Solar battery storage costs in 2025

With energy prices rising, it’s no wonder solar battery storage systems are becoming more in demand. Many homeowners are wising up to storing their excess solar energy, rather than it funnelling back to the grid.

But with battery prices varying from £4,000 for an entry-level 4kWh right up to a whopping £12,000 for a 16kWh model, choosing the right system for your home is vital.

Here, we break down the latest solar battery system costs in the UK and help you choose the correct size solar battery for your home’s energy usage.

We also share advice on finding a certified solar battery installer using our free search directory.

Overview of solar battery storage systems

Simply put, solar battery storage systems allow you to store electricity generated from the sun via your solar panels to use in the evening or at a later date. This allows you to use the electricity you generate, meaning you have less to buy from the grid.

But the benefits don’t end there. The latest solar battery storage systems also offer:

• Low-cost off-peak tariffs – With schemes like Economy 7 or Octopus Go, you can charge your battery during off-peak hours at a fraction of the cost of buying during the daytime. This means you can benefit from cheaper electricity even in the winter when your PV array produces very little export electricity
• Smart operation functions – Many energy storage systems allow you to keep track of your energy use online and decide when to charge your storage unit and when to draw energy from it
• Management systems – Provides grid balancing services and wholesale electricity trading information for selling back your surplus energy
• Extended lifespans – An average battery system lasts around 10 to 15 years. This is provided it’s professionally installed and well-maintained
• Maximises your solar electricity at home – An appropriately sized storage system will increase the proportion of solar electricity used on-site from around 35% to 75%

So far, so good. But how much does a solar battery storage system cost in the UK? That’s up next.

How much does a solar battery storage system cost in the UK?

In the cost table above, we have estimated battery costs based on a standard 4kWh battery.

But as you can see, there’s more to installing a solar battery system than just buying the battery. Let’s break down the costs:

• A standard 4kWh battery – This will cost on average £3,500 and has a lifespan of 10-15 years. This means you’ll most likely have to replace the battery two to three times over the lifespan of your solar panels, which usually last around 20-30 years
• Installation of a 4kWh battery – You’ll look to pay a certified solar battery installer approximately £500 to fit a 4kWh battery
• Standard 4kW inverter (12-year lifespan) – An inverter converts your solar energy into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can then be used by household appliances or sent back to the grid. The cost of an inverter is approximately £900 
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) system – On average the cost of new solar panels is approximately £7,100 
• Full cost for battery, inventor and PV system (supply and installation) – You’ll be looking at paying an experienced solar battery installer around £12,000 

Needless to say, this is a hefty investment. So, you’ll want to make sure you budget with precision to avoid any nasty surprises in your bill later down the line.

Let’s look at the other factors that might impact your solar battery installation cost.

Factors influencing the cost of a solar battery system

Working out the cost of a solar battery installation for your home isn’t just about buying the battery and paying a professional to install it.

Other factors you’ll want to consider include:

Capacity

The larger the solar battery, the higher the cost. For instance, the average cost for an entry-level 4kWh battery is £4,000.  Meanwhile, the approximate cost of a 16kWh jumps up to £12,000.

Battery type

The most common (and most expensive) solar battery you can buy is Lithium-ion. Cheaper lead-acid models are available, but they are less efficient.

Brand and quality

Premium solar battery models (like the Tesla Powerwall) cost more due to better technology, efficiency, and warranties. Although other budget brands are available, expect shorter lifespans and lower efficiency.

Installation complexity

The cost of installing a brand new solar battery in your home is going to be different from retrofitting an existing solar system.

Labour costs

Like most home improvement jobs, labour costs for installing solar energy storage systems will be higher in London and the South East.

Additional equipment

If additional equipment is needed, like extra cabling or hybrid inverters (more on that later), this could hike up the price. For instance, a standard 4kW inverter is approximately £900. As explored earlier, this is an additional cost on top of your solar battery and installation.

Are the costs mounting up more than you hoped? Don’t forget to look into available grants for solar panels. Our expert guide has more information about solar panel grants available.

