Home battery storage without solar in the UK

Despite solar panels and storage batteries being a very common and productive pairing for households in the UK, it is technically possible to have a storage battery without solar panels. 

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of standalone storage batteries, and explain whether it’s worth getting one with or without accompanying solar panels.

At Sunsave, we don't install standalone storage batteries as we believe it makes much better financial sense to combine them with solar panels. To find out how much a solar and battery system could save you in the long run, answer a few quick questions below and we'll generate an estimate.

Is it possible to have a storage battery without solar panels?

Yes, you can have a storage battery without solar panels.

Storage batteries, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), can store electricity from a variety of sources, including the grid or renewable sources like wind or hydroelectric power.

Their primary role is to hold electricity for later use, but it doesn’t actually matter where this electricity comes from.

What are the benefits of battery storage without solar?

• It allows you to import electricity from the grid when it’s cheap, and then use it during peak times
• It can stabilise voltage and frequency, improving the overall electricity quality in your home
• Certain batteries with a 'gateway' feature can provide backup power during outages
• Capacity can be scaled up or down depending on need, making it suitable for a wide range of properties

Standalone battery storage is a great way for households looking to save on their electricity costs, as it means you can store cheaper off-peak electricity for use during more expensive peak times. It’s especially important if you live somewhere rural with unreliable access to grid electricity, as batteries with a ‘gateway’ function can protect you during blackouts. 

However, it is much more effective to get solar panels and a storage battery, as opposed to just a battery on its own.

What are the disadvantages of battery storage without solar?

• You’ll miss out on the best export tariffs (which require you to have solar panels)
• Charging from the grid at off-peak rates is still more expensive than using solar-generated electricity
• Sole reliance on the grid for power means you’re vulnerable to sharp price increases
• No solar means you’re missing out on a clean, renewable energy source
• You can't refill your battery during power cuts - once it runs out, it's empty until the power comes back on

Properties with a standalone storage battery are missing out on some key benefits. First and foremost, your energy bill savings won’t be as high; no solar panels means higher electricity costs, since the battery has to be charged with grid power rather than free solar electricity.

This setup is also much less environmentally friendly, as grid electricity will include fossil fuel sources.

What's the best export tariff to use with a storage battery?

There is currently only one tariff on the market which allows you to export electricity without also having solar panels, and it's British Gas's Export And Earn Plus. This tariff pays 15.1p per kWh of electricity exported, although to access this tariff you do also need to import your electricity from British Gas.

To sign up for any export tariff, you also need permission from your DNO. If your battery's inverter is 3.68 kW or smaller, you can just 'connect and notify' (known as a G98), but if your inverter is larger than 3.68 kW, you will need to apply for permission (known as a G99). Once you have DNO permission, you will need to ask your DNO for your 'export MPAN' number, which you'll need when it comes to signing up for an export tariff.

However, it doesn't make sense economically. Even if you switch to British Gas's Economy 7 tariff and charge your battery up during off-peak times, you'll be paying 15.8p per kWh to import. If you then export this electricity back to the grid later on, you'll only be receiving 15.1p per kWh - meaning a loss of 0.7p for every kWh exported.

This doesn't mean that you can't gradually earn money through having a standalone storage battery, but you'll only be able to do it by using all of the electricity you import. You'll just have to make sure you import at cheap times, and then use it during peak times.

However, if you were to have a storage battery and solar panels, you could sign up to Octopus Energy’s Intelligent Octopus Flux tariff, which pays 29.4p per kWh of electricity exported to the grid (on average). To find out more, check out our guide to the best solar export tariffs.

How much does a standalone storage battery cost?

Roughly, you could be looking at around £5,000 for a 5kWh battery, or about £7,000 for a larger 10kWh battery. This is a bit more expensive than just the price of the battery hardware, as a lone battery installation also requires an inverter and comes with labour costs.

However, these prices are just estimates and can fluctuate widely. The total cost will depend on the battery brand, the size of the battery, its quality, and the complexity of the installation. 

Are there any grants or schemes for storage batteries?

Solar panel grants and schemes like ECO4 and the Home Upgrade Grant don’t directly cover storage batteries. But there’s an option to add a storage battery to a full solar panel system installation with the Home Energy Scotland Loan & Grant.

Also, starting from 1st February 2024, the zero VAT rate scheme will apply to standalone batteries, regardless of whether they’re installed with solar panels.

Could you add solar panels to your storage battery later on?

Although most people do this the other way around, i.e. installing solar panels first and then adding a battery, it’s definitely possible to add solar panels to your storage battery at a later date. But make sure you consult an expert first, as your original battery storage system needs to be compatible.

When you're ready to go solar, it’s usually straightforward to connect your existing battery system to the solar panels for charging, as long as you have the correct solar inverter setup. Again, speak to a professional for a detailed assessment.

Is it better to get a storage battery with or without solar panels?

We thoroughly recommend getting a storage battery with solar panels. 

With a standalone solar battery, you can only import electricity from the grid, which still comes at a price. With solar panels involved, you can fill up your battery on entirely free electricity, meaning your grid exports generate a much larger profit.

What’s more, you’ll be a much greener household, and you’ll be able to access far more lucrative export tariffs - such as Octopus Intelligent Flux. Without solar panels, the best export tariff you can access with a standalone battery is British Gas’s Export and Earn Plus.

And if you're wanting to use a battery as an emergency power supply, it's much better with solar panels because you can refill the battery during the power cut. Without solar panels, a lone battery only gives you so much extra electricity during a power cut until it eventually runs out.

However, if you’re unable to get solar panels (for example if you can’t get planning permission or don’t have the space), a battery still has its uses.

And if you're put off by the high upfront cost of solar panels, you can always consider Sunsave Plus (the UK's first solar subscription).

Battery storage without solar: FAQs