What is the price of domestic battery storage in the UK? In this guide we explore the most popular brands, their costs, as well as the average costs of installation.
- How much should you expect to pay for a battery?
- Average Prices of Popular Battery Storage Models UK:
- Factors that Impact the Cost of Battery Storage
- How much can you save with a solar battery?
- Are there any grants available?
- What is the average lifespan of a battery?
- What is the best battery available in the UK?
The term "solar battery" refers to a battery storage cell that can be integrated into residential or commercial solar systems. These batteries store excess energy that would otherwise be exported back to the grid.
Utilising energy from your solar system instead of the grid not only enhances financial savings but also shortens the break-even period for your investment.
However, market dynamics are evolving, and increasingly, individuals are installing battery storage systems even without solar panels. This trend is driven by the desire to leverage time-of-use tariffs, which allows users to manage their electricity costs more effectively by storing cheaper, off-peak power to use during peak hours.
Solar batteries are available in various shapes and sizes. In this article, we will provide all the essential technical knowledge you need to make an informed decision about whether a solar battery is right for you, and if so, which one to choose.
PS We offer MCS-certified battery installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
PS You now pay zero VAT on solar batteries:
Starting from February 1, 2024, the UK government has extended the 0% VAT policy to include retrofitted residential solar batteries. This exemption now applies to all residential battery storage systems, whether they are installed as new, retrofitted, or in conjunction with a solar panel system.
Previously, the 0% VAT benefit was only available to domestic solar batteries when installed alongside a new solar panel system. This change represents a significant expansion in the financial incentives for adopting solar battery technology in existing homes.
How much should you expect to pay for a battery?
The retail cost of home solar batteries typically ranges from £1,200 to £5,000. However, a more precise way to assess their value is by using the £/kWh metric, which stands for price per kilowatt-hour of storage. This pricing can vary between £265 and £415 per kWh.
The more affordable options often come from Chinese importers, while the higher end of the spectrum features premium brands like Tesla from the United States.
When installing a solar battery, it's crucial to connect it to an inverter. This necessity arises because batteries store energy as direct current (DC), whereas our homes operate on alternating current (AC).
The inverter's role is to convert the DC stored in the battery into usable AC for your home.
Some products, such as the Tesla Powerwall, come with built-in inverters. These integrated systems are referred to as All-In-One batteries, providing a streamlined setup and often a more aesthetic solution.
Average Prices of Popular Battery Storage Models UK:
Brand | Model | Storage (KWh) | Supply Price | £/KWh | Installation cost | Warranty | Trade Rating |
Tesla | 13.5 | £5000 | £370 | £1550 | 10 years | 9.2/10 | |
Tesla | 13.5 | £5600 | £414 | £1750 | 10 years | 9.4/10 | |
Alpha ESS | G3 | 10.1 | £2550 | £255 | £1400 | 10 years | 8.9/10 |
GivEnergy | 13.5 | £5200 | £385 | £1600 | 12 years | 7.1/10 | |
Solax | Tripple Power | 5.8 | £2100 | £362 | £1400 | 5 years | 7.5/10 |
Fox | Cube Master | 2.9 | £1010 | £291 | £1200 | 5 years | 6.8/10 |
Table last updated and prices accurate as of May 2024
Factors that Impact the Cost of Battery Storage
As well as the brand reputation, the type of battery, the capacity, the lifespan, installation, and the battery’s depth of discharge all impact the costs of the battery.
Type of battery:
There are two primary types of batteries for solar energy storage: lithium-ion and lead-acid.
Lithium-ion Batteries:
These are the most popular and cost-effective options in the UK.
They have a higher upfront cost than lead-acid batteries but offer greater durability and a longer lifespan.
Lead-acid Batteries:
These batteries have a lower initial cost compared to lithium-ion batteries.
However, they tend to have a shorter lifespan and reduced performance over time, potentially leading to higher long-term costs due to more frequent replacements.
Depth of Discharge:
The Depth of Discharge (DoD) indicates the percentage of the battery's total capacity that has been utilised.