Choosing the right battery size for your home

Although electric batteries are not massively complicated, the circuitry and controls are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

They can also be sensitive, and the timing and degree of charging must be optimised from the start to preserve the battery’s life. Without this care, it could quickly diminish. That’s why choosing the right battery size for your home and having it professionally installed is vital.

As we’ve seen, the typical home battery storage system size is around 4kWh, although capacities up to 16kWh are available. Let’s get an overview of the costs for different battery sizes:

How to calculate the ideal battery capacity for your energy needs

Storage capacity refers to the total energy your solar battery can store. But here’s the thing to know:

• You can’t totally discharge the battery without damaging it, so all systems have a depth of discharge (DoD) limit
• This typically ranges from 80%-95%, meaning that there is a lower usable capacity than the quoted maximum storage capacity
• The larger the storage capacity, the higher the price

When it comes to working out the ideal battery capacity for your energy needs, it’s helpful to know what the typical house uses.

The average household operates with about 10 kWh (or 10 units) of electricity a day. However, the size of your solar battery should also be determined by:

• How much spare electricity does your PV array export to the grid on a typical day – Remember, if your total solar generation is greater than what your home and battery use, the excess is funnelled back to the grid
• How much of its capacity is used year-round – Storing all the solar export saves the most money on your bill. However, because there is a peak in production in the summer, if you size the battery to match that, then much of its capacity can’t be used in the winter

That’s why ideally you’ll want a year’s worth of daily export data for your home to size your battery.

But in any event, it’s best to ask an experienced solar battery installer to help you do the calculations.

Impact of lifestyle (e.g., EV ownership) on battery size

Did you know you might not need a home solar storage battery if you have an electric vehicle (EV)? That’s because most EV batteries are huge compared to home batteries – up to 100kWh. So, see it as your solar battery storage on wheels!

If your EV spends a lot of daylight hours at home, it’ll happily store your excess solar energy as long as you drive it to use it up.

However, it is currently very rare for an EV to be able to provide electricity back to your house, so it can only be used to power your EV. But watch this space.

As vehicle-to-grid technology (V2G) grows, we’ll see more ways to use your car battery.

Pros and cons of stackable battery systems

When calculating the ideal battery capacity for your energy needs, there are also ‘stackable’ battery systems to consider if more capacity is required. Let’s look at the function, pros and cons:

Function:

• Stackable battery systems allow you to add battery storage in modular units, increasing capacity as needed. This means you can start with a base unit and expand by stacking additional modules over time

Pros:

• Scalable – Start small and expand later as your energy needs increase
• Cost-effective – Lower initial cost compared to forking out on a large battery upfront
• Space-saving – The stackable function is ideal for small spaces
• Future-proofing – Easily upgrade as technology improves

Cons:

• Not always compatible – Not all battery brands or inverters support stackable models
• Potential power restrictions – Some systems may have limits on discharge rate or maximum stack size

Solar battery storage cost calculator

Have you run through the cost factors above and feel like you’re clearer on deciding what size solar battery you need for your home?

Why not enter your battery size and inverter requirements into our interactive cost calculator below? In just a few clicks, you’ll get an estimated cost instantly:

The estimated costs in the calculator above are a great starting point. However, to get an accurate quote for your specific project, we recommend contacting an experienced solar battery installer near you.

You can find an approved tradesperson by entering your postcode below.

DC vs AC battery systems explained

Another key factor to consider is whether you choose a DC-coupled or AC-coupled battery system.

Solar panels and batteries both produce direct current (DC). But as we touched on earlier, they require an inverter to change that to an alternating current (AC), which your house needs to use the stored energy.

Let’s look at the key differences to make things clearer:

Key differences between DC and AC systems

DC-coupled battery system

Function:

• Connects directly to the solar panels before the electricity is converted into AC power by an inverter

Pros:

• More efficient battery storage system – Allows the battery to store electricity in its original DC form, reducing energy losses since only one conversion (DC to AC) is needed when supplying power to the home
• More suitable for new builds where a hybrid inverter can be specified – Uses a single hybrid inverter for solar panels and battery, lowering equipment and installation costs

Cons:

• No benefit from low-rate electricity charging

AC-coupled battery system

Function:

