How Do Solar Panels With Battery Storage Work?

 

Solar panels convert daylight into electricity. When electricity is being generated, the home will normally use that power first.

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If the solar panels are producing more electricity than the property needs, the surplus can be directed into the battery.

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The stored electricity can then be used later when solar generation falls.

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A typical solar panel and battery system therefore works by:

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• generating electricity from solar panels;

• supplying the immediate electricity demand of the home;

• storing surplus electricity in the battery;

• using stored electricity later in the day;

• exporting additional surplus electricity where appropriate; and

• drawing electricity from the grid when required.

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The objective is to increase the proportion of your own solar electricity that is actually used within the property.

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Why Combine Solar Panels and Battery Storage?

 

A solar installation without battery storage can still provide significant benefits, particularly where a good proportion of electricity is used during daylight hours.

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The difficulty is that many households generate their greatest solar output when nobody is at home.

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Electricity may therefore be exported during the day and then purchased back from the grid during the evening.

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Battery storage can help bridge that gap.

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A combined system may allow you to:

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• use more of your own solar electricity;

• reduce grid electricity consumption;

• store surplus solar generation;

• use stored electricity during the evening;

• take advantage of smart energy tariffs;

• support EV charging;

• contribute towards heat-pump electricity demand; and

• prepare the property for greater future electricity use.

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Whether these benefits justify the additional cost depends on the individual property and household.

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Solar Panels and Battery Cost

 

The total cost of solar panels and battery storage will depend on the size and specification of both systems.

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There is no single standard price because properties, electricity requirements and equipment choices vary considerably.

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The cost may be influenced by:

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• number of solar panels;

• output of each panel;

• size of the solar array;

• battery capacity;

• inverter specification;

• battery manufacturer;

• roof type;

• scaffolding and access;

• electrical alterations;

• cable routes;

• monitoring equipment;

• backup-power requirements; and

• complexity of the installation.

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A combined solar and battery installation will naturally cost more than solar panels alone, but installing both technologies together can sometimes reduce duplicated electrical and installation work.

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Solar Battery Storage Price

 

The price of battery storage varies according to the capacity, technology, manufacturer and installation requirements.

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When comparing battery prices, homeowners should look beyond the headline figure.

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Important considerations include:

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• usable rather than advertised capacity;

• charge and discharge power;

• expected lifespan;

• warranty;

• battery degradation;

• inverter requirements;

• monitoring and control software;

• smart tariff compatibility; and

• whether additional battery modules can be added later.

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A cheaper battery that is poorly matched to the property may offer worse value than a correctly sized system with a higher initial cost.

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How Much Do Solar Panels With Battery Storage Cost?

 

The price of a complete solar panels with battery storage system can vary significantly.

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A smaller installation on a straightforward roof may cost considerably less than a larger system involving substantial solar capacity, a large home battery, difficult access or electrical alterations.

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Homeowners should obtain detailed quotations showing separately:

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• solar panels;

• mounting equipment;

• inverter;

• battery;

• electrical installation;

• scaffolding;

• monitoring equipment;

• commissioning; and

• any additional works.

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This makes it easier to compare quotations properly rather than simply looking at the total price.

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What Size Solar and Battery System Do You Need?

 

The ideal system should be based on electricity use rather than simply installing the maximum amount of equipment available.

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The solar array determines how much electricity can potentially be generated.

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The battery determines how much surplus electricity can be stored.

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Household consumption determines how much of that energy can realistically be used.

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System sizing should therefore consider:

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• annual electricity consumption;

• daytime electricity demand;

• evening electricity demand;

• available roof area;

• solar orientation;

• likely solar generation;

• future EV charging;

• heat-pump installation;

• air conditioning;

• future household requirements; and

• budget.

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A household expecting electricity demand to rise over the next few years may sensibly design the system with those future requirements in mind.

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Solar Panels With Battery Storage for EV Charging

 

An electric vehicle can considerably increase household electricity consumption.

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This creates an obvious connection between solar panels, battery storage and EV charging.

