Supercharge Your Solar: Why Battery Storage is a Smart Move

If you’ve invested in solar panels, you’re already on the road to cleaner, cheaper energy. But what happens when the sun goes down? That’s where battery storage comes in! Whether you’re looking to retrofit a battery to your existing solar PV system or install a complete setup from scratch, we’ve got all the expert advice you need.

 

Adding battery storage to your solar system allows you to make the most of the energy you generate, giving you greater independence from the grid and shielding you from rising electricity costs. And the best part? Home battery prices have dropped significantly in recent years, making them more accessible than ever.

 

 

Why solar battery storage is more viable than ever

When solar PV first became popular, adding a battery to store excess energy wasn’t always an affordable option. But times have changed. In the past five years, battery prices have fallen by around 50%, thanks to global advances in technology. And with the UK government removing VAT on home batteries from 1st February 2024, there’s never been a better time to invest.

 

Not only have costs come down, but battery technology has also made huge leaps forward. Today’s compact, high-performance batteries offer longer lifespans, greater efficiency, and higher storage capacities, meaning homeowners can power more of their energy needs, even when the sun isn’t shining.

 

How does battery storage work?

A solar battery stores the excess electricity generated by your solar panels during the day. Instead of sending unused energy back to the grid, your battery holds onto it, ready for you to use when you need it most - whether that’s in the evening, on cloudy days, or even during a power cut.

 

This not only makes your home more self-sufficient, but it also helps reduce reliance on energy suppliers, giving you greater control over your electricity usage and costs.

 

Can I retrofit a battery to my existing solar PV system?

Yes! If you already have solar panels installed, adding a battery is straightforward. The type of battery you need depends on your system’s inverter setup:

AC-coupled batteries work with microinverter systems and are the easiest, most cost-effective option for retrofitting.

DC-coupled batteries integrate more directly with the solar panels and inverter, making them ideal for new installations.

 

Whichever option suits your setup, a battery storage system can maximise the benefits of your solar energy production and further cut your energy bills. We’d be more than happy to assess your current set up and advise you on your battery storage options. 

 

Why add battery storage to your home?

1. Greater energy independence

One of the main reasons homeowners invest in solar is to reduce reliance on the grid. Without a battery, you’ll still need to buy electricity from your supplier when the sun isn’t shining. A battery storage system lets you store excess power for later use, reducing your dependency on external energy providers.

2. Protection from power outages

A home battery can act as a backup power source in the event of a power cut. While outages are still rare in the UK, the transition to decentralised, renewable energy sources, along with increasing demand from heat pumps and electric vehicles, makes the grid more complex to manage. Having a solar battery can keep your essential appliances running for 1-2 days in the event of an outage.

3. Shield yourself from rising energy prices

Electricity prices fluctuate throughout the year, but using more of your own solar power means you’ll be less affected by price hikes. The more energy you store, the less you’ll need to buy from your supplier, giving you better control over your bills.

 

4. Reducing your carbon footprint even further 

Solar panels already help cut down your reliance on fossil fuels, but a battery takes it a step further. By storing excess solar energy, you can avoid using electricity from non-renewable sources during peak hours when the grid relies more on gas and coal.

5. Integration with EV charging 

If you own or plan to buy an electric vehicle (EV), a battery storage system can help you charge your car using stored solar energy rather than expensive grid electricity. Some advanced systems even allow bi-directional charging, meaning your EV battery can power your home when needed!

 

How much does a solar battery cost?

Battery prices vary depending on capacity, brand and lifespan, but generally range between £1,200 and £6,000. Including installation, you can expect total costs to be anywhere from £3,000 to over £10,000. However, with VAT removed and long-term savings on electricity bills, the investment can pay off over time. 

 

Choosing the right battery for your home

The size of your solar battery will depend on your energy usage, solar panel output, and budget. Most home batteries range between 5kWh and 20kWh. If you have a high daily energy consumption, you’ll need a larger capacity battery to meet your needs.

 

To find the perfect setup, assess your household energy demand, available solar generation, and long-term savings potential. Not sure what’s right for you? You can read more about battery sizes in our blog ‘Choosing the right solar battery’ or get in touch with us. We’re more than happy to advise you. 

 

Let Plug me in power your solar battery decision

At Plug me in, we know that every home is unique, and we’re here to guide you through the best battery storage options for your needs. Whether you’re looking to install a brand-new solar PV and battery storage system or add battery storage to your existing setup, our team of experts can help you make the most of your solar energy investment.

 

Ready to power up your home with battery storage? Get in touch with Plug me in today and take control of your energy future!