Can I use solar panels with home energy storage?

Yes, you can use solar panels with home energy storage systems in the UK, and this combination is increasingly popular among homeowners and small business owners. Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, and a home energy storage system (a battery) stores any surplus energy produced so you can use it when the sun isn't shining, such as at night or during peak tariff periods. This setup helps maximise your use of renewable energy, reduce reliance on the grid, and cut electricity bills.

How solar panels and home energy storage work together

• Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which is used in your home or business immediately.
• Any excess electricity that your property does not use can be stored in a home battery storage system.
• When solar production is low or demand is high (e.g., at night), the stored energy powers your property instead of drawing electricity from the grid.
• This reduces your electricity import from the grid, saving money and lowering carbon emissions.

Integration with time-of-use tariffs

Time-of-use tariffs charge different rates depending on the time of day, typically cheaper rates during off-peak hours (like overnight) and more expensive during peak demand periods. When you combine home battery storage with solar panels under such tariffs, you can:

• Store solar energy during the day for use during peak pricing hours.
• If your battery isn't full, you can charge it from the grid during off-peak, cheaper periods.
• Use the stored energy during peak times to avoid expensive grid electricity, thereby maximising savings.

This smart energy management can be controlled manually or via software platforms that optimise when to store and use electricity based on your tariff and weather forecasts.

Benefits for UK homeowners and small businesses

• Cost savings: With rising grid electricity prices, storing your solar energy means you use less expensive power from the grid. Payback periods for batteries are improving thanks to high energy prices.
• Energy independence: Reduces reliance on the national grid and protects against power cuts by having your own stored energy.
• Environmental impact: Using more of your own renewable solar energy cuts carbon footprint.
• Government incentives: Battery storage installs are currently VAT-free in the UK, making investment more affordable.
• Efficient energy use: Systems like Powervault’s SMARTSTOR™ can save more money and energy, adapting to UK weather and tariff patterns.

Practical advice before installing

• Evaluate your current energy use: If you use most of your solar electricity during the day, a battery may not offer much benefit.
• Cost considerations: Battery systems start around £2,000. Consider how much you spend on electricity and potential savings. Rising grid costs make batteries more attractive.
• Home energy efficiency: Improving insulation and appliances reduces overall demand, making storage more effective.
• Choose accredited installers: Use MCS-accredited professionals for installation to ensure safety, quality, and eligibility for incentives.
• Size your system wisely: Batteries vary widely in capacity (from about 5kWh upwards). Select one that matches your consumption and solar output to avoid over- or under-sizing.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overestimating savings: Batteries are an investment; savings depend on consumption patterns and tariffs.
• Ignoring energy efficiency: Storing energy is less useful if your overall consumption is high and wasteful.
• Poor sizing: Too small a battery won’t store enough; too large may not be cost-effective.
• Not considering tariff structures: If you’re not on time-of-use tariffs, benefits of battery storage might be less, unless you have a large solar system.
• DIY installation without expertise: Solar and battery systems involve electrical work that must meet UK safety standards.

Real-world UK examples

• Many UK homeowners already combine solar panels with batteries, with about 43% of solar owners surveyed having added storage.
• Small businesses with variable operating hours benefit particularly well by shifting solar power use to evenings or peak tariff times.
• Companies like Powervault, Tesla Powerwall, and SunPower offer UK-compliant storage solutions with local support and smart control apps.
• Customers report savings up to 90% on parts of their electricity bill by using combined solar and battery systems with intelligent management software.

In summary, using solar panels with home energy storage is a proven, practical way for UK homeowners and small businesses to reduce energy bills, increase renewable energy use, and manage consumption more efficiently, especially when paired with time-of-use tariffs. Planning, correct sizing, and professional installation are key to maximising these benefits.