Are Solar Batteries Worth it in the UK?

Throughout the UK, it seems like more and more homes now have solar panels installed. This rise in popularity has a lot to do with the growing need for sustainable resources that not only power your home but also keep energy prices down. However, when solar panels are paired with battery storage, they’re able to store excess energy to use later or sell back to the grid. 

So, are solar batteries worth it in the UK? We understand there are a few misconceptions regarding solar panels and battery storage, and in this blog post, we’ll explore how battery storage works and how it can directly benefit your household.

What is a Solar Battery?

A solar battery is a type of rechargeable battery that works alongside solar panels to store excess electricity. Think of it like a power bank but for your home — just as a power bank stores energy to charge devices, a solar battery stores solar energy that can be used during peak grid hours to avoid expensive rates or whenever the sun isn’t shining. Solar batteries can be used to counteract peak electricity hours or be sold back to the grid. These versatile energy storage systems are useful for making the most out of solar panels.

Why Use a Solar Battery?

While solar panels are excellent for powering homes, battery storage takes renewable resources to another level. The way it works is through an inverter, which sends excess energy to the battery. Solar batteries allow for more efficient use of excess energy by letting you choose the best time to use it, putting you in control. They also provide continuous savings as homeowners with solar batteries aren’t as dependent on the grid.

One of the biggest myths about solar panels and the use of solar batteries for energy storage in the UK is that they’re not effective year-round. However, the idea that the British weather and winter months make solar panels ineffective is false. Solar panels generate electricity in daylight, not just direct sunlight. When solar panels are paired with solar batteries, they’re able to store energy for later use, which is useful for maximising the daylight during winter months. If you’re wondering whether solar batteries are worth it in the UK, then you can rest assured that they’re very effective at optimising solar energy use and providing long-term savings in the process.  

Benefits of Solar Batteries

The benefits of solar battery storage include boosting energy efficiency, reducing dependency on the grid and allowing users to control when and how they use their excess energy. For starters, being able to use solar energy when it’s needed is a major benefit for homeowners. It puts them in control of their energy usage by allowing them to decide when to use it. For example, the hours when grid rates are at their highest are an excellent opportunity to use excess energy to power your home.

Solar batteries prove to be incredibly advantageous, especially when you need to power high-energy tasks like running a washing machine or warming your home. This can be expensive when relying solely on the grid but with stored energy provided by a solar battery you don’t have to scrutinise over your electricity usage.

Solar panels’ energy storage capabilities provide homeowners with major savings and control over energy use. Relying solely on the grid can be frustrating as rates vary throughout the day, but with solar panels that are paired with solar batteries, you can make the most of the excess energy you store.

Average Cost of Solar Batteries

Solar batteries can start around £4,500; however, the long-term savings they provide make combining a solar battery with solar panels an investment in energy independence. The monthly savings alone are noticeable, along with the value that solar batteries add to a property. There’s also the option of selling excess energy back to the grid. When you consider all the benefits of solar battery storage, the upfront costs can be offset over time through savings and improved energy efficiency.  

What Are The Different Types of Solar Batteries?

The most common types of solar batteries are lithium-ion and lead-acid. The lithium-ion battery is widely considered the best for high-density energy storage, with its long lifespan and efficiency, it can last and operate at a high level for years. While lead-acid batteries are more dated, they require frequent maintenance and do not have as long a lifespan.

An example of a lithium-ion solar battery is the Tesla Powerwall 3, which is equipped with an intuitive app for improved energy management. The Tesla app makes managing your energy needs simple and provides real-time insight into your energy usage, solar generation and battery status. It’s also equipped with automatic outage detection, seamlessly switching over to your supply in the event of a power cut.

How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?

On average, a solar battery can last 10–15 years. Throughout this time, they have a number of cycles where a battery can be charged and emptied, then charged again. Some batteries have up to 10,000 cycles where they can be fully charged and utilised to power homes. Most solar batteries come with warranties based on years or cycles, depending on the brand or battery. 

Considerations Before Buying Solar Battery Storage

There’s a lot to consider before deciding if solar battery storage is right for your home. With the way electricity prices are in the UK, more people are choosing renewable energy solutions for their homes.  However, we understand there are a few things to take into consideration before deciding. Evaluate the upfront costs and how they compare over time to the monthly savings and how they can increase the value of your property.

Another important factor to consider is the payback period or return on investment (ROI). This comes in many different forms, such as selling excess electricity back to the grid, overall savings from utilising renewable energy and counteracting peak grid hours by using stored electricity. With energy prices continuing to rise, there’s no telling the exact amount you can save by utilising battery storage.

Conclusion

If you’re still wondering ‘are solar batteries worth it in the UK?’, you should hopefully have more clarity on how solar batteries still work even on cloudy days, along with the various benefits and savings they provide to residential properties. To truly maximise your investment, we always recommend receiving installation from an NIC EIC-approved installer with years of experience in providing a high-quality service and who is knowledgeable about renewable energy, such as the experts at Rollings Renewables.

Solar Battery Storage With Rollings Renewables

Discover how solar batteries and other renewable energy resources can transform your home. Contact us and a member of our helpful team will answer any of your enquiries. Send an email to sales@rollingsrenewables.co.uk or call us on 01905 621777 to speak to a renewable energy specialist.