Home batteries
Battery storage quotes for Manchester homes
A home battery keeps the power your panels make in the day for the evening, when most of us are home with the oven, the telly and the kettle on.
Why would you want a battery?
Rooftop panels make most of their power in the middle of the day. Without a battery, whatever you don't use then goes out to the grid. With one, it waits for you.
Some batteries can also charge from the grid overnight on a cheaper tariff, then run the house at busier times. How much that's worth depends on your tariff and how you use electricity.
Should it go in with new panels or be added later?
Together
One visit and one lot of electrical work. The installer sizes the panels and battery to suit each other, and can use one inverter for both. If you think you'll want a battery, this is usually the tidier way.
Later
Adding a battery to panels you already have is possible on many systems. The installer will look at your inverter and wiring, and tell you what would work with it.
Where does a battery fit in a terraced house?
Installers follow current fire safety guidance on where a battery can go, and that rules out some spots, like the hallway you'd use to get out in an emergency.
In a terrace, that often means an outside wall in the back yard or an outbuilding. Batteries are about the size of a slim radiator or a small suitcase, so they don't take much room. The installer will tell you what's allowed in your house at the survey.
Can a battery work without panels?
Yes. A battery on its own can charge on a cheaper overnight rate and run the house at busier, dearer times. Whether it pays for itself depends on your tariff and how much you use at those times. Ask the installer to show you the sums for your house.
On the quote request, choose "A battery on its own, no panels".
How big a battery do I need?
It depends on how much electricity you use in the evening and how big your panel system is. The installer will suggest a size. Compare the usable capacity in kWh, not just the headline figure.
Can I add a battery to a plug-in solar kit?
No. The rules for plug-in solar say those kits must never be used with a home battery. The batteries on this page are for rooftop systems, or on their own.
Will a battery keep my lights on in a power cut?
Some can, if they're set up with a backup supply, and many aren't. If that matters to you, say so on your request and ask the installer to put it in writing.