Now we’re in the midst of winter, households are facing rising energy costs, shorter daylight hours and an increased risk of grid instability. For homes with solar PV systems, adding battery storage is one of the most effective ways to optimise energy usage and maintain resilience during the most demanding season of the year. Below are five compelling reasons to invest in a battery storage solution before winter peaks.
Take Advantage of Time of Use Tariffs
Electricity suppliers are increasingly adopting time of use tariffs, where prices fluctuate depending on grid demand. In winter, peak time rates can be significantly higher. Battery storage enables you to charge your battery during low cost, off peak periods (usually overnight) and draw from your battery during expensive peak hours.
This reduces your exposure to unpredictable winter tariff spikes if you aren’t on a fixed rate plan. For many homeowners, this results in meaningful reductions in monthly energy bills, especially during the colder months when consumption increases.
Improve Resilience During Power Outages
Winter brings with it bad weather and stormy conditions, placing substantial stress on the UK grid, increasing the likelihood of power disruptions. A battery with backup capability provides seamless power to essential sockets, keeping you connected with power from your battery even when the grid is down. Depending on the level of Emergency Power Supply (EPS), you can power a single socket, essential circuits or full house backup, giving you additional peace of mind to know your home remains operational even during extended outages. This level of resilience is particularly valuable for households in rural or weather vulnerable areas.
Maximise Self-Consumption of Solar Energy
Shorter winter days mean solar systems generate less energy, making it even more important to use every available kilowatt effectively. Without storage, much of the daytime generation is exported to the grid at low rates and bought back later and significantly higher prices. Battery storage allows you to capture surplus solar energy that would otherwise be exported and use it when you need it most. With battery storage you achieve a greater energy independence, even with the reduced winter sunlight. Households see a substantial increase in self-consumption percentages once storage is added.
Reduce Carbon Emissions Year Round
As winter electricity demand rises, the grid often relies on less efficient or carbon intensive generation sources. By storing solar power and managing your usage through a battery system, you reduce reliance on fossil fuel heavy peak demand periods.
Battery storage supports a more sustainable energy profile by prioritising renewable energy use within the home and lowering overall grid demand at critical times. This is an effective step for homeowners committed to a low carbon and sustainable lifestyle.
Future Proof Your Home Against Energy Market Volatility
Energy pricing continues to fluctuate and regulatory changes are expected as the UK transitions to a smarter grid. This grid upgrades will need to be financed and the cost is passed onto consumers in the style of higher energy bills. Battery systems offer a buffer against uncertainty by enabling flexible energy usage strategies. Battery storage is compatible with smart tariffs, allowing your to purchase cheaper off peak electricity for use during expensive peak periods. Battery storage also allows you to use more of your free electricity generated by your solar panels instead of purchasing expensive grid electricity. Investing in battery storage now positions your home to benefit from upcoming innovations in distributed energy management.
Summary
Adding battery storage during the winter months provides both immediate and long term advantages. From reducing energy bills under time of use pricing to ensuring your home remains powered during outages and significantly increasing self-consumption. Battery systems are becoming an essential component of a modern, resilient and cost effective home energy strategy.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