Connects after the solar inverter, meaning it stores energy in AC form

Pros:

• Easier to retrofit – They don’t require replacing the existing solar inverter
• Can be charged using cheap off-peak electricity – Allows integration with grid charging and time-of-use tariffs for additional savings

Cons:

• A less efficient method of storing electricity due to higher losses – AC-coupled systems require an additional inverter to convert AC to DC for storage and then back to AC for use, resulting in higher energy losses. A “round trip” on an AC-coupled battery can waste up to 10% of the energy used!
• More expensive system – This is because you’ll need a separate inverter/charger. However, this should be weighed up against the advantage of being able to charge them with cheap, off-peak electricity

Which is better for your home: retrofit or new installation?

Choosing between a retrofit (adding a battery to an existing solar battery system) or a new installation depends on your existing setup, budget, and energy goals.

Let’s look briefly at the pros and cons of both:

Retrofit pros and cons:

• Lower upfront cost – No need to invest in new panels or inverters
• Faster installation
• Compatibility issues – Older systems may not work as well with the latest battery models
• Less efficient – AC-coupled retrofits could require extra conversions, leading to energy loss
• Limited control – Older inverters may not support the latest smart energy programmes

New installation pros and cons:

• More efficient – Helps to avoid unnecessary energy conversions
• Future-proof – You’ll have the most up-to-date panels, inverters, and batteries
• Potential for grants – You might be eligible for a solar panel grant to help towards the costs
• Higher upfront cost – Buying a complete system is more costly
• Longer installation – Requires more planning and labour time

If in doubt, you’re best off speaking to an experienced solar battery installer to help you work out the best approach.

Installation and additional considerations

With solar battery storage systems being such a sizable investment, making sure your installation is carried out correctly is vital.

Let’s tick off some of the important installation considerations you need to know about:

The importance of using a certified installers

• At the very least, your battery will need a dedicated circuit and isolator switch. This is a complex installation job and requires a qualified electrician
• In addition, the batteries themselves can be very heavy and may require ventilation. Again, this is something you’ll need a qualified professional to install. Many battery and inverter manufacturers insist on this to validate their guarantees

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme’s (MCS) battery storage standard outlines the installation requirements for MCS-certified installers who supply, design and install electrical battery storage systems.

Indoor vs outdoor installation options

• Some systems can be installed in outbuildings or even outdoors
• If you’re interested in installing an outdoor battery, you must ensure it achieves the high protection class IP65 for water ingress

Maintenance and noise considerations

• For indoor installations, you have to consider the noise level from the system when you decide where to place it
• Some inverters have cooling fans where the typical noise level is 30 to 50 decibels (similar to the noise level of a fridge freezer)
• The noise they produce might affect your sleep if the home battery system is installed too close to your bedroom

Economic benefits of solar battery storage

Installing a solar battery storage system is a costly job. But if you ensure you maximise the economic benefits, the payback (more on that next) will be worth the initial outlay.

A home will benefit from solar battery storage depending on:

• Whether the home has excess solar electricity
• The choice of electricity tariff
• Income is available from exporting it to the grid
• Whether the homeowner drives or expects to drive an electric car, which could benefit from a cheap rate of electricity at night, thus leveraging the ‘off-peak tariff’
• The size of the property and electrical load – there are economies of scale with larger solar and battery systems

For larger properties, battery storage generally makes sound economic sense.

For smaller properties, the factors set out above will determine economic viability.

Payback periods explained

The following case study provides a theoretical example of what savings could be achieved.

However, it’s important to note that every installation must be assessed separately. This example is based on information for a particular system and place and does not represent a ‘typical’ saving.

In this example, we look at:

• The economic benefits of installing a 4kWh battery storage unit with a 2kW inverter/charger and 90% efficiency
• We assume that the household uses 10kWh a day, has a 4kW solar PV system, and nobody is in the house during the morning

Before installing the electric battery, the system operates in the following way:

• Yearly PV electricity generation 3,400 kWh
• PV electricity used on-site 800 kWh
• Electricity export to the grid (without battery storage) 2,600 kWh

After installing the electric battery, the results are as follows:

• Yearly PV generation 3,400 kWh
• PV electricity used on-site 800 kWh
• Electricity stored in the battery system 950 kWh
• Electricity export to the grid (with battery storage) 1,650 kWh

Assuming a standard 24.86p/kWh electricity tariff, the battery storage system would reduce the electricity bills by about £236 a year for this situation.

