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Are you considering switching to renewable energy? Using solar power to reduce place your dependence on the grid comes with lots of benefits, from reducing your carbon footprint to massive cost savings. But this amazing investment decision should be studied well before committing to it.
Many people might be confused about the actual price of a solar battery, the types of batteries available, and all the associated costs included in the installation process.
But don’t worry because, by the end of this guide, you’ll have an accurate estimate of how much you’ll pay to have your solar battery installed and running. So, let’s run through the factors affecting solar battery pricing together.
As you consider installing solar batteries, the question regarding the overall price becomes critical. The price of solar batteries is affected by several factors, including the battery’s type, capacity, lifespan, and installation costs. This section will break down these factors in detail.
The type of solar battery is the first and main factor affecting its price. There are two types on the market – lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries. Each type has different features and comes with different advantages and drawbacks.
Lithium-ion batteries are highly efficient and have a longer lifespan. However, they’re more expensive to make, so they cost more than lead-acid batteries.
They have a higher upfront cost, but at the same time, the replacement cost of solar batteries is less. Large lithium-ion batteries of 20 kWh can cost between £10,000 and £12,500.
Lead-acid batteries cost less to buy, starting at £3,500. However, they’re less efficient and require more maintenance. In the long run, you’ll have to be prepared for higher replacement and maintenance costs than lithium-ion batteries.
This refers to the storage capacity of the solar battery and it’s measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh. As expected, the higher the battery capacity, the higher the price. A battery with a higher capacity will be more cost-efficient in the long run, so you should be careful to select a solar battery that suits your household needs.
Installing solar panels with battery storage can offset some costs and guarantee a continuous power supply during low sunlight periods and power outages. Moreover, batteries make energy consumption more flexible, allowing you to store energy when not used.
This is the energy available for use before the battery should be recharged. This is affected by the depth of discharge or DoD, or the amount of discharged capacity from a fully-charged battery divided by the nominal capacity.
UK solar panel prices 2024 state that the average installation cost for a three-bedroom home is equal to £7,000. However, this cost depends on whether the solar battery is installed with new solar panels or fitted into an existing system.
Nevertheless, thanks to the extension of the 0% VAT policy for standalone solar batteries until 2027, it’s becoming affordable for homeowners to invest in solar energy storage.
The inverter is a must as it converts the DC energy into usable AC energy. Some batteries come with a built-in inverter but in some cases, the inverter has to be a separate purchase, adding to the overall solar battery storage system cost.
This system protects the battery’s voltage, temperature, and current, extending its life and guaranteeing efficient performance. It costs about £200.
Safety components like the battery’s enclosure, fire suppression systems, and other safety features protect against potential hazards.
All the wiring and installation should be suitable for the battery and compliant. Installers’ costs depend on the complexity of the installation, size of the system, location, and labour rates.
Considering the lifespan and solar panels warranty can significantly impact the solar battery’s cost. Typically, a battery with a longer lifespan and more comprehensive warranty will cost more, as it provides long-term value.
Longer warranties on the battery, extending beyond a decade (like the one offered at Soly) show the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
Most battery warranties in the UK last for 10 years. Soly offers an industry-leading 15-year warranty, using the most advanced technology from Enphase.
During the product’s lifespan, Soly also offers a performance guarantee. Soly offers an industry-leading 25-year performance guarantee, ensuring the system maintains a certain efficiency level.
If the solar panel’s performance falls below this level, Soly will repair or replace your system, with no extra charges. Soly also offers a 10-year workmanship warranty on installation.
The solar panel battery cost can be broken down into different segments. This section will help you understand them.
Here are some real-life examples.
A typical 5 kWh battery system is enough to power a three-bedroom house when paired with a suitable solar panel array. Small batteries can cost between £3,500 and £5,000. Here’s the breakdown of costs you might expect.
| Component | Cost |
| Battery | £4,500 |
| Inverter | £800 |
| Installation | £2,500 |
| Total Cost | £7,800 |
In remote areas or regions that experience regular power outages, a 10 kWh lithium-ion battery will be a better option as it produces 30 kWh daily. This system can run a house for up to 24 hours, eliminating your dependence on the main grid. The average price of this battery is between £5,000 and £7,500.
| Component | Cost |
| Battery | £6,500 |
| Inverter | £1,000 |
| Installation | £3,000 |
| Total Cost | £10,500 |
People find an investment in a solar battery attractive because of the potential savings. This setup can result in massive reductions in your energy bills, to the point of eliminating them.
But that’s not all. You can also store the energy produced by your systems during peak hours and export it back to the main grid.
In one case study of a 10 kWh battery system with a conservative self-consumption of 70%, you could be saving up to £800 annually.
Over the lifespan of 25 years, you could save £20,000 to £25,000 in bills. In this case, the system has an ROI of 100% to 125% over its total lifespan. However, this case doesn’t take any tax credits or government incentives into consideration. This means that you could potentially save more.
