A Homeowner's Guide to Solar Panels and Battery Storage
What if your home could generate its own electricity and store it for when you really need it—without relying on the grid? That's the promise of solar panels and battery storage. As the UK moves towards cleaner energy, this powerful combination is becoming a go-to solution for homeowners seeking lower bills and more control over their power use.
What Is Solar Battery Storage?
Solar battery storage is a technology that allows you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels. Instead of sending unused electricity back to the National Grid, the energy is kept in a battery system for use when your panels aren't generating power—like at night or during overcast weather.
In a standard solar PV (photovoltaic) system, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity during the day. Without a battery, any surplus energy not used immediately is exported to the grid. With battery storage, however, this energy is stored and used later, improving self-consumption and reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Home battery storage systems often use lithium-ion batteries, the same type found in smartphones and electric cars, due to their durability, compact size, and efficiency. These systems are connected to an inverter, which converts stored DC power to usable AC power for your home.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Solar Battery Storage?
Like any investment, solar panels and battery storage in the UK come with both benefits and drawbacks. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
Pros of Solar Battery Storage:
Energy Independence: You can rely less on the grid, especially during peak hours when tariffs are higher.
Lower Electricity Bills: Store and use your own electricity, reducing the amount you purchase from your supplier.
Backup Power: Some systems provide emergency power during outages, which is particularly valuable in areas with unstable supply.
Maximise Solar Use: With batteries, you can use almost all the energy your solar panels generate.
Environmental Impact: Reduces your carbon footprint by maximising use of clean, renewable energy.
Smart Tariffs Compatibility: Charge your battery from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper and use it during peak times.
For households that want to upgrade gradually or integrate solar with smart home systems, the EcoFlow STREAM AC Pro offers an intelligent solution. With AC input/output and scalable design, it enables better energy automation and control—especially for variable grid tariffs or multi-use energy storage.
Cons of Solar Battery Storage:
High Upfront Cost: Battery systems can be expensive, often ranging from £2,000 to over £10,000 depending on capacity and brand.
Lifespan and Degradation: Most batteries have a lifespan of 10–15 years and can lose efficiency over time.
Space Requirements: Although compact, batteries still need dedicated indoor or outdoor space with ventilation.
Not All Homes Benefit Equally: Homes with low energy usage or poor solar exposure may not see sufficient returns.
Grid Export Payments Lost: By storing your energy instead of exporting it, you might miss out on Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.
What Size Solar Storage Battery Do I Need?
Choosing the right solar panels battery storage size depends on your energy usage, number of solar panels, and goals (e.g., saving money, backup power, or reducing carbon footprint).
Battery Capacity (kWh)
Battery sizes for homes usually range from 4kWh to 13.5kWh:
4–6kWh: Suitable for small households or light electricity users
7–10kWh: Ideal for average UK households using 3,000–4,500 kWh/year
10–13.5kWh: Best for larger households or homes with high energy usage and electric vehicles
Number of Panels and Solar Output
A typical UK home might install a 3–5kW solar array, producing around 2,500–4,500 kWh/year. Your battery should be able to store at least one day's worth of excess energy, adjusted for seasonal fluctuations.
Daily Consumption Patterns
If your household uses 8–10kWh/day, then an 8–10kWh battery can provide nearly full daily coverage. A good installer will recommend the best battery size based on a detailed assessment of your home's usage and goals.
Planning for Future Energy Demands
If you anticipate adding electric vehicles, heat pumps, or additional appliances, consider a slightly larger battery for future-proofing. The EcoFlow STREAM Ultra is a plug-and-play solar battery system that combines energy storage with a built-in microinverter, offering scalable capacity and AI-powered energy management. It is an excellent choice for households needing higher energy storage and advanced off-grid readiness.
Is Solar Panel and Battery Storage Right for Your Home?
Investing in solar panels and battery storage can be an excellent choice for many households, but it depends on several key factors:
Energy Usage Patterns
Homes that use most of their electricity in the evenings benefit more from battery storage, as solar generation peaks during the day. A battery ensures that excess daytime solar energy is saved for evening use.
For these usage patterns, the EcoFlow STREAM Series Solar Plant is an excellent choice. With storage capacities ranging from 1.92 kWh to 11.52 kWh, it stores excess solar power during the day and delivers it when you need it most. The system also uses AI-powered smart management to optimise energy usage, ensuring you make the most of low-cost off-peak electricity and reduce grid reliance.
EcoFlow STREAM Series Solar Plant
Solar Exposure
The effectiveness of your solar setup depends heavily on your home's roof characteristics. South-facing roofs receive the most sunlight and are therefore optimal for solar generation. Shade from trees or buildings can reduce your system's efficiency, so a clear, unobstructed area is ideal. More roof space also means more room for panels, which increases your potential energy output.
For those with limited space, the EcoFlow STREAM Solar System offers an excellent solution. Designed specifically for balcony and small rooftop installations, it features compact panels and microinverter, allowing you to efficiently harness solar energy in urban environments. This system is perfect for maximizing your solar generation, even in spaces where traditional roof setups may not be feasible.
Budget and Financial Incentives
Although the initial costs are high, long-term savings can be significant. Additionally, consider government incentives like the 0% VAT on solar power and storage installations (effective until 2027), and the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays for unused solar energy exported to the grid.
Electricity Tariff
Time-of-use tariffs such as Octopus Agile make battery systems even more effective by allowing you to charge batteries when electricity is cheapest and use that power during peak rates.
If your household uses over 3,000 kWh annually and you're planning to stay in the same home for a decade or more, solar and battery storage can provide both financial and environmental rewards.
Conclusion
Solar panels and battery storage offer a powerful combination for homeowners looking to cut energy costs, reduce reliance on the grid, and lower their environmental impact. Though the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits in savings, security, and sustainability can be substantial. Thinking about making the switch? Explore EcoFlow's solar and storage systems to start saving smarter.
FAQs
How long will a 10kW home battery last?
A fully charged 10kW battery can power an average home for about 24 hours, depending on usage. It's sufficient for running essential appliances like lighting, a fridge, and electronics during a power cut or throughout the night.
How many solar panels do you need to have a battery?
There's no set minimum, but typically at least 6–10 solar panels (2–4kW system) are recommended to generate enough excess power to charge a battery. The exact number depends on your roof space, energy needs, and the size of the battery.
What is solar panels with battery storage?
It refers to a solar PV system paired with a battery that stores unused solar electricity. This setup allows homeowners to use solar power during the night or on cloudy days, improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on the National Grid.