We support the energy transition in the United Kingdom through smart energy storage. Discover what a home battery can do for your household in the UK.
The energy transition is gaining momentum in the United Kingdom. With rising electricity prices, growing concerns about grid stability, and more and more households installing solar panels, the demand for home batteries is rapidly increasing. A home battery lets you store your own solar energy for later use, helping you reduce reliance on the national grid, cut down on energy bills, and benefit from smart electricity tariffs. It’s a powerful step toward sustainability, financial savings, and personal energy control.
A home battery is a system that stores electricity, typically generated by solar panels on your roof. When your panels produce more energy than you can use during the day, the surplus is usually exported to the grid. Under the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you receive a small payment for this exported energy—typically between 2p and 15p per kWh. However, the electricity you buy from the grid costs significantly more, often between 25p and 35p per kWh.
With a battery, you can store your excess solar power and use it later when the sun isn’t shining—such as in the evening or at night. This significantly increases your self-consumption. Without a battery, most UK households consume only 30% to 50% of the solar energy they generate. With a battery, this can rise to 70% or even 90%, depending on your system and usage habits.
Modern batteries work automatically and intelligently. They charge when surplus solar is available and discharge when your home needs energy. Most systems come with user-friendly apps that allow you to track your usage and set preferences. With smart scheduling, you can even charge the battery at off-peak rates and discharge during peak times—saving money even if you don’t have solar panels.
There are several reasons why home batteries are becoming more attractive to UK households. First, energy prices are not only high but also unpredictable. Using a battery, you can take advantage of time of use or dynamic tariffs such as Octopus Go or Agile, which offer significantly lower prices during off-peak hours.
Second, the Smart Export Guarantee offers a relatively low return. Instead of selling excess power back to the grid at low rates, you can store and use it yourself, making much better use of your generated energy.
Third, batteries can provide backup power during outages. Especially in rural or less stable areas, some systems can keep essential appliances running during blackouts such as lights, fridges or broadband routers.
Lastly, a home battery puts you in full control of your energy. You can monitor generation, usage and storage in real time and fine tune your system to match your daily rhythm and electricity pricing.
The ideal battery size depends on your household’s daily energy consumption and your goals. The average UK household uses about 3500 kilowatt hours per year. For most homes, a battery between 5 and 10 kilowatt hours is enough to increase solar self consumption and provide useful evening or nighttime storage. If you want backup power, have high usage or charge an electric vehicle at home, a larger system between 10 and 15 kilowatt hours may be more suitable.
Going too small can mean the battery fills up quickly, while going too large may result in paying for capacity you rarely use. It is important to base your choice on your actual energy profile rather than just a rough estimate.
The most common option is a fixed lithium-ion battery system. These are installed on the wall or floor, often in a garage or utility room, and are professionally integrated with your solar inverter and consumer unit. Storage capacities typically range from 5 to over 15 kWh, depending on your energy needs and available space.
For a more flexible or budget-friendly solution, plug-in batteries are becoming increasingly popular. These portable systems don’t require installation by a professional—they can simply be plugged into a standard wall outlet and start storing power immediately. They’re perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone looking for a simple and affordable way to increase self-consumption.
The price of a battery system in the UK depends on the brand, capacity, and whether installation is included. A typical 5 kWh fixed battery including installation will cost between £3,500 and £5,000. Larger 10 kWh systems usually cost between £6,000 and £8,000. Plug-in batteries, which don’t require installation, start at £1,899 for a 5 kWh system.
One major advantage in the UK is that home batteries are eligible for 0% VAT. This applies to batteries installed with solar panels, and since early 2024, also to standalone batteries. This tax relief is expected to remain in place until at least March 2027 and can lower the cost of your investment by hundreds of pounds.
The payback period typically ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on how much energy you generate, how well you optimise the battery, and the type of electricity tariff you use. Many homeowners with dynamic tariffs start seeing savings from the first year, especially when they shift large amounts of energy to off-peak rates.
Even beyond the financial returns, a home battery offers peace of mind, resilience, and energy freedom. It helps you become more self-sufficient, protects you against rising prices, and gives you a clear view of your household’s energy performance.
Learn more about home batteries and energy storage in the United Kingdom. Our home battery specialists are happy to explain the options available for your home in the UK. Visit our website for more information.
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