The solar energy market is one of the fastest-evolving in the world. As the globe is shifting towards renewable energy, technological advancements improve efficiency and reduce the costs of system components.
This section will help you understand the latest trends in the industry, allowing you to make an informed decision before investing in solar energy storage.
As expected, the prices of solar batteries have been declining over the past few years. Accordingly, the overall cost of battery storage systems has decreased.
This happens as more people shift towards solar energy usage, creating an opportunity for more service providers and manufacturers. As the market grows and competition increases, experts expect this trend will continue as technology improves.
When the production technology improves, manufacturers become able to produce more efficient and affordable solar batteries. New developments, such as solid-state batteries, are expected to improve performance and reduce maintenance costs, affecting the overall price of batteries.
It doesn’t stop here. Technological advancements also result in faster charging times, higher energy capacities, and improved efficiency. These factors guarantee excellent performance without worrying about additional replacement costs.
For example, lead-acid batteries impose an additional replacement cost that should be endured every five years. However, lithium-ion batteries can last for up to 15 years. We expect to have longer-lasting batteries in the future.
Investing in a solar battery is an important decision that affects your expenses for years. This section will walk you through the entire process, from assessing your energy needs to suggesting the right battery setup that works for your property.
How many solar panels do I need?
Determining how many solar panels and batteries you need depends on several factors. These include your property’s size, household setup, number of family members, energy usage, location, and so much more.
Soly’s experts will be able to assess your energy consumption via an online consultation. They will determine the number of solar panels and batteries needed for your household, given the average sun exposure in your area through a solar panel roof scan.
At Soly, our Solar experts make the process easier by using the Solar Configurator.
Enter your address into this tool, and then it will walk you through some questions about your roof and its orientation, and annual energy bills.
The tool will give an estimate of the recommended number of panels needed to cover your consumption, in addition to the estimated price, payback period, potential solar energy yield, and savings per year.
After entering your data into our Solar Configurator, you’ll receive an initial proposal and can chat with Soly’s solar experts for a no-obligation quote.
We recommend you get multiple quotes from different installers and check their contract and warranty terms to choose what works best for you. Comparing prices will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best value for your investment.
So, how much does a solar battery cost? There are different types of batteries that might work for your solar system setup.
After receiving a quote, you can chat with one of Soly’s helpful consultants who will offer more information about your battery setup. Soly’s informative, friendly, and professional experts will provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision. This includes choosing the right battery.
Our experts will tell you about the price, pros, and cons of each type to help you decide on the right one. Then, you’ll receive a final tailored offer that works for you. Now it’s time to schedule a visit and have your solar system installed.
At Soly, our experts can install both panels and batteries. Understanding the steps involved in the installation process ensures a smooth and successful installation. In most cases, experts can install your system in a single day after properly preparing the site.
However, in some cases, there could be some work done to your roof to ensure an operating system that works with no issues. Since you work with professionals, they’ll follow up with the installation to ensure everything functions properly. They’ll also tell you what to do if you notice something off with your system.
What is the ROI on my battery system?
Evaluating the potential savings and ROI helps you pick the right battery for your household and energy needs. Every battery type and solar system configuration offers different financial benefits that offset its initial upfront cost.
Use Soly’s Online Solar Configurator to understand the system’s expected ROI and payback period. As mentioned in our case study above, most systems have an ROI of 100% to 125% for their lifespan.
Solar batteries provide financial benefits through energy savings by storing excess energy and using it at peak hours when electricity rates are higher. With the right system, you can entirely depend on solar power and eventually eliminate energy expenses.
But that’s not all. A solar battery allows you to store the excess energy you don’t use to power your property and export it back to the grid.
A typical home can save approximately £582 annually from a solar-plus-storage system. However, your actual savings depend mainly on the type of your battery, its efficiency, and the efficiency of the whole solar system.
The upfront cost is probably the main obstacle people consider when thinking about switching to solar energy. Nevertheless, several government incentives can make this investment more feasible.
As mentioned above, in 2024, the UK government extended the 0% VAT policy for standalone solar batteries until 2027, making it more affordable for homeowners to invest in solar energy storage. Other incentives include government grants and special loans to help people invest in solar energy.
Determining the payback period for a solar system depends on several factors. These include the system’s upfront cost, the savings it provides, and the incentives.
For example, if you can export excess energy to the grid, adding a 5 kW solar battery price to the overall cost will be a smart decision because you can save more money in the long run.
In addition to the potential financial benefits of buying a solar battery, you should also consider its environmental impact. Solar batteries contribute to reducing your carbon footprint by decreasing your dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar batteries save excess electric energy produced from a sustainable source to be used whenever needed and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
These batteries improve the solar system’s efficiency, ensuring no electricity will go to waste. They guarantee you’ll always have access to renewable energy even on cloudy days and at night.
Thanks to solar batteries, you can become energy-independent. You rely less on the main grid and can avoid supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Moreover, by relying on the energy you produce, you’ll have more control over your energy usage and spending.
