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Solar Energy 7 min read
By CRG Direct Team 1 April 2024

Battery storage systems are revolutionising how UK homeowners use solar energy. By capturing and storing excess energy generated by your solar panels, these systems provide unprecedented control over your energy usage and costs.

How Battery Storage Works

Battery storage transforms your solar system from a daytime-only solution to a 24/7 energy provider:

  • Energy Generation: Solar panels produce electricity during daylight hours
  • Excess Storage: Surplus energy charges your battery instead of going to the grid
  • Smart Distribution: Stored energy powers your home when solar production drops
  • Grid Independence: Reduce reliance on expensive peak-rate electricity
  • Modern systems include smart apps for real-time monitoring and control, putting energy management at your fingertips.

    The Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

    Cut Energy Bills by up to 30-40%

    Adding battery storage to your solar system can significantly increase your savings, depending on your energy usage, system generation and energy costs at the time of installation. By storing excess solar energy for use during expensive peak hours, you avoid buying electricity when it costs the most.

    Reduce Your Reliance on the Grid

    Battery storage provides security against:
    • Power outages and grid failures
    • Rising electricity prices
    • Peak-rate charges
    • Energy supply uncertainty
    • Environmental Impact

      Maximising self-consumption of solar energy means:
    • Lower carbon footprint
    • Reduced strain on the national grid
    • Supporting UK's renewable energy goals
    • Setting an example for sustainable living
    • Is Battery Storage Right for You?

      Battery storage is particularly beneficial if you:

      Already Have Solar Panels

      If you're exporting significant amounts of electricity to the grid, battery storage captures this value for your own use rather than selling it at low export rates.

      Want to Reduce Energy Bills Further

      Households seeking maximum savings from their solar investment find battery storage delivers excellent benefits, especially with rising energy costs.

      Want to Reduce Reliance on the Grid

      For those wanting to minimise grid reliance, batteries provide the missing link between solar generation and round-the-clock renewable energy use.

      Live in Areas with Frequent Outages

      Battery systems with backup functionality keep essential circuits running during power cuts, providing peace of mind and continuity.

      Want to Reduce Carbon Emissions

      Maximising renewable energy usage through storage significantly reduces your household's environmental impact.

      Choosing the Right Battery System

      Key Considerations

      #### Capacity Battery capacity, measured in kWh, should match your usage patterns:

    • Small households: 5-7 kWh
    • Average homes: 8-10 kWh
    • Large properties: 12-15 kWh
    • #### Battery Type Lithium-ion batteries are recommended for their:

    • High efficiency (95%+)
    • Long lifespan (10-15 years)
    • Compact size
    • Low maintenance requirements
    • #### Brand Reputation Choose established manufacturers with:

    • Proven track records
    • UK support networks
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Compatible technology
    • #### Warranty Coverage Quality systems offer:

    • 10+ year warranties
    • Performance guarantees
    • UK-based support
    • Clear terms and conditions
    • #### System Compatibility Ensure your battery works with:

    • Your existing solar inverter
    • Smart home systems
    • Energy monitoring apps
    • Future expansion plans
    • Tesla Powerwall

    • Capacity: 13.5 kWh
    • Integrated inverter
    • Sleek design
    • Advanced software
    • GivEnergy Batteries

    • Range of capacities
    • UK-designed
    • Competitive pricing
    • Excellent app control
    • SolarEdge Home Battery

    • Modular design
    • DC-coupled efficiency
    • Smart energy management
    • Seamless integration
    • Financial Considerations

      Installation Costs

      Battery storage systems typically cost:
    • Basic systems: £3,000-£4,000
    • Mid-range: £4,500-£6,000
    • Premium systems: £7,000-£10,000
    • Long-Term Savings

      With current energy prices, battery storage can:
    • Pay for itself in around 7-10 years, depending on your energy usage, system generation and energy costs at the time of installation
    • Provide 20+ years of savings
    • Potentially increase property value (research from the Urban Big Data Centre, University of Glasgow found a roughly 6-7% price premium for homes with solar, though uplift varies by property and local market)
    • Protect against future price rises
    • Available Incentives

      Check for:
    • 0% VAT on battery installations
    • Green finance options
    • Local authority grants
    • Energy supplier schemes
    • Installation Process

      Professional installation ensures:

    • Site Assessment: Evaluating your current system and energy needs
    • System Design: Selecting appropriate battery size and configuration
    • Safe Installation: MCS-certified installers following all regulations
    • Commissioning: Testing and optimising system performance
    • Handover: Training on system operation and monitoring
    • Maximising Your Investment

      Smart Energy Habits

    • Time heavy consumption for solar production hours
    • Use battery power during peak rate periods
    • Monitor and adjust usage patterns
    • Regular system maintenance
    • Future-Proofing

      Consider:
    • Electric vehicle integration
    • Heat pump compatibility
    • Smart home automation
    • Expansion capabilities
    • The Smart Investment Choice

      Battery storage isn't just an eco-friendly option - it's a financially smart investment in your home's energy management. With electricity prices continuing to rise and technology improving, there's never been a better time to add storage to your solar system.

      Take Action Today

      Ready to unlock the full potential of your solar panels? Or considering solar and battery together? CRG Direct provides:

    • Expert system design
    • Quality equipment
    • Professional installation
    • Ongoing support
    • Competitive pricing
    • Contact us for a free assessment and discover how battery storage can reduce your reliance on the grid and boost your savings. Join thousands of UK homeowners already benefiting from the powerful combination of solar panels and battery storage.


      Sources

    • Urban Big Data Centre, University of Glasgow — the research behind the ~6–7% solar property-price premium (the study found a 6.1%–7.1% premium): How do solar panels affect property prices in the UK?. Underlying peer-reviewed study: Asproudis, Gedikli, Talavera & Yilmaz, "Returns to solar panels in the housing market: A meta learner approach", Energy Economicsfull paper.
    • HMRC — 0% VAT on energy-saving materials (VAT Notice 708/6; zero rate applies to 31 March 2027): official guidance.

    CRG Direct Team

    Hampshire's leading solar installation and renewable energy specialists since 2017.

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