Solar battery storage for your home

Installing solar battery storage is a strategic move that shifts the balance of power to you, the homeowner. Fuse Energy positions solar battery storage as the ultimate "power play" for UK homeowners, enabling true energy independence and control by transforming how you generate, store, and use your own power. It's about having energy abundance and taking charge of your home's electricity supply.

What is solar battery storage and how does it work?

Solar battery storage systems allow you to keep the excess electricity generated by your solar panels, rather than sending it all straight back to the grid. This means you can use more of your own clean energy, reducing your reliance on your energy supplier.

Capturing and storing your solar energy

When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using, a solar battery automatically diverts this surplus energy into storage. This stored power becomes available when your panels aren't generating enough, such as in the evenings, overnight, or on cloudy days. This process ensures you make the most of the clean energy you produce, giving you more power to play with.

Key components of a solar battery system

A typical solar battery system includes the battery unit itself, an inverter, and a battery management system (BMS). The inverter is crucial as it converts the direct current (DC) electricity from your solar panels and battery into alternating current (AC) for your home's appliances. The BMS acts as the brain, monitoring and optimising the battery's performance and lifespan to ensure efficient operation.

The benefits of home solar battery storage

Adding a solar battery to your home offers several advantages, from increasing your energy independence to saving money on your bills.

Greater energy independence and self-sufficiency

With a solar battery, you become less dependent on the National Grid. You can store your own generated electricity and use it when you need it most, giving you more control over your energy supply. This shift towards self-sufficiency is a core part of the "power play" narrative, putting the advantage firmly in your hands.

Reducing your electricity bills

By storing and using your own solar energy, you reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid, especially during expensive peak hours. This can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly electricity bills. You can also charge your battery from the grid during cheaper off-peak periods on smart tariffs, further cutting costs.

Maximising your solar panel investment

Without a battery, any excess solar energy your panels generate is exported to the grid, often for a lower rate than you pay to import. A battery ensures you use more of the electricity you produce, increasing your solar self-consumption from around 40% to 80% or more, making your initial solar panel investment work harder for you.

Powering your home during outages

Some solar battery systems offer a backup power function, allowing your home to remain powered during grid outages. While not all systems provide this, it's a valuable feature for maintaining essential services when the main power supply is interrupted.

Types of solar batteries and system sizing

Choosing the right solar battery involves understanding the available technologies and how to match capacity to your home's needs.

Common battery technologies

The most common type of solar battery available today is the lithium-ion battery. These are favoured for their high energy density, efficiency, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements. While lead-acid batteries are cheaper, they have a shorter lifespan of around three to seven years and require more maintenance, making lithium-ion a more popular and cost-effective choice in the long run.

How to determine the right battery size for your home

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and power output in kilowatts (kW). To size a battery system, you need to consider your household's daily electricity consumption and your solar panel generation. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity per year1, which is roughly 6.8 kWh per day. A medium-capacity battery of around 5 kWh is often suitable for a three-bedroom house, though many homes may require 8-12 kWh depending on usage patterns. Many modern batteries are modular, allowing you to expand capacity later if your needs change.

Retrofitting battery storage to existing solar panels

If you already have solar panels, adding battery storage is usually straightforward. The key consideration is your existing inverter. AC-coupled batteries are the most common solution for retrofits, as they work with virtually any existing solar inverter, regardless of brand or age, and include their own inverter. DC-coupled batteries are more efficient but require a compatible hybrid inverter, which might mean replacing your current one. A professional installer can assess your system and recommend the best option.

Costs, grants, and incentives for UK homeowners

Understanding the financial aspects of solar battery storage, including costs and available support, is crucial for your investment.

Understanding solar battery storage costs

The cost of a solar battery storage system in the UK typically ranges from £4,000 to £8,000+ installed, depending on the battery size, brand, and installation complexity. A 10kWh lithium-ion battery, for example, often costs between £4,000 and £6,000, including installation and inverter.

UK grants and schemes to support your investment

Homeowners may be eligible for local grants or schemes that can help with the cost of energy efficiency improvements, which can include battery storage. For instance, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme, running until 31 December 2026, requires large energy suppliers to fund home improvements for eligible low-income households, which can include solar panels and other measures.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and smart tariffs

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed scheme launched in January 2020 that requires larger electricity suppliers to pay homeowners for surplus renewable electricity exported to the grid. To qualify, your system must be MCS-certified and you need a smart meter capable of providing half-hourly export readings.

While SEG payments are valuable, typically ranging from 1p to 25p per kWh, storing energy for self-consumption can often be more financially beneficial than exporting it. Combining a battery with smart tariffs allows you to maximise savings. You can charge your battery during cheap off-peak periods from the grid and then use that stored energy, or even export it, during more expensive peak times. This intelligent optimisation is where Fuse's all-in-one app can help, allowing you to manage your energy usage effectively.

Installation process and what to expect

Installing a solar battery system is a significant upgrade, and knowing what to expect can make the process smoother.

Choosing a certified installer

Always choose a certified UK installer for your solar battery system. Look for installers accredited under schemes like the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), as this is often a requirement for accessing schemes like the SEG. A reputable installer will ensure your system complies with all UK building regulations and electrical safety standards.

The installation journey

The installation process typically involves an initial assessment of your home's energy needs and existing solar setup. The installer will then provide a quotation and schedule the installation. For most retrofits, the installation can be completed in a single day, with power briefly turned off during connection. Post-installation, the system will be commissioned, tested, and you'll usually receive training on how to monitor and optimise its usage, often through a smart app.

Maintenance and lifespan of your system

Solar batteries, particularly lithium-ion models, typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, with many manufacturers offering warranties that cover this period. These warranties often guarantee a certain capacity retention or number of cycles. Regular monitoring and maintenance can help extend your battery's life. It's also important to note that new electrical safety rules, BS 7671 Amendment 4 and PAS 63100:2024, introduced in 2026, specify where home batteries can and cannot be installed, banning locations like lofts, bedrooms, and escape routes for fire safety reasons.

Making the power play: choosing your solar battery system

Deciding on the right solar battery system is a "power play" that puts you in control of your home's energy future.

Key factors to consider

When choosing a system, consider your household's energy consumption patterns, the capacity of your existing solar panels, and your budget. Think about whether you want a system that can provide backup power during outages. Also, evaluate the compatibility of the battery with smart tariffs and how easily you can monitor and manage it through a smart app. Fuse's 24/7 human customer support can offer peace of mind for managing your smart home energy systems.

The future of home energy with battery storage

Solar battery storage is a key component in achieving energy abundance and giving homeowners true control over their power supply. By investing in this technology, you're not just reducing your bills; you're making a strategic move towards greater energy independence and a more resilient home energy system. It's about having the power to play with, shaping your energy future on your own terms.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of typical domestic consumption values