheaper electricity at off-peak times and use it when rates are higher.
Example: Charge your battery overnight on a cheap tariff and use that stored energy during peak hours when electricity costs more.
Protection from power cuts
If you live in an area prone to power outages, a battery can provide backup power when the grid goes down. While standard solar PV systems shut off during blackouts (for safety reasons), a battery with backup capability can keep essential appliances running.
Great for: Home offices, security systems, refrigeration, medical devices, and critical business operations.
Lower your carbon footprint
Solar batteries allow you to use more of your own clean, renewable energy, reducing the need for grid electricity—much of which still comes from fossil fuels. This helps:
- Lower your home's carbon emissions
- Reduce demand on power plants
- Make your household or business more sustainable
For businesses, this also enhances corporate social responsibility (CSR) and may improve your reputation with eco-conscious customers.
What are the downsides of solar batteries?
While solar battery storage has clear benefits, it's important to consider the potential downsides.
Upfront costs can be high
Solar battery systems aren't cheap. Prices range from £2,500 to £8,000, depending on capacity and brand. However, costs have been steadily decreasing, and incentives may be available to offset expenses.
Payback time varies
A solar battery can increase energy savings, but it takes time to recover the investment. For example, if a battery helps save £300-£600 per year on energy bills, and it costs £4,000, it could take 6-12 years to break even.
However, rising energy prices could shorten this payback period.
Who benefits most?
- Homes with high evening energy use
- Businesses with peak-hour electricity needs
- Areas with frequent power outages
Battery lifespan & maintenance
Solar batteries typically last 10-15 years, meaning you may need a replacement during your solar panel system's lifetime. While maintenance is minimal, performance gradually declines over time.
Tip: Choose a battery with a strong warranty (10 years or more) to protect your investment.
Who should have a solar battery?
- Homes & businesses wanting to maximise solar energy use
- Areas with frequent power outages
- High electricity users, especially during peak hours
- Anyone on time-of-use tariffs
May not be necessary for:
- Homes that are mostly occupied during daylight hours (using solar power directly)
- Households with low evening energy use
- Those looking for fast financial returns
Want to find out more?
If you're considering solar battery storage, we can help you assess whether it's the right choice for your home or business.