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During the day, solar panels may generate electricity that can either charge the vehicle directly or charge the home battery.

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Stored electricity may then contribute towards vehicle charging later.

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However, EV batteries are generally much larger than domestic home batteries, so an electric vehicle can quickly consume stored household energy.

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The solar array, home battery and EV charger should therefore be considered together when designing the wider system.

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Solar Panels, Batteries and Heat Pumps

 

Heat pumps also increase household electricity demand.

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Combining solar panels with battery storage may help meet part of this additional demand and reduce reliance on grid electricity.

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There is an important seasonal limitation.

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Heat-pump demand is usually highest during winter, while solar generation is greatest during spring and summer.

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Solar panels and batteries should therefore not be regarded as a complete solution to heat-pump running costs.

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They can, however, form a valuable part of a wider strategy involving insulation, efficient heating, smart tariffs and better management of household electricity.

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Solar Power Storage and Smart Tariffs

 

Modern battery systems do not necessarily have to rely entirely on solar electricity.

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Home batteries can potentially charge from the grid when electricity prices are low and supply the home when prices are higher.

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A solar power storage strategy may therefore combine:

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• daytime solar generation;

• battery storage;

• overnight grid charging;

• smart electricity tariffs;

• automated battery controls; and

• changes in household demand.

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This can significantly change how a battery is used throughout the year.

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During summer, much of the battery charging may come from solar panels.

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During winter, cheaper off-peak grid electricity may become more important.

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Should You Install Solar Panels and a Battery Together?

 

There are several advantages to installing solar panels and battery storage at the same time.

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The complete system can be designed together, inverter requirements can be coordinated and electrical work can be planned from the beginning.

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This may also make installation simpler and avoid alterations later.

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However, installing both at the same time is not essential.

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Some homeowners choose to install solar panels first and monitor the amount of electricity being generated, used and exported.

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They can then make a more informed decision about battery storage using actual information from their own home.

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Both approaches can be sensible.

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Can You Add a Battery to Existing Solar Panels?

 

In many cases, yes.

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Battery storage can often be added to an existing solar installation.

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The best solution will depend on:

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• age of the existing solar system;

• inverter type;

• solar capacity;

• existing electrical installation;

• available space;

• proposed battery;

• household consumption; and

• future energy plans.

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Some installations can accommodate battery storage relatively easily, while others may require additional equipment or changes to the inverter arrangement.

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It is worth reviewing the existing system before purchasing a battery.

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Do Solar Panels With Battery Storage Work During a Power Cut?

 

Not automatically.

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Many standard solar PV systems are designed to shut down if the grid supply fails. This prevents electricity being exported onto the network while engineers may be working on it.

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Some battery systems can provide backup electricity, but the installation must be specifically designed for this purpose.

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If backup power is important, the system may need:

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• suitable battery equipment;

• compatible inverter technology;

• automatic changeover equipment;

• dedicated backup circuits; and

• appropriate electrical protection.

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This should be discussed before the system is installed.

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How Much Can Solar Panels and Battery Storage Save?

 

Potential savings depend on how much electricity is generated, stored and used within the home.

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Two properties with identical solar systems can achieve very different results because their electricity-use patterns are different.

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Factors influencing savings include:

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• solar generation;

• household consumption;

• battery capacity;

• amount of solar electricity used directly;

• amount stored;

• electricity import tariffs;

• export tariffs;

• smart tariff use;

• EV charging; and

• future electricity demand.

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The more effectively the household can use its own electricity, the less dependent it may become on purchasing electricity from the grid.

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How Long Does a Solar Battery Last?

 

Home batteries are designed to charge and discharge repeatedly over many years, but their storage capacity gradually reduces over time.

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Manufacturers may provide warranties based on years, charging cycles, total energy throughput or retained capacity.

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When comparing batteries, homeowners should therefore consider both the purchase price and the likely performance over the life of the system.

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Battery replacement should also form part of any long-term financial assessment.

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Solar Panels and Battery Storage on Different Homes

 

A combined solar and battery installation can work on many different types of property.