Solar batteries store the energy produced, allowing you to use it during peak hours when energy prices are higher. You can also use this energy when access to sunlight is limited because of the weather or time of the day.
This in return, reduces the pressure on the main grid. During power outages and disruptions, solar batteries help households and businesses remain operational and functional because they don’t rely on the main grid. This is specifically crucial for people who live in rural areas where power disruptions are more common.
Understanding the sustainability of solar batteries is directly linked to the efficiency of your system. If your system has an efficiency between 30% and 50% without a battery, you can use it to provide power when the system can’t produce electricity. Installing the battery automatically increases your system’s efficiency to reach between 60% and 80%.
With more demand for solar systems, we expect to see more technological advancements in the solar battery industry. It’s crucial to stay informed about the newest trends in the market to choose the best battery for your needs.
The latest battery technologies optimise their performance and efficiency and reduce overall costs. For example, solid-state batteries will revolutionise the solar battery market as they’re better.
Normal lithium-ion solar batteries have an energy density of 250 Wh/kg, compared to 400 Wh/kg for solid-state batteries. This means that for the same weight, solid-state batteries can store more energy.
Modern solar batteries can be integrated with your smart home system, not just your solar system. Smart home systems allow you to monitor and control the battery operation.
For example, these systems allow for remote monitoring, automated energy usage, and smart grid integration for more control and efficiency.
Proper installation and maintenance of your solar battery are crucial for maximising its performance. They can also help extend its lifespan.
However, there are a few factors to consider when thinking about installing or maintaining your solar battery. This section will shed light on them.
Professional installation is the way to go to ensure fast and flawless installation.
Trained installers will perform the job safely and correctly, eliminating risks of poor installation that might manifest after a while. They can also teach you about proper maintenance to help you address any issues before they worsen.
You can check how Jon’s Enphase system was installed to see how this will work for you.
Solar batteries usually last for years but aren’t immune to operational issues. However, these issues can be minimised, even avoided, when you schedule and perform regular maintenance.
Professional maintenance involves inspection, cleaning the terminals, checking all the connections are tight, and performing regular checks to ensure the battery operates properly.
As a homeowner, you can do a few things to ensure your solar battery is operating well. DIY maintenance is more affordable but should be reserved for simple tasks.
You can always dust the battery terminals using a special battery terminal cleaner brush to dislodge any debris that might affect its function. You should also keep an eye on the depth of charge and see if your battery is charging well.
This will allow you to schedule a maintenance appointment to fix the battery before it fails. Leave the other maintenance tasks to the professionals, as you don’t want to ruin the battery.
As you consider installing a solar battery, you could be wondering about real-life installations. This section will highlight case studies and real-life examples to provide practical insights into the benefits and challenges of solar system installations.
A homeowner in Scotland decided to install solar panels to power his property. He also installed a solar battery to store the excess energy.
These two decisions provided him with significant financial benefits as he was able to stop depending on the grid. Moreover, he was able to make money from exporting the excess energy while reducing his carbon footprint.
Gordon’s well-researched solar project is a clear example of how Soly focuses on customer satisfaction. This explains why Soly has an Excellent rating on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars on Google.
This is one example of how satisfied Soly’s customers are, as the company hires capable and trained professionals, who are ready to answer questions and handle issues. Everything is in place to make the process as smooth as possible, from the no-commitment consultation to installing and maintaining the best products on the market.
Understanding the solar energy market trends is crucial, as they will affect your decision to invest in solar batteries. This section will explore the expected growth and upcoming industry trends.
Home batteries are a relatively new part of this trend, with the total number installed surging past 10,000 – half of which were in 2023.
The solar battery market is expected to grow significantly due to the increased demand. Moreover, the decreasing costs create more opportunities for people previously challenged by the upfront cost. These growth opportunities allow homeowners to invest in more affordable and efficient solar batteries.
As the technology improves, we expect to see more efficient and affordable solar batteries. Technological advancements will reduce the cost of solar batteries and boost their performance, making them more efficient.
For example, solid-state batteries can store more energy and charge faster, improving the overall efficiency of the system. On the other hand, more batteries are currently designed to be integrated with smart home systems.
By wrapping up this We hope this guide will help you make an informed decision regarding investing in solar batteries using the information we provided. To wrap up, let’s recap the key takeaways.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from this guide.
Before you purchase a solar battery, consider the following.
Solar batteries represent a valuable addition to your solar system. From providing financial savings to their environmental impact, investing in a solar battery system is a worthy decision. However, it’s crucial to understand the factors that affect the battery’s cost and the potential savings before committing to the investment.
Be sure to check out Soly UK to view our wide range of solar batteries and find the best deals. We’re known for our top-notch solar panels and batteries, along with industry-leading product performance guarantees. Need a quick quote? Try our Online Solar Configurator or book a free, no obligation virtual consultation with our Solar Experts to get personalised recommendations for your home.
