Solar battery storage for home solar panels.
What is a solar battery?
Solar batteries are just big ol’ rechargeable batteries for your home. They charge up during the day using your excess solar power (if you’re producing any). And because they’re connected up to your home, you can use the stored electricity when your solar panels aren’t making enough. That includes after dark, when you usually wouldn’t be getting any benefit from solar!
You can choose to add a solar battery to your choice of our solar panel installation packages, or we can integrate them into your existing solar panel system.
To help you get started, our team of solar and battery storage experts have put together this handy guide to choosing the right power storage solution for your needs.
Top benefits of solar battery storage.
Energy independence.
Become a strong, independent solar household. With solar battery storage, you can be less reliant on the grid - improving your energy security. Generating and storing your own electricity means you won’t be as affected by price changes in the energy market.
Cost savings.
Harnessing the sun's energy and storing it for later use can lead to cost savings in the long run. A 12 panel solar system, battery and tariff from us could see savings of up to £1,202 a year1 on your home's electricity bill. T&Cs apply.
Environmental benefits.
Solar panels are a renewable, low carbon source of electricity - helping you to reduce the carbon footprint of your home energy. In fact, the average home would save around a tonne of carbon every year by installing solar panels2 (exact savings vary by location).
Why choose battery storage from E.ON Next?
0% APR Finance.
Spread the cost of a home battery system with our range of flexible payment options, including interest-free finance.
Exclusive solar tariffs.
E.ON Next solar customers are eligible for our exclusive SEG tariffs. Add a battery to your solar package to unlock our top export rates.
A trusted provider.
All our solar packages come with MCS accredited installation from Which? Trusted Trader E.ON included as standard.
Peace of mind.
Your investment is protected with our 10 year warranty on battery storage products.
I already have solar panels. Can I still add a solar battery?
Absolutely! When adding a solar battery to existing solar panels, you’ll need to have separate batteries and photovoltaic inverters installed. This is because the battery must be connected on the AC (alternating current) side of the solar panel’s inverters - meaning it won’t pass through them. You may see this being called “AC connected” or “AC coupled”.
Your home uses AC electricity to power everything from your lights to your microwave. So, it’s important an inverter is added to your new battery system to change your battery power into usable electricity.
What does a solar inverter do?
The main purpose of a solar inverter is to change the DC electricity generated by your solar panels into the AC electricity used in your home. It will ensure your solar power current is synchronised with the grid. Many modern inverters also have useful monitoring features to help you understand how your panels are performing.
Solar inverters aren’t the same as charge controllers. A charge controller manages where your electricity goes, such as directing it into your solar battery. They are connected between your panels and your battery. Every solar battery installation should come with a charge controller, whether you are adding the battery to an existing solar installation or at the same time.
Can I add more storage to an existing solar battery system?
It may be possible to expand your current storage capacity by adding additional batteries to the system. However, it will depend on the manufacturer of your current battery storage.
As of June 2023, we only supply GivEnergy battery systems. We can add additional storage to any existing GivEnergy systems. If your solar battery is from a different manufacturer we could remove your current system and install a higher capacity GivEnergy system to expand your storage. However, we won’t be able to add another battery to your existing set-up.
How solar batteries work.
Solar panel batteries store the surplus energy produced during the day and release it for use when the sun is not shining. There are two main battery technologies currently used: lithium-ion and lead-acid. Both types are designed to handle the cyclic charging and discharging necessary for solar energy storage.
When sunlight hits a solar panel, the solar cells convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity flows to the inverter, where it is converted into alternating current (AC) suitable for powering household appliances and devices. If the electricity demand in your home is lower than what the solar panels generate, the excess DC electricity can be diverted to charge the battery.
During the night, when your home requires electricity, the solar battery discharges its stored energy to power your appliances and devices, allowing you to benefit from solar power even after sunset.
Types of solar batteries.
There are four different types of batteries that are currently used for solar battery storage. Although, they’re not all available (or suitable) for home use.
Lead-acid batteries. The original rechargeable batteries. They’re often cheaper than similar alternatives, but have a shorter lifespan and low energy density (meaning they can store less power for their size). Suitable for smaller solar setups with less excess power.
Lithium-ion batteries. A more recent rechargeable battery tech with improved energy density and efficiency. Their higher upfront costs are offset significantly by their longer lifespan, making them a popular choice. Suitable for all home solar systems (and most commercial).
Flow batteries. Flow batteries store energy by moving liquid electrolytes between two tanks to cause chemical reactions. They’re highly energy efficient but have low energy density, so they need a lot of space. They’re a good choice for large scale solar projects, but not suitable for homes.
Nickel-cadmium batteries. A battery tech with unique properties. Nickel-cadmium batteries can withstand high temperatures and are very durable, making them ideal for certain industrial uses. They’re not used in homes as they’re components are toxic and difficult to dispose of properly.
At E.ON Next, we recommend GivEnergy battery storage systems, which use lithium iron phosphate batteries (a type of lithium ion battery, also known as LiFePO4 or "LFP"). LFP is the safest lithium-ion chemistry commonly available, reducing the risk of “thermal runaway”.
All our solar battery installations come with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. Better yet, they’re built to last, with a very high lifespan. They’ll still run at a minimum of 70%-remaining capacity after more than 5,000 cycles.
Could a solar battery be right for you?
How big is your solar panel system?
Larger solar installations will generate more electricity, meaning you should have more excess to store. If you don’t generate much excess power a solar battery may not be the best investment.
When do you use your energy?
Solar panels generate power during the day, meaning you’ll get the most use out of your batteries after dark. If you mainly use electricity during the day, a solar battery may not add as much benefit for you.
Do you have a SEG tariff?
You can have both a solar battery and a SEG tariff, however you will need to prioritise which one your excess energy goes towards. If you can earn more per kWh from your SEG tariff than you pay for your electricity, then a solar battery is unlikely to save you money.
How much does a solar battery cost?
Already getting solar panels installed with us? Add a solar battery to your installation from just £3,014.
We have a range of different sized batteries to suit your installation - simply let us know how much storage capacity you require. If you’re not sure, our solar experts are happy to discuss your needs in detail at your consultation.
Looking to spread the cost of your solar battery?
Pay monthly with up to 3 years interest free credit, 0% APR, and no upfront payment required. We are a credit broker and not a lender.
Do I have to pay VAT on solar panels and solar batteries?
As of February 2024, standalone battery installations qualify for the zero rate of VAT. This is in addition to solar batteries installed as part of a solar panel installation, which already qualified for zero VAT.
Are there any solar grants or schemes available?
Yes, there are! The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme provides funding to Britain’s most vulnerable households for energy-efficient home improvements, including solar panels and batteries. To be eligible your home must have an EPC rating of D or below, and you must also meet one of the following criteria:
Receive one or more means tested benefits.
In receipt of child benefit (income thresholds apply).
Qualify under a Local Authority of supplier flex declaration.
If you think you could be eligible you can apply for ECO4 funding online.
Not eligible for ECO4? While there aren’t currently any other government grants to help cover the costs of solar installation, you can still benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The Smart Export Guarantee ensures you get paid for the excess solar power you generate and export back to the grid. Helping you earn a little extra back for the solar energy you don’t use. We have a range of great SEG tariffs available, so check ‘em out.
Explore the power of commercial solar battery storage.
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