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Solar Battery Price in the UK: Complete 2024 Cost Guide

Did you know the benefits of pairing solar batteries with solar panels? Using the best solar battery storage systems in the UK to reduce electricity bills and store excess energy has become the choice of more and more households, but it does not stop at just saving energy costs. Solar batteries offer the possibility of achieving self-sufficiency, especially for households with off-grid solar systems, allowing them to operate independently even without grid support.

How Much Does a Solar Battery Cost in the UK?

In the UK, the price of a solar battery ranges from £3,500 to £10,000. The cost depends on the size of your solar system and the battery capacity needed. For example, pairing a 4kW solar system with a battery for a three-bedroom house could set you back between £13,000 and £15,500. On the other hand, a 5kW system with a battery might cost around £16,500 to £18,500. The bigger the system, the steeper the price.

Below is a table breaking down the expected costs when combining a solar system with a battery:

Solar Panel SystemRequired Solar Battery CapacitySolar Battery CostSolar Panel System CostTotal Cost (with Battery)
2kW4 – 5 kWh£3,500 – £5,000£2,500 – £3,500£6,000 – £8,500
3kW6 – 7 kWh£5,000 – £8,000£4,500 – £5,500£9,500 – £13,500
4kW9 – 10 kWh£8,000 – £9,500£5,000 – £6,000£13,000 – £15,500
5kW11 – 12 kWh£9,000 – £10,000£7,500 – £8,500£16,500 – £18,500
6kW13 – 14 kWh£10,000+£9,500 – £10,500£19,500 – £20,500

As solar panels become more common and prices fall in the UK, solar battery costs are expected to drop over time. This is because solar batteries work hand-in-hand with panels to store excess energy produced during the day, ready for use at night or when the sun hides away.

Related:Solar Energy Pros And Cons: What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages?

What Factors Influence Solar Battery Costs?

Battery Type

solar power generator on sales

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type on the market today. They have a high depth of discharge (70% to 90%), meaning you can use more of the stored energy. They also last longer, with over 4,000 charge cycles. While the initial cost is higher, their durability makes them a good long-term investment. Lead-acid batteries are an older, cheaper option. They have a lower depth of discharge (around 50%) and a shorter lifespan, usually 1,500 to 2,000 cycles. While they cost less upfront, you may need to replace them more often.

Usable Capacity (kWh)Estimated Solar Battery Price (£)
3 – 4 kWh£1,500 – £3,000
4 – 7 kWh£2,500 – £4,500
7 – 9 kWh£4,500 – £6,000
9 – 13.5 kWh£7,000 – £10,000

Battery Capacity

This is the total energy a solar battery can store, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, a 4kWh solar battery can store enough energy for basic nighttime use in a typical home. Not all stored energy can be used. The depth of discharge (DoD) determines how much you can use without harming the solar battery. Lithium-ion solar batteries have a higher DoD, so their usable capacity is greater.

Brand and Model

Big names like Tesla and LG cost more but often come with better quality and customer support. New brands might be cheaper but require careful research to ensure reliability. Even within the same brand, models vary in features and price. Some are built for more capacity and longer life, while others are better for smaller homes or tight budgets.

Battery Lifespan

Lifespan is measured by cycles—how many full charge and discharge cycles a solar battery can handle. More cycles mean a longer-lasting battery. Since solar panels last around 25 years, a long-lasting solar battery can reduce replacement costs. Cheaper solar batteries with shorter lifespans may need replacing, leading to higher costs over time compared to one long-lasting investment.

Installation Costs

Costs vary based on solar battery size and complexity. Larger or specialized solar batteries may cost more to install. Installing a battery with solar panels can save money because you only pay for labor once. If your solar battery needs a special inverter, installing everything together can avoid extra costs.

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

How Much Will I Save With A Solar Battery?

While the upfront cost of solar batteries may seem high, it’s important to think about the benefits of pairing them with your solar panel system. Doing so can greatly cut your energy bills, provide backup power during emergencies, boost energy independence, and make you eligible for various solar incentives.

Solar batteries let homeowners store excess energy during low-demand periods. This helps reduce reliance on the grid during peak energy prices and improves energy management. In the long run, this means lower energy costs.

