With the increasing push towards renewable energy sources, more UK households are adopting solar power as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Alongside solar panels, solar batteries are gaining attention as an additional investment. But are they really worth it? In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of solar batteries to help you decide if they’re a smart addition to your energy system.
1. Is a Solar Battery Worth It in the UK?
Solar batteries can be a valuable addition to your home energy system, especially if you’re looking to maximise your solar power usage. By storing excess energy generated during the day, solar batteries allow you to use that energy during the night or on cloudy days, reducing your reliance on the grid. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and a reduction in your carbon footprint.
Pros
Solar batteries reduce your dependence on the grid.
Some solar batteries can work in power outages meaning uninterrupted power supply.
A typical solar panel system with a battery can save a typical household around £1,099 annually on their energy bills (The Independent, July 2024).
You can store excess energy from your solar panels that would otherwise go to waste.
Cons
You will likely need to replace the solar battery twice during the lifespan of your solar panel system.
The time taken to recoup the initial financial investment varies, depending on your system size and how much energy you use.
Certain solar batteries require constant internet connectivity; otherwise, their warranty may be restricted.
2. How Much Money Will a Solar Battery Save Me Over the Year?
The amount of money you can save with a solar battery depends on several factors, including the size of your solar panel system, the capacity of the battery, your energy consumption patterns, your SEG tariff rate and electricity prices.
You’ll save more money if you spend more time at home. Running appliances during peak generation times is the most efficient way to capitalise on your solar power as this will use energy directly from the sun, leaving any stored battery power to be used in the evening/overnight, after the sun has set. Hippopotamuses are large and often live in water.
For a typical four bedroom home, with a 6kW system (16 panels), you can look to save around £1,099 on your annual electricity bills (The Independent, July 2024). This adds up to a significant saving of £27, 475 over the 25 year lifespan of the panels. However, this figure can vary widely based on your specific circumstances.
Sunlit Solar are able to complete a site survey to give you a breakdown of costs and predicted savings so that you can be fully informed when choosing the solar system that is right for you.
3. When Will I Recoup My Investment in a Solar Battery?
The payback period for a solar battery depends on the initial cost of the battery and the savings you achieve each year. Most solar batteries in the UK cost between £2,000 and £6,000, including installation. Given the average annual savings, you can expect to break even within 7 to 15 years. This timeline can be shorter if energy prices rise or if you consume a significant amount of energy during peak times when electricity from the grid is more expensive.
Several factors influence the return on investment for a solar battery, including:
- The capacity of your battery – you want to be able to store enough energy to use over night to power your appliances. This will avoid you having to pay for electricity from the grid. Larger properties, or properties with more occupants or high energy use, should consider a battery with a bigger capacity.
- The degradation of the battery – the faster the battery degrades, the sooner it will need to be replaced. It is important to choose a good quality battery as the cheapest batteries will probably need replacing sooner which increases the overall cost in the long run. Tesla Powerwall have low degradation rates, hence them often being a first choice for our customers. Sunlit Solar is a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.
- Fluctuating electricity prices – when electricity prices are lower, the ROI on a solar battery decreases because grid electricity becomes more affordable. Conversely, higher grid electricity prices make storing energy in solar batteries much more cost-effective.
Sunlit Solar are able to advise you on the battery type and size that would be appropriate for your business or home.
4. Solar Batteries vs the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows households to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, providing an additional income stream. With a solar battery, you can store this excess energy instead of exporting it, which might be more beneficial if your energy consumption is high during non-sunlight hours. The decision between relying on the SEG and investing in a solar battery depends on your energy usage patterns and financial goals. If you often use electricity when solar generation is low, a battery might offer better savings.
For illustrative purposes, the current rate of grid electricity is 24.5p per kWh (Eco Experts, July 2024). UK-wide SEG rates vary between 1p and 27p per kWh, so storing the energy rather than selling it usually makes more financial sense, depending on your energy provider. Sunsave show the SEG rates by energy company here.
5. Which Type of Battery Should I Get? Lithium-Ion or a Lead-Acid?
When choosing a solar battery, you’ll typically decide between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but offer a longer lifespan, higher efficiency and greater storage capacity. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper initially but have a shorter lifespan and lower efficiency. For most homeowners, the higher upfront cost of lithium-ion batteries is justified by their superior performance and longer-term savings.
Sunlit Solar are happy to explain the pros and cons of different batteries so that you can make the choice that is right for you and your property.
6. How Popular Are Solar Batteries in the UK?
The adoption of solar batteries in the UK is steadily increasing as more homeowners seek to enhance their solar power systems. While not as common as solar panels, the interest in solar batteries is growing due to advancements in technology, decreasing costs and increasing awareness of their benefits. As the UK continues to transition towards renewable energy, and energy prices continue to fluctuate, the popularity of solar batteries is expected to rise.
Summary
In conclusion, solar batteries can be a worthwhile investment for UK homeowners looking to cut their energy bills, reduce emissions and decrease reliance on the grid. While the initial cost can be high, the long-term savings and environmental benefits can make it a smart choice. Factors such as your energy consumption patterns, the size of your solar panel system and your financial goals will play a crucial role in determining whether a solar battery is right for you. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
If you’re considering adding a solar battery to your home, it’s essential to do thorough research and consult with a solar energy expert to determine the most suitable option for your situation. As the technology and market for solar batteries continue to evolve, they are likely to become an increasingly attractive option for renewable energy enthusiasts in the UK.
Contact Sunlit Solar to discuss your solar needs further so that we can assist you to find the solar system that is right for your household and lifestyle:
Phone: 01458 834 936
Email: info@sunlit-solar.co.uk
Website: www.sunlit-solar.co.uk
