Batteries

Home energy storage systems, commonly known as home batteries, allow you to store electricity for use at a later time. They are most frequently used alongside solar PV panels to store excess energy generated during the day, but they can also be used independently to take advantage of cheap off-peak electricity from the grid.

By installing a battery, you can significantly increase the amount of renewable energy you use in your home, reduce your reliance on the national grid, and protect yourself against rising energy prices.

How home batteries work

A home battery system captures electricity (either from your solar panels or from the grid) and stores it in chemical form. When your home needs power—such as in the evening when your solar panels aren’t generating—the battery converts that stored energy back into electricity to power your lights, appliances, and heating.

Most modern home batteries are “lithium-ion” systems, similar to the technology found in smartphones and electric vehicles, but scaled up for home use.

Why install a battery?

  • Maximise solar usage: Instead of exporting your excess solar power to the grid for a low rate, you can store it and use it yourself, saving you from buying expensive power later.
  • Lower energy bills: Use stored energy during “peak” times when grid electricity is most expensive.
  • Energy independence: Reduce your reliance on energy suppliers and gain more control over where your power comes from.
  • Grid support: Smart batteries can help balance the national grid by storing energy when demand is low and discharging it when demand is high.

Smart Tariffs: To get the best value from a battery, we recommend switching to a Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff. These allow you to charge your battery from the grid at very low rates (often overnight) to use during the day.

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