As the UK moves towards a greener, more energy efficient future, many homeowners are asking one crucial question “How can I get the most out of my solar panels?” The answer is simple, solar battery storage.
At SolarTherm UK, we believe a battery storage system is the smartest upgrade you can make to your solar panel system. While solar diverters, EV chargers and smart heating devices can save you money, a solar battery can help you gain energy independence and help you use more of your self-generated free electricity.
The Problem: Wasting Free Solar Energy
Your solar panels generate the most electricity during the sunniest part of the day, typically midday to mid-afternoon, often when most people are out the house. Most Essex and Kent homes’ peak demand is early morning and in the evening, when you’re cooking, using lighting, watching TV and charging your devices.
Without a solar battery any excess electricity you generate throughout the day is automatically exported back to the grid. While the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) ensures you get payment for this, the exported energy is generally worth far less than what you pay to buy back electricity later in the day.
How a Solar Panel Battery Transforms Your Energy Use
A solar panel battery is a storage unit that seamlessly integrates with your solar PV system, storing daytime surplus for use when you need it most. Instead of exporting your surplus cheaply, your battery stores the excess electricity ready for use later in the evening when the sun goes down and your panels stop generating electricity. This allows you to run on free electricity, instead of importing expensive grid electricity.
Many modern batteries can be programmed to charge using cheap, off peak electricity from the grid (Octopus Go, Economy 7 or other time of use tariffs). This cheaper stored electricity can then be used to power your home during peak rate hours.
This transition can dramatically increase your solar self-consumption, the percentage of your own generated electricity that you actually use, often raising it from around 25% (without a battery) to over 80% when paired with battery storage.
The Financial Benefits: Will a Solar Panel Battery Save Me Money?
The answer is a resounding yes, while the initial upfront cost is an investment, the long term financial benefits for Essex and Kent homeowners are significant. By using your stored electricity during peak hours, you can reduce your reliance on expensive grid electricity, leading to substantial reductions in your electricity bills.
Since February 2024, the UK government has zero-rated VAT on standalone battery storage solutions, making the purchase more affordable. The typical payback for a battery is becoming shorter too as battery prices reduce. Depending on your energy use and size of the system, many homeowners are finding their battery system pays for itself within 10 years.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Battery for Your Home
Selecting the right battery depends on your household size and energy use. At SolarTherm UK, we help build your solar PV system and battery storage system tailored to your property. Our Voltsmile V10 and W1 solar batteries are modular and can be stacked to create the perfect storage for your solar PV system.
| Household Size | Recommended Battery Capacity | Key Consideration |
| Small / Low Use | 4–6 kWh | Good for covering core evening use. |
| Average UK Home | 7–10 kWh | Ideal for a typical 3-bedroom house to cover most evening demand. |
| Large / EV Owners | 10+ kWh | Necessary for high-consumption homes, electric vehicle charging, or heat pump usage. |
Ready to Maximise Your Solar Investment?
Don’t let your valuable solar energy go to waste. A solar panel battery is the most effective way to gain control of your energy bills, protect your home from rising electricity bills and commit to a sustainable lifestyle.
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.
