With more UK homeowners looking for ways to take control of their electricity use, home battery storage has become an increasingly popular option.
A battery storage system allows you to store electricity and use it later, rather than relying on the grid at the exact moment you need power. That can be especially useful if you have solar panels, are on a time-of-use tariff, or simply want more control over when and how you use electricity in your home.
For some households, battery storage can help make better use of cheaper off-peak electricity. For others, it can help store excess solar generation for use later in the day. Some systems can also provide backup power in the event of a power cut, depending on the setup.
But how do these systems actually work? Are they suitable for every home? And what should you look for when choosing one?
This guide explains the basics of home battery storage, how it works with and without solar panels, and what to consider before installing a system in your home.
PS We offer MCS-certified battery installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
How Does Battery Storage Work?
Battery storage systems are designed to provide a smart solution for managing electricity usage in homes and businesses.
As suggested by the name, these systems allow you to store electrical energy for future use.
This capability is particularly beneficial for avoiding the high costs associated with peak electricity demand periods.
These versatile systems can store electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. Additionally, they are capable of directly storing energy from the National Grid.
This dual-source compatibility means that even on days when renewable energy is scarce, your battery can still be charged using grid electricity, ensuring a constant and reliable energy reserve.
How Much Can You Save With Battery Storage?
Battery storage systems are designed to store electricity so you can use it later.
In simple terms, instead of using electricity only when it is generated or supplied by the grid, a battery lets you hold onto that energy until your home needs it most. This gives you more flexibility over how and when you use electricity.
A home battery can usually be charged in one of two ways:
[1] From solar panels
If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using, the excess energy can be stored in a battery instead of being exported straight back to the grid.
You can then use that stored electricity later in the day, such as in the evening when your panels are no longer generating power but your household demand is still high.
[2] From the National Grid
Some battery systems can also charge directly from the grid. This is especially useful if you are on a tariff with cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
In that setup, you can charge the battery when electricity is cheaper, then use the stored energy at times when grid electricity costs more.
This flexibility is one of the main reasons battery storage has become so popular. Even if your home does not have solar panels, a battery may still help you make better use of your tariff and reduce reliance on peak-rate electricity.
Can battery storage save you money?
Battery storage can help some households reduce electricity costs, particularly when paired with solar panels or a time-of-use tariff.
However, the level of saving depends on factors such as your electricity usage, your tariff, your battery size, and how you use the system day to day.
Rather than trying to apply one figure to every home, it is better to view battery savings as highly household-specific.
For a full breakdown of potential savings and payback, read our dedicated guide to whether battery storage is worth it here.
Explore a Battery Storage Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on battery storage. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above features a Tesla Powerwall 3 installation performed by our team of Tesla-certified installers at Heatable.
Why Else Is Battery Storage A Good Idea?
As well as the potential energy savings you can make with battery storage, there are other advantages too.
These include the following:
Have a Backup Energy Supply
In the event of a power outage or blackout, you won't have to rely on candlelight until power is restored from the grid, since the battery will be there to provide adequate power.
This may seem like a rare occurrence, but it was only last year that the National Grid announced that power outages were possible.
In addition, power cuts are more common in rural or remote locations, where diesel or gas generator backups are relatively commonplace.
Become More Energy-Independent
Even though your property may not be suitable for a solar panel installation or you simply don't think it's viable, battery storage may still allow you to become less reliant on the National Grid.
Having battery storage puts you in control, giving you more power by allowing you to choose to opt for cheaper electricity that is available off-peak.
Is Battery Storage Better With Solar Panels?
While we understand that for some properties solar panels are not viable, the reality is that having a battery installed with solar panels has several advantages, including:
Escape Reliance On The Grid
A stand-alone battery system does indeed rely on the National Grid for charging, which means you are subject to fluctuating wholesale energy prices and the type of electricity provided.
However, integrating solar panels with a battery system shifts the dependency on solar energy, which is free and abundant.
