Solar Battery Storage Cost

Within this guide we help provide costs relating to solar battery storage, to help you budget and understand what's involved.

The majority of homeowners with medium-sized properties in the UK can expect to pay around £6,500 to have their battery storage system installed, depending on their location, although for larger properties the cost will increase accordingly.

Whether you're installing a whole new solar panel system or upgrading an existing one, you need to be absolutely clear about the costs, regulations and process involved in getting a solar battery storage system up and running.

This guide explains what solar battery storage costs, what affects the price, and how to pick the right system for your home.

How Much Does a Solar Battery Storage Cost?

A solar battery storage system installation can set you back anything from £3,500 to £10,000+ depending on the size of system you require, along with taking into consideration how complex the job is and whereabouts in the UK you are based.

Battery storage capacity is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and indicates how much energy the battery can hold at any given time. As a general guide, the higher the kWh rating, the larger the battery capacity.

Battery chemistry is also a key factor when it comes to pricing, with lithium-ion batteries being the most widely used in modern home energy systems due to providing a solar panel system with a long-lasting, compact and highly efficient option compared to those used previously.

While the likes of lead-acid batteries may offer a less expensive solar battery cost initially, they have since become an outdated choice when it comes to installing a domestic solar panel system due to not being as energy efficient and often with a much shorter lifespan.

Solar Battery Storage System Prices

The following table shows the installation cost including both the initial solar battery cost and any labour fees combined.

These are rough estimates as a general guide rather than solid figures. The best way to gain a more accurate estimated cost in the UK is to request an official quote from a solar battery installer, which you can do through MyJobQuote, as prices can vary from one solar panel system to the next.

There may also be a few extra cost factors to consider. For example, an advanced monitoring system such as smart energy software, or the size and location of your installation can also have an impact.

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Supply Cost of a Solar Battery

Looking purely at the supply cost of your solar battery storage system, the biggest expense is the unit itself rather than the additional labour fees. The price is often based on the tech used, the capacity, and the brand.

For example, some leading manufacturers may be more expensive, but they often come with longer warranties and after-sales support. As such, they can prove highly beneficial when making home improvements or wishing to reduce your electricity bills by introducing battery storage for your solar panels.

In the following table, we look at the solar battery cost based on supply only, without taking into consideration labour fees. However, when it comes to labour it is also worth noting where you are based in the UK can impact the end cost, with labour rates tending to be higher in areas such as London and the South East compared to national averages.

In addition to the unit itself, most systems will need either a hybrid inverter or a separate inverter to manage the flow of electricity between the solar panels, the battery and the rest of your home.

You'll also need a Battery Management System (BMS). This is the bit that keeps an eye on how well the battery is performing and makes sure it's working safely and efficiently. There are a few other accessories you'll also need to consider, such as cables, connectors, mounting brackets and sometimes a protective case.

Lithium-ion batteries tend to be more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but they do offer some significant advantages, namely, high efficiency and a longer lifespan. In most cases, the extra cost will be worth it as the real benefit is due to the longer lifespan and higher efficiency, while still being relatively low-maintenance.

Additional Solar Battery Storage Costs

There are a few extra costs to consider with solar battery storage systems that don't fit into the usual supply and labour fees.

One of the most common is electrical work, especially if you need to replace a fuse box or upgrade your consumer unit. This extra work can potentially cost around £300 to £800 depending on the level of complexity involved.

If the battery is going to be installed externally or at height, then hiring scaffolding may be required (around £250 to £650 for a standard scaffold tower) to ensure the installation is carried out safely.

Some people also choose to invest in Home Energy Management Systems or smart meters, which will add to the overall price at anywhere from £200 to £1,000, depending on the system used.

Solar Battery Storage Installers Cost & Timescales

Labour costs for a solar battery storage installation can range from £400 to £1,200, depending on the complexity of the job. Most installs take 1 to 3 days, but some can take longer if the required solar panel system is particularly large with labour potentially costing around £800 to £2,000 for bigger jobs.

Several factors will affect labour costs, including whether you're retrofitting or installing new, how much integration you need with existing systems, and how easy it is to reach the installation area. Generally, labour is more expensive in places like London and the South East because of the cost of living, so bear that in mind when making your budget.

Factors That Impact Solar Battery Installation Costs

The final overall cost of a solar battery storage system is influenced by many factors. First and foremost, the size of the battery will be the biggest driver. Bigger systems are more expensive than smaller ones. Next up is the type of battery. While lead-acid batteries are less expensive than the modern alternative, lithium-ion batteries have become more widely used and are considered the better option.