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This may include:

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• detached houses;

• semi-detached houses;

• terraced houses;

• bungalows;

• extensions;

• properties with flat roofs;

• rural properties;

• garages and outbuildings; and

• homes undergoing major refurbishment.

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The best arrangement will depend on available solar space, electricity requirements and practical equipment locations.

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Planning Permission for Solar Panels and Batteries

 

Many domestic solar installations can be carried out without making a full planning application, provided the relevant conditions and limitations are satisfied.

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However, additional planning considerations can arise with:

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• listed buildings;

• conservation areas;

• flats and maisonettes;

• prominent installations;

• unusual roof arrangements;

• ground-mounted solar panels; and

• sensitive locations.

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Battery storage itself will often create fewer planning issues, particularly when installed internally, but externally located equipment and sensitive properties may require further consideration.

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Where there is uncertainty, the planning position should be established before equipment is ordered.

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Building Regulations and Electrical Requirements

 

Solar panels and battery storage involve electrical and building considerations.

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The installation may need to consider:

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• roof loading;

• solar-panel fixings;

• weatherproofing;

• electrical protection;

• inverter equipment;

• battery location;

• isolation;

• earthing;

• consumer equipment;

• cable routes; and

• fire-safety considerations.

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Where an older roof or unusual structure is involved, further structural assessment may also be appropriate.

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Installing Solar During an Extension or Renovation

 

Major building work can provide an excellent opportunity to plan solar panels and battery storage.

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An extension, loft conversion or refurbishment may involve changes to the roof, electrical system or plant areas.

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Considering solar and battery requirements at design stage can allow:

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• cable routes to be incorporated;

• battery locations to be planned;

• electrical capacity to be reviewed;

• roof layouts to accommodate panels;

• EV charging to be allowed for; and

• future heat-pump demand to be considered.

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This can be easier than retrofitting the same infrastructure after the building work has been completed.

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Solar Panels and Battery Storage as Part of a Green Home

 

A combined solar and battery system becomes even more useful when considered alongside the other ways a modern home may use energy.

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Solar panels generate electricity.

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Battery storage stores surplus electricity.

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EV charging provides another use for that energy.

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Heat pumps increase electricity demand for heating.

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Air conditioning may increase summer demand.

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Smart controls help manage when electricity is generated, stored, purchased and consumed.

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The aim is not simply to install several separate products. It is to create a home energy system in which the different technologies work together.

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Independent Advice Before Choosing a System

 

Solar and battery installers naturally concentrate on the equipment they supply.

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APN Green Homes takes a wider approach.

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A Green Home Survey can help you consider the solar potential of the property, likely battery requirements, current electricity use and how future technologies may affect demand.

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This can help establish whether solar panels and battery storage should be installed together, whether a battery should be added later and what other improvements should be considered at the same time.

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Start With a Whole-Home Energy Plan

 

Solar panels and battery storage can be a powerful combination, but the best system is not necessarily the largest or most expensive.

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It is the system designed around your property, your electricity use and your future plans.

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Before committing to a solar and battery system, it makes sense to understand how much electricity you use, how much solar energy the property could generate and how your requirements may change in the years ahead.

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NEXT STEPS

Every home is different, so the right next step depends on your property, your budget and what you want to achieve. APN Green Homes can help you turn the information you have just read into a practical plan for your own home. Whether you are considering one improvement or looking at a complete whole-home energy upgrade, we can help you understand what is suitable, what should be prioritised and where your money is likely to make the greatest difference.

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Choose one of the options below to get the ball rolling:

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BOOK A GREEN HOME SURVEY
Get a detailed assessment of your home with practical, property-specific recommendations and a clear plan for the improvements worth considering.

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BOOK A PHONE CONSULTATION
Talk through your property, ideas and priorities with us and get some initial direction on the best way forward.

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EMAIL US
Send us details of your property, photographs or any questions and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.

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GIVE US A CALL
Prefer to speak to someone? Give us a call and tell us what you are hoping to achieve.

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Your greener, more efficient home starts with understanding the right improvements for your property — and putting them in the right order.