With rising energy costs and growing interest in renewable solutions, more UK homeowners are investing in solar panels and pairing them with solar battery storage. One question we’re faced with at SolarTherm UK is ‘Where should the battery be installed?’
Choosing the right location for your battery isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety, lifespan and the efficiency of your solar system. This article will explore the best places to install your battery and key considerations to keep in mind.
Health and Safety
Probably the most important consideration is health and safety when deciding where to install your solar battery. While all batteries we install at SolarTherm UK have passed all safety checks and adhere to UK safety standards, a battery always carries some risk.
Guidelines issued by the British Standards Institution have set out that ideally a solar battery should be located outside, if this is not possible, your battery should be in a well-ventilated area away from accelerants, fire exits and escape routes.
At SolarTherm UK we install our wall-mounted Voltsmile W1 batteries outside on an external wall and the V10 modular batteries in a garage or utility room that is well ventilated.
Ease of Access
It is generally accepted that batteries should not be installed in loft areas, not just due to health and safety but because a solar battery can be heavy and access to loft areas is usually difficult – through small loft hatches or up ladders.
Your solar battery also needs to be accessible for upgrades and maintenance. Having your battery installed where there is limited access can cause delays to repair work being carried out or additional costs.
Temperature Control and Ventilation
A solar battery works best in cool temperatures, so installation in a loft will affect efficiency as a loft can get extremely hot in the summer months. Fluctuating temperatures will also affect the lifespan of your solar battery. Your solar battery needs to be installed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating and maintain optimum operating conditions. Keeping your battery in ideal conditions will keep your battery working to its full potential for longer and prevent costly repairs or replacements.
Where is Best to Install a Solar Battery
At SolarTherm UK, we carry out an on-site survey during the design phase to ensure we are installing the correct system for your property. Part of the survey is identifying the ideal location for your battery storage.
A garage or utility room is ideal for indoor battery systems such as our Voltsmile V10 modular batteries. Both locations provide space for ventilation and ease of access for installation and maintenance and usually have electrical wiring in place.
The Voltsmile W1 wall-mounted battery is perfect for outside installation on an external wall. They are designed for outside use and have a high IP rating, meaning they are protected from water ingress and dust and debris damage in most UK weather conditions. An external battery system is perfect if you have limited indoor space available.
While there are currently no official restrictions on installing solar battery storage in loft spaces or under-stair cupboards, at SolarTherm UK we generally avoid these locations. These areas often lack proper temperature regulation and ventilation, which can reduce the efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your battery. For optimal performance and longevity, we recommend installing solar batteries in well-ventilated, temperature-stable areas such as utility rooms or garages.
Ready to Add Battery Storage to Your Solar Setup?
Adding solar battery storage to an existing solar PV system or including it as part of your solar installation is a smart way to maximise your solar investment and reduce reliance on the grid. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade your existing system, SolarTherm UK can help you choose the best location and set up for your property.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free bespoke solar design package, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