House SizeSolar Panel SystemAnnual Savings Including SEG Payment
1-2 bedrooms2-3kW£440
2-3 bedrooms3-4kW£660
4-5 bedrooms6kW£1,005

What Solar Battery Grants Are Available in the UK?

Installing solar panels with battery storage in the UK can be costly, but there are grants and incentives to help lower expenses. Here are the main options for making solar batteries more affordable:

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

Launched in January 2020, the Smart Export Guarantee lets homeowners earn money by sending surplus solar energy back to the grid. Rates vary by provider, ranging from 1p to 20p per kWh. For example, if your rate is 5.5p per kWh, a 4kW system on a typical three-bedroom house could save you about £700 per year. Be sure to check with your energy provider to confirm if exported stored energy is allowed and what the current rate is.

0% VAT Incentive

Starting from February 1, 2024, the UK government expanded the 0% VAT policy to include solar battery storage. This applies to new installations of solar panels with batteries, retrofitted batteries into existing systems, and standalone battery systems connected to the grid. Before this, VAT relief only applied to batteries installed alongside new panels.

With this incentive, homeowners can save a significant amount. For instance, purchasing a 3kWh battery before March 31, 2027, could save you between £1,500 and £2,300. For a 6kWh battery, the savings might be between £3,900 and £4,100. This policy makes solar batteries more accessible and affordable. After March 31, 2027, the VAT rate is set to return to 5%. Buying and installing before this date is the most cost-effective choice.

Home Energy Scotland Loan

In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland Loan offers interest-free loans to help finance energy-saving improvements, including solar panels and batteries. Homeowners can apply for up to £6,000 for a solar PV system and up to £5,000 for a battery system. Repayment terms range from 5 to 10 years, depending on the project.

This loan aims to ease upfront costs and support sustainable energy upgrades. To check your eligibility, visit the Home Energy Scotland website for more details.

Solar batteries

Summary of Grants and Incentives

Grant/IncentiveDurationPotential Savings
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)January 1, 2020 – (Ongoing)1p to 20p per kWh
0% VATFebruary 1, 2024 – March 31, 2027Save £1,500 to £4,100 per battery
Home Energy Scotland Loan2008 – (Ongoing)Covers up to 75% of installation costs

Is a Solar Battery Worth it for UK homes?

Yes, solar batteries are a smart investment. Their main benefit is the ability to store excess energy during sunny hours for use at night or during bad weather, cutting down on dependence on the grid. For families wanting to lower peak electricity costs and boost energy independence, solar batteries are the perfect choice.

While the upfront cost can be high, with a 4kW system costing between £13,000 and £15,500, annual savings of £440 to £1,005 make it worthwhile. This means a payback period of 8 to 10 years. Plus, government incentives like 0% VAT and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) can ease initial expenses.

Installing a solar battery also gives you peace of mind. It keeps your home powered during outages and makes your energy use more flexible. Choosing the right product and planning well is key to getting the most out of your investment.

FAQ

How much does a solar battery cost in the UK?

In the UK, a solar battery usually costs between £2,500 and £9,500. The price depends on the solar battery’s capacity, type, and brand.

How much is a 5kW solar battery?

A 5kW solar battery system typically costs between £9,000 and £10,000. The cost varies based on the battery’s capacity and whether the system is direct current (DC)-coupled or alternating current (AC)-coupled.

How much does it cost to add a battery to a solar system?

Adding a solar battery to an existing solar system usually costs £600 to £1,000 per day for installation. The final cost depends on the installation’s complexity and the type of battery.

How much is a 10kW solar battery?

A 10kW solar battery system costs around £10,000 to £11,000. To offset these upfront costs, you can use incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the 0% VAT scheme.

ASGOFT Solar Batteries

ASGOFT Solar Batteries offer reliable, high-performance energy storage solutions for homes and businesses.

ASGOFT provides a comprehensive range of solar battery solutions, including all-in-one inverter solar batterieshome solar batteries, commercial and industrial solar storage systemsportable outdoor solar batteries, and Deye Inverter.

To learn more about the compatibility of ASGOFT solar batteries with your commercial or residential solar panel system, contact us today.

  

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