Consider the type of installation as well. Wall-mounted systems need more fixings and structural checks than floor-based ones, which just need a bit of space and ventilation. The location of the battery, how easy it is to get to and how far it is from the consumer unit will also affect labour time and cost, not to mention the price you'll need to pay for more specialist contractors.

Building Regulations for Solar Battery Installations

The electrical work involved in a battery installation must meet the relevant Building Regulations. In England, this is covered by Part P, while Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own requirements.

A registered installer can usually certify the work as part of the installation. Alternatively, it can be signed off by an approved third-party certifier or inspected by building control for a fee.

In most cases, you don't require planning permission, unless you live in a listed building, conservation area or are making a significant change to the overall design or look of your property. If you're unsure, your contractor can advise you before starting the work, or you can ask your local planning authority for more information.

When choosing a contractor, make sure they are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified, because this shows they're working to industry standards and is often a requirement for warranties and external tariffs.

Types of Solar Battery Storage Systems

There are several different types of solar battery storage systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

AC-Coupled Battery Systems

AC-coupled battery systems store electricity after it has already been converted from DC to AC by the solar inverter, which makes them particularly well suited to homes that already have solar panels installed.

Pros

• ✔ Ideal for retrofitting existing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• ✔ Can be added without replacing the current inverter.
• ✔ Flexible installation options.

Cons

• ✖ Slightly less efficient due to multiple energy conversions.
• ✖ Do have slightly higher energy losses compared to DC-coupled systems.

DC-Coupled Battery Systems

DC-coupled systems connect directly to the solar panels, storing energy before it is converted to AC, and they are most commonly used in new solar installations.

Pros

• ✔ Higher overall efficiency.
• ✔ Fewer energy conversion losses.
• ✔ Well suited to new build and full system installations.

Cons

• ✖ Generally incompatible with retrofit projects.
• ✖ Less flexible if upgrading an existing solar PV system.

Hybrid Inverter Systems

Hybrid inverter systems combine solar and battery management into a single unit, offering a compact and streamlined setup. They are usually used in new installations where space and budget friendliness is a priority.

Pros

• ✔ Compact solution.
• ✔ Lower upfront costs compared to separate systems.
• ✔ Simple installation.

Cons

• ✖ Can make future system upgrades difficult.
• ✖ May require full inverter replacement to expand capacity later.
• ✖ Potentially higher long-term costs if upgrades are needed.

Solar Battery Capacity & Size

When choosing a solar battery storage system, battery capacity and size are two of the most important factors to consider. Battery capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determines how much energy your battery can store and supply to your home.

The right battery size depends on your household's energy needs and how much excess energy your solar panels typically generate. If your home uses a lot of electricity or you want to store more excess energy for use during evenings or power cuts, a larger battery storage system may be the best fit.

While bigger batteries come with a higher upfront cost, they can deliver greater savings on your energy bills and boost your energy independence by allowing you to rely less on the grid. Carefully matching your battery to your energy needs ensures you get the most value from your investment and make the most of your solar panels.

Solar Battery Storage System Design

A well-designed solar battery storage system brings together a reliable and efficient way to store energy at home, although it can add to your initial solar panels installation costs.

At the heart of things, you've got a solar panel array that harnesses sunlight, a battery storage unit that takes that electricity and stores it away, and an inverter that converts the DC power coming from your solar panels into the AC power your household appliances actually use.

The battery storage unit is highly customisable. You can get a small system for a smaller home, or go for a much bigger capacity if you've got loads of energy-hungry stuff at home to power.

The best bit is that many systems can also be set up to provide backup power during a grid outage, so if the power goes out, you'll still be okay. By combining all these parts, a solar battery storage system lets you store electricity generated by your solar panels and use it at exactly the right time.

Alternative Types of Energy Storage

While solar battery storage is the most common and effective solution, there are a few alternative ways for homeowners to manage their solar heating system and any excess solar energy they generate.

Below we take a further look at these options:

Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage systems retain surplus solar energy as heat rather than electricity, and this stored heat is then typically used to supply hot water later in the day for activities such as washing clothes or bathing.

Pros

• ✔ Much cheaper than electrical battery systems.
• ✔ Ideal for households with high hot water demand.
• ✔ Simple technology with low maintenance requirements.

Cons

• ✖ Cannot power household appliances.
• ✖ Limited flexibility compared to electrical storage.
• ✖ Only suitable for heat and hot water usage.

Grid Tied Solar Systems with Export Tariffs

Grid tied solar power systems send unused electricity back to the national grid rather than storing it anywhere at your home. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays households in England, Scotland and Wales for the surplus electricity they send back, but does not cover Northern Ireland.

