Battery storage

A solar battery allows you to store electricity generated by your solar panels that you don't use straight away. Instead of sending the excess electricity back to the grid, a battery allows you to save some of it for later use around your home. 

This is because solar panels typically generate the most electricity during the middle of the day, when many households are using less electricity. A battery can store this surplus electricity so it can be used in the evening, overnight, or during periods of lower solar generation.

Battery systems can also help some households benefit from time of use tariffs, which charge different rates for electricity at different times of the day. For example, electricity may be cheaper overnight or during off-peak periods when demand on the electricity network is lower. Depending on the battery system and tariff, it may be possible to charge the battery using lower-cost electricity and use that stored energy during more expensive periods. 

For more information on time-of-use tariffs, visit the Energy Saving Trust’s website.

Solar batteries can be installed alongside a new solar PV system or added to an existing system. They are commonly fitted in an outdoor location or garage, depending on the design of the system and the available space at your property.

A qualified MCS installer will be able to assess whether a solar battery is appropriate for your property and explain the options available to you. They can also advise on how a battery could work alongside solar panels and other low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps and electric vehicles.