This combination can significantly reduce reliance on the National Grid, potentially leading to cost savings.
Moreover, by adopting solar panels along with a battery system, you're not only reducing your energy costs but also contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.
This approach promotes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of consuming energy.
In essence, it's a shift from contributing to the profits of large energy companies to investing in a greener future that benefits the wider community.
Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Installing solar panels is an effective way to generate renewable energy and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
As a low-carbon technology, a typical home solar panel system can save approximately one tonne of carbon per year in the UK.
This not only contributes to a greener environment but also supports the country's energy demands by relying less on the National Grid.
It's important to note that while electricity from the National Grid is increasingly greener, especially compared to gas, it may not always be produced entirely from renewable sources.
Therefore, by using solar panels, you are not only reducing your carbon footprint but also ensuring a more consistent use of renewable energy.
This approach directly taps into the abundant and free resource of sunlight, offering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly power solution for your home.
How Much Do Storage Batteries Cost?
The cost of a storage battery is influenced by factors such as brand, size, warranty, and the type of battery materials used.
Generally, you can expect to pay between £2,000 to £6,000 for a new storage battery.
The price of a battery typically correlates with its storage capacity and quality - higher capacity and better quality often mean a higher price.
While a storage battery represents an additional upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment in the long term.
It also contributes to reducing your carbon footprint by allowing for the storage and use of electricity from renewable sources, making it a greener choice compared to relying solely on the National Grid.
For those prioritising environmental sustainability, investing in a storage battery can be a particularly valuable decision.
Which Battery Storage System Is Best?
At Heatable we have extensively reviewed many of the UK's best storage battery systems and concluded that the best on offer is the AlphaESS Smile B3 Plus Battery.
AlphaESS Smile B3 Plus Battery
AlphaESS is a global leader in battery storage solutions, boasting over 90,000 installations worldwide.
Their Alpha Smile B3 Plus Battery offers value for money, versatility, as well as a hefty 10-year performance warranty.
But why else did we crown them as the best solar battery? Here's why...
Standalone Cost - Approximately £3,450 for the Smile B3 plus unit (inverter and 5.04kwh battery) and around £5,350 for the 10.08kwh unit.
Installation of the unit is between £300-£1,000.
Key Stats:
Storage capacity - Starter units: 5.04 kWh and 10.08 kWh, expandable up to 30.24kw
Usable capacity - 4.79 kWh per 5.04kwh module
Depth of discharge - 95%
Max power output - 3,000 w (3kW)
Warranty: 5 years and a 10-year performance warranty
The Alpha Smile B3 range is offered in two starter (inverter and battery modules) storage capacities: a 5.04 kWh and a 10.08 kWh capacity making it perfect for both small and larger households.
The Smile B3 range is a modular system (stackable) which means that if you purchase the Smile B3 5.02kwh model, you can add up to 5 additional 5.02kwh modules to increase capacity.
This innovation offers maximum versatility for growing families, or simply those that may not be sure how many batteries to start with. The unit is expandable to a maximum of 30.24 kWh capacity.
The system can be installed with a new system or retrofitted as AC coupled.
It can also be installed indoors and externally thanks to the external weather rating of the components.
Join Thousands of Satisfied Customers:
We’re proud to be Tesla Certified Installers, MCS accredited and Which? Trusted installers with over 10,000 glowing reviews on Trustpilot. Discover why so many trust us for their solar & battery storage panel installations—visit our Reviews and Testimonials page and watch Phil’s video testimonial below.
Next Steps For Your Battery Journey:
When planning to install battery storage for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their battery installation.
Get a Quote for Battery Storage Today
Without boasting you should get your battery storage installed with us, here's why:
Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
Tesla Certified Installer: Heatable is proudly certified and approved by Tesla to install the Powerwall.
MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.
Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.
Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.
Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Battery Quote Tool: Find out which battery is ideal for your home, here.
Or, if you want to learn more about battery storage, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel, or read some of our previous customer case studies here.