To qualify, your system and installer need to be certified through MCS or an equivalent accredited scheme, and you'll need a meter that records how much electricity you return to the grid every half hour.

Pros

• ✔ Lower upfront costs compared to battery storage.
• ✔ No on-site storage equipment required.
• ✔ Provides a financial return on excess generation.

Cons

• ✖ Export rates are typically much lower than import prices.
• ✖ Homes remain reliant on the grid during evenings and overnight.
• ✖ Limited control over how exported energy is used.

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid systems use electric batteries for vehicles as a temporary energy storage solution with bi-directional charging technology. This new and innovative approach is currently in its early stages, allowing stored energy in an EV to be used in the home or exported to the grid.

Pros

• ✔ Significant potential storage capacity.
• ✔ Makes use of existing EV battery systems.
• ✔ Could reduce reliance on dedicated home batteries.

Cons

• ✖ High equipment and installation costs.
• ✖ Limited vehicle and charger compatibility.
• ✖ Limited control over how exported energy is used.
• ✖ Not yet a practical option for most homeowners.

Economic Benefits of Solar Batteries

A solar battery can noticeably lower what you spend on electricity. By storing the excess energy your solar panels generate, you can actually use a lot more of your own renewable energy and buy less electricity from the grid.

That means lower energy bills down the line, which in turn can help offset the initial cost of the battery storage system. How quickly you recover the installation cost will depend on how much electricity you use, when you use it and how much energy the battery can store. For some households, the upfront cost may outweigh the savings available.

It's also worth bearing in mind that a battery loses a little energy each time it charges and discharges, and that it will usually need replacing sooner than the solar panels.

Environmental Impact of Solar Batteries

Below we take a look at some of the positive aspects that help the environment while providing you with more electricity from a renewable source:

• Reduce Environmental Impact — Solar battery storage systems reduce environmental impact by storing excess solar energy for use at a later date.
• Uses Renewable Energy — They increase and promote the use of clean, renewable energy sources and reduce your dependence on grid electricity, which is still generated from a mix that includes fossil fuels.
• Lower Carbon Footprint — Installing battery storage for your solar panels helps lower your carbon footprint and supports the UK's wider move towards a more sustainable future.
• Reduces Non-Renewable Resources — Using more of the solar power stored in your battery means you need to draw less electricity from the grid, helping you make better use of the renewable energy generated at home.

Although the production of battery storage still has some environmental impact, this is generally offset and outweighed by more long-term impact on your carbon footprint. Overall, solar battery storage helps reduce electricity bills while supporting efforts to combat climate change.

Checklist: Hiring a Solar Battery Installer in the UK

Finding a skilled and trustworthy installer to carry out the work is one of the most important aspects to get right, not only when it comes to energy storage but any home improvement situation. As such we've outlined some key points to consider when hiring someone to install solar battery storage:

• Do they have the correct qualifications and experience? Check that the installer is registered with a recognised competent person scheme so the electrical work can be properly certified. If you plan to use the Smart Export Guarantee, also check whether MCS certification is required for your installation.
• Will they handle Building Regulations compliance? Check if your chosen tradesman is able to self-certify their work, or if not ask if they are liaising with your local authority to ensure any necessary notifications are handled accordingly.
• Are they insured while carrying out the work? While you may be surprised to hear it's not a legal requirement, most reputable workmen will at least hold public liability insurance in the event of accidental damage or personal injury.
• How much experience do they have? As well as a background in understanding solar panels, check how long they've been providing battery storage and when they last carried out similar work.
• Can they provide examples of previous installations? Check their website or MyJobQuote profile for a portfolio of work or photographs of recent projects so you have a visual awareness of what to expect.
• Do they have positive reviews? Again, check their online presence for customer feedback and testimonials or ask friends and family for recommendations if they've had similar work carried out.
• Have you received more than one quote? It is widely recommended to at least receive three separate quotes, which you can do with the help of MyJobQuote, as this allows you to compare prices and check for any hidden costs.
• Do they provide any guarantees or warranty? This will not only provide you with confidence in the end result, but will also help ensure any issues are resolved should they occur post-installation.

Solar Battery Removal Cost

In some cases, a solar battery storage system may need to be removed, especially if it's being upgraded or moved to another home. This removal must always be carried out by a qualified pro, as the batteries must be isolated from the electrical supply.

Not only that, but these units are heavy and can contain hazardous materials, so careful handling is essential. The cost to remove these can vary based on a whole host of factors, including size, age, and the condition of the property and unit. You can expect to pay between £200 and £600, and possibly more if there are any complexities.

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