With rising energy bills and more homeowners switching to renewable energy, the question keeps coming up: are solar panels and a battery worth it?
Short answer: in most cases, yes. But it depends on your energy usage, roof space, and how much of your power you want to control.
Let’s break it down.
Â
The Problem with Standard Solar Panels
Solar panels generate electricity during the day—but your home might not always need it then.
Without a battery, that excess energy gets sent back to the grid. You’ll earn a small payment through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), but it’s nowhere near what you pay to buy energy back later in the evening.
Â
What a Battery Actually Does
A solar battery stores unused electricity during the day so you can use it in the evening or during peak times.
- Use more of your own energy
- Reduce reliance on the grid
- Avoid paying peak-time rates
Maintain backup power during outages (with hybrid systems)
Are Solar Batteries Worth It in the UK?
Here’s when a battery is usually worth it:
- You’re home in the evenings and use energy after sunset
- You have high usage (e.g. EV charger, heat pump, hot tub)
- You want energy independence
- You’re on a variable or time-of-use tariff
- You want to protect against blackouts or rising costs
A battery might not be worth it if:
- You use very little electricity
- You’re on a fixed low-rate tariff
- You live in a flat or space-restricted home
Â
Solar Panels + Battery = Bigger Savings
A good solar panel system already reduces your bills.
But pairing it with a battery increases self-consumption—the amount of solar energy you actually use.
Typical breakdowns:
- Solar panels only: 25–40% self-consumption
- Solar + battery: 60–85% self-consumption
That means you’re buying much less from the grid.
Real ROI Example
Let’s say your solar system generates 4,500 kWh per year.
- Without a battery: you use 1,500 kWh and export 3,000 kWh
- With a battery: you use 3,800 kWh and export just 700 kWh
Â
At 30p/kWh grid cost, that’s up to £600+ more saved annually.
Over 10 years, the battery could pay for itself—especially as energy prices rise.
Â
Do Solar Batteries Work in Winter?
Yes, but output is lower. Batteries still help you store what little sun you get and maximise your usage.
In summer, your battery fills up early in the day. In winter, it may only top up partially—but you still benefit from stored solar power when it’s most expensive to buy from the grid.
Â
Added Bonus: Backup Power
Some batteries (like the Tesla Powerwall or Fox ESS Hybrid) offer backup functionality. If there’s a power cut, your essential circuits can stay running.
This is especially useful in rural areas or homes with medical equipment or security systems.
Â
How Long Do Solar Batteries Last?
Most solar batteries come with 10–15 year warranties and can last longer depending on the brand and how often they cycle.
Heatforce supplies long-lifespan models with dependable support.
Â
What About Cost?
- Solar panels: from £5,000–£8,000
- Solar battery (5–10 kWh): £3,500–£7,000
- Combined system: often discounted when installed together
Â
Finance options are available to spread the cost. Get in touch to discuss our full range of options.
Read how a customer of ours saved over £174 on his energy bills with solar panels in just 3 months!
Are Solar Panels and a Battery worth it?
If your energy usage is medium to high, or you want energy independence and protection from future price rises—a solar battery is likely worth it.
But every home is different. That’s why we always start with a custom solar quote and energy assessment.
Ready to go solar?
FAQs – Are Solar Panels and Battery Worth It?
Yes, solar panels work fine without a battery, but you’ll export more to the grid and use less of your own energy.
Savings vary, but most households reduce bills by 50–80% depending on usage and battery size.
It’s cheaper to install them together, but you can add a battery later if needed.
That depends on your usage. 5–10 kWh is typical for a 3-bedroom home. We help you choose the right size.
Yes. If your battery is full, excess energy still goes to the grid under the SEG scheme.
Yes, but they store whatever energy your panels generate. On cloudy days, less power is stored.
Yes. It increases use of your own solar energy and reduces reliance on fossil-fuel-powered grid electricity.
Only if you have a hybrid battery system with backup functionality (not all do).
Yes. Most come with 10–15 year warranties. Heatforce also offers workmanship cover.
We install trusted brands like Fox ESS, SolarEdge, and Tesla for performance and longevity.
