Why do I need a solar battery storage system?
On a typical hot summers day in the UK, it’s rare that a household will use all the power generated by a solar panel system. Without a battery storage system, the excess power is fed back to the national grid.
Solar battery systems however, store the excess for later use – when the sun goes down, the batteries can spring into action, with the energy being used to power the home.
Battery systems come in various sizes, with capacity measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). A typical battery system with a capacity of 5 kWh stands about 3 feet high, and 1.5 feet wide. They can be installed anywhere in or out of house, but should where possible the location should be sheltered.
All you need to know about batteries
As solar panel systems have increased in popularity, so too have battery storage systems. Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to use solar energy when the sun isn't shining, currently UK Government policy allows VAT relief on batteries installed at the same time as a solar panel system, which made the buying decision easier for many. Battery system installations are set to rise further, as the Government has recently announced plans to extend that policy to all battery storage installations, regardless of whether they are part of a solar panel system or not. These measures came into place as of 1st February 2024. This will allow households to benefit from cheap rate tariffs, offered by energy providers such as Octopus and OVO.