Battery Storage UK 2026 – Store Your Solar & Save More

How It Works

Store solar, slash bills

A home battery works alongside your solar panels to maximise the value of every ray of sunshine.

1. Solar Powers Your Home

During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. Without a battery, excess energy goes back to the grid for cheap rates.

2. Battery Stores Excess

Instead of exporting, your battery stores this excess energy. You can use it whenever you need it — evening, night, or on cloudy days.

3. Use It When You Need It

Evenings are when electricity is most expensive. Your battery powers your home when solar isn't producing — maximising savings.

Without Battery

Self-consumption: 30-40%
You use around a third of your solar.
Rest is exported at ~5p/kWh.
Annual saving: ~£150

With Battery

Self-consumption: 70-80%
You store solar for evening use.
Minimal export, maximum savings.
Annual saving: ~£450

Payback Time

Typical payback: 7-12 years
Battery lasts 10-15 years.
After payback, free electricity.
ROI: 8-15%

Government Support

Loans coming via Warm Homes Plan

The UK government has announced new support for battery storage. Here's what's coming.

Low-Interest Loans

The Warm Homes Plan includes £2bn for consumer loans. Homeowners will be able to apply for low or zero interest loans to install battery storage systems.

0% VAT Until 2027

Battery storage already qualifies for 0% VAT (since February 2024). This saves £400-£1,600 on a typical battery installation.

Stack with Solar Grants

Combine battery installation with ECO4 funding if eligible. Many households can get solar + battery at reduced cost through multiple schemes.

Future-Proof Your Home

Batteries increase property value and make you ready for future technologies like electric vehicles and smart home systems.

Costs

How much does battery storage cost?

Prices have dropped significantly. Here's what to expect in 2026.

Small (5 kWh)

£2,000 - £3,500
Good for flats/small homes
Covers basic evening usage
Typical savings: £200/yr

Medium (10 kWh)

£4,000 - £6,500
Good for 3-4 bed homes
Covers most daily usage
Typical savings: £350/yr

Large (13+ kWh)

£6,000 - £8,000
Large homes or full independence
Can power home + EV charging
Typical savings: £500+/yr

All prices exclude installation. After 0% VAT, save an additional £400-£1,600.

FAQ

Battery storage questions

Common questions about home battery storage systems.

Most households save £200-£500 per year by storing solar energy instead of exporting it. A battery increases self-consumption from 30-40% to 70-80%.

Typical systems cost £2,000-£8,000 depending on capacity. With 0% VAT and government loans coming via the Warm Homes Plan, affordability is improving.

No. Since February 2024, standalone batteries qualify for 0% VAT. You can install a battery now and add solar later, or use it with grid electricity at cheap rates.

Most homes need 5-10 kWh. A 5 kWh battery suits average households; larger homes or those wanting full independence may need 10+ kWh. Consider your evening usage and whether you have an EV.

Most lithium batteries last 10-15 years with warranties matching this. They degrade over time, typically losing around 2-3% capacity per year.