This figure is based on simulation results and cannot be used as evidence for the actual economic benefits of a battery storage system. Any changes to the assumptions used here would lead to different results.

So, assuming that in the above situation, the cost of the 4kWh energy system is £4,000. In a simple payback model, the customer will repay their investment in just under 17 years (assuming that a battery replacement is not needed).

Note: The prices used are based on the January to March 2025 price cap.

All that said, here’s some important factors to note:

• The payback time for installing a battery-storage system depends not only on the yearly savings of the units but also on the cost of the system over its lifetime, including any costs for replacing the batteries
• The payback looks slightly different if you want to be protected from power cuts. Make sure you buy a system that can do this and accept that you’ll have to allocate a part of the storage for backup. Typically, this part of the battery won’t be used to save on your electricity bills, so the payback will be longer

Environmental considerations

You might be surprised to hear that having a battery doesn’t necessarily make you a greener household. Here’s why:

• Green electricity you export to the grid always gets used by someone else and replaces fossil fuels
• All a battery does is allow you to keep some for yourself and save on electricity bills
• Don’t forget that there’s the carbon footprint of making the batteries in the first place

So, from a purely environmental point of view, home batteries may not always add up.

Find certified solar battery installers near you

Ready to find a specialist to get your renewable energy storage up and running?

Searching for certified solar battery installers near you is straightforward with Checkatrade.

Just follow these three simple steps:

• Use a professional directory

Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).

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• Read online reviews

At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

• Compare quotes

Get at least three quotes from solar battery installers who are local to you. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.

FAQs

How much does a solar battery storage system cost in the UK?

The cost of an entry-level 4kWh solar battery (supply and install) is approximately £4,000. However, don’t forget you’ll also need to factor in the cost of an inverter (if needed).  The total cost to install a solar battery storage system, including a 4kWh battery, inverter and PV system, comes in at around £12,000 on average.

How long will a 10kW home battery last?

The average solar battery storage system lasts around 10 to 15 years. This is provided it’s professionally installed and well-maintained. This could mean that you’ll have to replace the battery two to three times over the lifespan of your solar panels, which usually last around 20-30 years.

How much does a 10kW solar battery cost in the UK?

The average price of a 10kW solar battery in the UK is approximately £8,000.

Are solar batteries worth the cost in 2025?

For larger properties, battery storage generally makes sound economic sense. However, for smaller homes, there are several factors to consider when determining whether it is economically viable. For instance, whether the house has enough excess solar electricity to warrant the battery.

How long do solar battery systems last?

The average solar battery system should last around 10 to 15 years if it’s professionally installed and well-maintained.

Can solar batteries be used without solar panels?

Yes, you can use solar batteries in your home without solar panels. Also known as battery energy storage systems (BESS), these systems allow you to store electricity from several sources, including energy you buy from the grid or renewable sources like wind or hydroelectric power.

If you have a time-of-use electricity tariff, you can save money by charging your battery when electricity is cheaper. Then, use the power from the battery in your home, so you’re not buying from the grid at pricy peak times.

What are the advantages of solar battery storage?

The most obvious advantage of a solar battery storage system is being able to use the electricity you generate, meaning you have less to buy from the grid. But the latest solar battery storage systems offer lots of other benefits, including:

• Low-cost off-peak tariffs
• Smart operation functions
• Extended lifespans

What is the difference between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries?

The most common (and expensive) solar battery you can buy is Lithium-ion. Cheaper lead-acid models are available, but they are less efficient.

Are there government grants for solar batteries in the UK?

Several grants and schemes are on offer to help you make your home greener, including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. While it’s unlikely you’ll get funding help for a solar battery, grants may be available for buying and/or installing solar panels.

Our expert guide has much more information about solar panel grants. An experienced solar battery installer will also be clued up on the latest green schemes.

To find a trusted solar battery expert near you, just search your postcode below.