Battery Storage 101. Should You Add a Battery to Your Solar in 2026?
Danny Managing Director

Danny Hirst

Managing Director

Batteries Are the Big Solar Upgrade Everyone’s Talking About

2026 is shaping up to be the year UK homeowners finally say: “I want control over my energy.”

And that’s exactly what solar batteries deliver.

They:

  • store your excess solar
  • cut your evening and night costs
  • protect against outages
  • future-proof your home
  • help you dodge high-rate peak tariffs

But… is a battery actually right for your home? Let’s break it down simply, no jargon, no hype, just the truth.

What a Solar Battery Actually Does

A battery stores electricity from your solar panels during the day.

You then use that stored energy:

  • in the evening,
  • overnight,
  • during peak-rate times, or
  • even during a power cut if you have backup capability.

Think of it as a money saving reservoir that fills up when the sun shines and empties when you need it.

Why Homeowners Love Batteries in 2026

More of your solar stays in your home

Without a battery, much of your daytime solar goes back to the grid.

With a battery, you keep most of that power, which means bigger savings.

Energy bills are still high

Even though prices have stabilised compared to 2023, evening and winter usage can still be pricey.

A battery smooths out the cost.

Protection during power cuts

If paired with an emergency power supply (EPS), a battery can keep:

  • lights
  • fridge
  • Wi-Fi
  • essential circuits running during an outage.

Batteries support future tariff changes

The grid is shifting to time-of-day pricing.

Owning a battery in 2026 means you’re ready for:

  • cheap off-peak charging
  • peak avoidance
  • export events
  • demand-response incentives

The early adopters will win big.

How Much Does a Battery Cost in 2026?

Costs vary based on brand, size, wiring, and whether it’s:

  • AC-coupled
  • DC-coupled
  • part of a hybrid system

But here’s a realistic 2026 guide:

Usable Size Typical Cost (Installed) Best For
5–7 kWh £3,000–£4,500 Small homes, light evening use
10–13 kWh £5,500–£8,500 Most 3–4 bed family homes
15–20+ kWh £9,000–£14,000+ High usage or EV owners

Payback: typically 6–10 years, depending on:

  • home usage
  • tariff
  • battery size
  • solar generation

But the non-financial benefits, resilience and independence, are huge.

Do You Actually Need a Battery? Let’s Be Honest.

Batteries are brilliant, but they’re not for everyone.

Here’s the TGWS honest take:

You’ll benefit most if:

  • You use a lot of energy in evenings
  • You’re at work most of the day
  • You want backup power
  • You want to reduce reliance on the grid
  • You have high bills
  • You plan to stay in your home long-term
  • You own (or plan to own) an EV

You may NOT need a battery if:

  • You’re home all day
  • Your daytime usage is already high
  • Your electricity tariff is unusually low
  • Your solar system is very small (under 2–2.5 kWp)
  • You plan to move within the next 2–3 year

Our job isn’t to sell you a battery, it’s to tell you whether one makes sense.

What Size Battery Should You Choose?

A rough guide:

  • 5 kWh: small flats/low energy homes
  • 10 kWh: standard UK home (3–4 bed)
  • 13–15+ kWh: EV owners or high-consuming families

If you regularly use the kettle, oven, tumble dryer and TV in the evening… go bigger.

If you barely use anything after 7pm… go smaller.

We size every battery based on your actual usage, not guesswork.

Backup Power – Do You Want It or Not?

Not every battery provides backup during a power cut.

You need:

  • the right inverter
  • the right wiring
  • a protected circuits board

If backup matters, tell us from the start, and we will design the system accordingly.

Backup is perfect for:

  • home offices
  • freezers
  • lighting
  • heating controls
  • WiFi

It won’t usually run your entire house at once. But it will keep life running smoothly when everyone else is hunting for candles.

Warranty & Lifespan. How Long Do Batteries Last?

Most modern batteries come with:

  • 10-year warranty
  • 6,000+ cycle life

Real-world lifespan? 12–18 years, depending on:

  • temperature
  • usage cycles
  • brand
  • charge/discharge settings

Batteries last longer when treated gently, and we set up all systems with smart charge profiles to maximise lifespan.

Yes. You can charge it from the grid on cheap tariffs, though most people pair it with solar.

Usually not all at once, but it can run essential circuits during a power cut.

Yes. Modern lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are extremely safe and fully certified

Depends on the battery size and what you use, but most last several hours or overnight for essential loads.

Yes. Most systems can be retrofitted with a battery.

A Solar Battery Gives You Control, Comfort and Lower Bills

A battery makes your home:

  • smarter
  • more efficient
  • more independent
  • more resilient
  • cheaper to run

2026 isn’t the year to leave energy savings on the table.

If you want peace of mind, lower bills and a future-proof home, a battery might be your smartest upgrade yet.

Want a personalised battery plan?

Let The Green Way Solar check your usage and design it.