A higher DoD means more of the battery's stored energy can be used, affecting its lifespan and efficiency.
For example, if you purchase battery storage that has a capacity of 6 kW energy storage and 80% DoD, it should be charged when it reaches 5 kW used to maximise the longevity of the battery.
Capacity:
Charging capacity: This indicates the maximum rate at which a battery can be charged, crucial for understanding how quickly it can be ready for use.
Storage and usable capacity: Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), these values represent the amount of energy a battery can store and effectively use. Generally, higher capacities come with increased costs for solar battery storage systems.
Lifespan:
The lifecycle (Number of Cycles) denotes the total number of complete charge-discharge cycles a battery can perform before its capacity falls below a specific percentage of its original capacity, offering insight into the battery's longevity.
Typically, the higher the number of lifecycles, the higher the cost of the battery.
Lithium-ion batteries typically have twice as many cycles, and double the lifespan, as lead-acid batteries.
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.
How much can you save with a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of excess energy that would otherwise be exported to the grid. MCS, the renewable industry regulator, conducted a study to evaluate the potential savings from installing a solar battery.
The findings indicated that typical customers with solar panels but without a battery storage system saved an average of £380 per year.
In contrast, those equipped with a battery storage system saved an average of £840 annually.
Most modern solar batteries are equipped with smart technology, allowing them to be programmed to purchase energy during cheaper off-peak times for later use. This capability not only enhances savings but also offers flexibility.
It can be used in conjunction with solar power or as a standalone energy-saving measure for those who have a battery but no solar panels. This smart functionality is becoming a key factor in optimising household energy costs.
Are there any grants available?
Currently, there are no grants available specifically for battery installation.
However, the UK government has introduced a significant financial incentive by eliminating VAT on all new installations starting in 2024. This change effectively reduces the overall cost of installations by 20%.
Additionally, if you reside in Scotland, you might consider taking advantage of the Home Energy Scotland Loan.
This interest-free loan is intended to facilitate financing for a range of energy-efficient improvements and renewable energy systems, including solar panels and battery storage.
Eligible applicants can receive up to £6,000 for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and £5,000 for a solar battery storage system. The loans are repayable over a period of 5 to 10 years, depending on the specifics of the installation.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit the Home Energy Scotland website.
To further assist with affordability, numerous financing schemes are available to help spread the cost of battery storage installations.
For instance, Heatable offers 0% APR finance options. You can easily obtain a quote here.
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 panel & battery storage installations—visit our Reviews and Testimonials page and watch Phil’s video testimonial below.
What is the average lifespan of a battery?
Lithium cells constitute 95% of all solar batteries sold, owing to their stable chemistry and predictable degradation rates.
Typically, the lifespan of a lithium solar battery ranges between 10-15 years, though it's common for both performance and usable capacity to decrease by approximately 2-4% annually.
Premium battery models like the Tesla Powerwall or Alpha ESS G3 come with a 10-year manufacturer warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
If you're considering an installation, Heatable is an approved installer, and you can receive a quote online in just 60 seconds.
What is the best battery available in the UK?
Currently, the Tesla Powerwall is the marketing-leading battery available in the UK.
Watch our complete review of the latest Tesla Powerwall 3 below:
Pros of the Tesla Powerwall:
High Storage Capacity: 13.5 kWh, sufficient for most home energy needs.
Impressive Charge and Discharge Rates: 5000W with a peak boost function of 7200W for high-demand periods.
Advanced Thermal Management: Built-in heating and cooling systems ensure optimal performance.
Smart App Control: Easily monitor and manage energy usage via a mobile app.
All-In-One Design: Integrated inverter and battery cells simplify installation.
Long Warranty: 10-year full support warranty.
Durability: Manufactured in the USA, designed for longevity.
Cons of the Tesla Powerwall:
Restricted Purchase: Only available through approved installers.
Higher Cost: Approximately £500 more than the GivEnergy All-In-One.
Limited Supply: High demand often leads to short supply.
You can read our comprehensive review of the best batteries currently available here.
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.
