More people are investing in home battery storage without solar panels to save money on rising power costs.
Despite reductions in solar panel prices, they’re still out of reach for many households, and some homes may not be suitable for solar panels.
Thankfully, you can still install home battery storage without solar panels and enjoy various benefits, like storing electricity from the grid during off-peak hours when it’s cheaper.
But how does home battery storage without solar work, and is it a sound financial investment?
Quick Takeaways:
- Home battery storage without solar can operate independently without a solar system
- They can save energy from other sources like grid electricity, hydropower, wind power, biomass generators, or community energy schemes
- Benefits include reducing energy bills, energy independence, backup power, and positive environmental impacts
- Upfront costs can range from £5,000 to £8,000 or higher depending on capacity, brand, and installation complexity
- The payback period can range from 8 to 12 years
- Challenges can include grid dependency, high upfront costs, battery degradation, and environmental concerns
What is Home Battery Storage?
A home battery storage system allows you to store electricity from the grid for later use. These systems typically consist of a rechargeable battery, an inverter, and control software or smart metre that monitors usage patterns and optimizes charging and discharging.
The idea is simple: charge the battery when electricity is cheaper and use it during peak hours or in case of power outages. While solar panels generate electricity during the day to charge these batteries, it’s possible to operate them independently.
This approach is gaining traction, especially among people without suitable roofs for solar panels or those living in rented homes.
Will Home Battery Storage Work Without Solar?
Yes. Home battery storage without solar is a great way to start your journey towards clean energy. Home battery storage, also called battery energy storage systems (BESS), can store electricity from various sources, including:
- Grid Electricity – This is the most common alternative to solar for home batteries. You can charge batteries during off-peak hours when electricity prices are lower (e.g., on Economy 7 or dynamic tariffs like Octopus Agile) and use the stored power during peak hours to save money.
- Hydropower – If you live near a river, pond, lake, or stream, micro-hydropower systems can generate electricity continuously. Hydropower is generated through a structure that alters the natural flow of water to generate power. You can store excess power generated by these systems in batteries for later use.
- Wind Power – Whether large-scale or small, domestic models, windmills, or turbines can generate electricity to charge your home battery. Wind energy provides a renewable and clean source of power.
- Biomass Generators – Biomass systems burn organic materials like wood pellets, agricultural waste, or dedicated energy crops to generate electricity. You can store the excess electricity from these systems in a battery for later use.
- Diesel or Gas Generators – Traditional diesel or natural gas generators can also charge your storage battery. This method is helpful as a backup in areas prone to power cuts.
- Community Energy Schemes – Community energy projects, such as shared solar farms or wind turbines, often allow participants to use renewable energy. You can store electricity purchased or shared from these schemes on a home battery and access clean energy without owning generation systems.
How Does Home Battery Storage Without Solar Work?
The installer will determine the best place to put the battery in your garage or outside. If it’s not built-in, they’ll also put the inverter one or two metres away from the battery to allow the system to send information to the grid and the inverter’s application.
The installer will also connect a communication cable between your supply metre and the battery, and you can start using the battery to store energy.
Charging from the Grid
You can connect the system to charge the battery using electricity from the grid. If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, such as Economy 7 or Octopus Agile, you can charge the battery during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
Energy Storage
Once charged, the battery stores the energy until needed. Modern systems are highly efficient, meaning minimal energy loss during storage.
Discharging During Peak Hours
When electricity rates are higher, like in the evenings, the system switches to battery power, reducing your reliance on expensive grid electricity.
Backup Power
Some systems provide emergency backup during power cuts, ensuring essential appliances like lights, fridges, and medical devices remain operational.
Benefits of Home Battery Storage Without Solar
Reduced Energy Bills
Home batteries enable you to take full advantage of time-of-use tariffs. Charging your battery during cheaper periods and using it during peak times can lead to significant savings. For example, charging on an Economy 7 tariff, where night rates can be as low as 7p per kWh, and using the stored energy during the day when rates reach 34p per kWh can reduce costs considerably.
Energy Independence
Battery storage allows you to manage your energy consumption better. You can strategically decide when to use stored power and grid electricity and minimize reliance on the fluctuating energy market.
Backup Power
A battery system can provide peace of mind in areas prone to power cuts. It gives you security when keeping the lights on or ensuring vital equipment continues running.
Environmental Impact
Although it doesn’t eliminate grid dependency, battery storage reduces strain on the grid during peak hours. This helps balance energy demand and supports the shift towards renewable energy, allowing the grid to distribute energy more efficiently.
Compatibility with Future Solar Installations
If you plan to install solar panels later, a home battery system is ready to integrate seamlessly, enhancing the return on investment.
What Types of Home Batteries Are Available in the UK?
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a common choice due to their high energy density and long lifespan. Examples include the Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem RESU.
- Pros: Lightweight, compact, and highly efficient.
- Cons: Higher upfront costs compared to other technologies.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are more affordable but less efficient and bulky, making them suitable for off-grid applications.
- Pros: Lower cost
- Cons: Shorter lifespan and lower energy capacity.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are a newer technology that offers almost unlimited charging cycles.
- Pros: Long lifespan and scalability
- Cons: Expensive and not yet widely available.
Sodium-Ion Batteries
Sodium-io batteries are emerging as an alternative to lithium-ion, particularly for grid-scale storage.
- Pros: Abundant raw materials and environmentally friendly.
- Cons: Lower energy density.
Which Are the Most Popular Home Battery System Brands in the UK?
Tesla Powerwall
- Capacity: 13.5 kWh
- Features: Sleek design, app-based monitoring, and smart software integration.
- Price: Approximately £8,000–£10,000 (including installation).
- Best For: Those seeking a high-capacity system with advanced features.
LG Chem RESU
- Capacity: 6.5 kWh to 13 kWh
- Features: Modular design and compatibility with various inverters.
- Price: Starting at £5,000.
- Best For: Modular systems that can grow with your energy needs.
Sonnen Battery
- Capacity: 5 kWh to 15 kWh
- Features: Known for reliability and long lifespan (up to 10,000 cycles).
- Price: Starting at £6,000.
- Best For: Homes looking for durability and flexibility.
Pylontech Batteries
- Capacity: Varies (modular system).
- Features: Affordable option for smaller homes.
- Price: From £2,500.
- Best For: Budget-conscious buyers or entry-level systems.
What Are the Costs and Savings of Home Battery Storage?
Upfront Costs
According to the Energy Savings Trust, battery storage costs around £5,000 to £8,000 or higher depending on capacity, brand, and installation complexity. Additional costs may apply for inverters and smart controllers.
Potential Savings
- A time-of-use tariff can help households save up to 50% on electricity bills.
- For example, storing 10 kWh during off-peak hours at 7p per kWh and using it during peak hours at 34p per kWh saves £2.70 daily, equating to nearly £985 annually.
Payback Period
The typical payback period for a standalone battery system is 8–12 years, depending on usage patterns and electricity rates. While this is longer than solar-plus-storage systems, energy management and backup power benefits can outweigh the financial cost for some households.
What Are the Challenges of Using Battery Storage Without Solar?
Grid Dependency
Without solar panels, you’re still reliant on the grid for charging. This means you won’t achieve complete energy independence or entirely shield yourself from rising energy prices.
Environmental Concerns
Charging a battery from the grid may not always align with green energy goals, especially if the grid relies on fossil fuels during off-peak hours.
High Upfront Costs
The financial case for a battery-only system may be less compelling for households that don’t frequently experience power cuts or benefit from time-of-use tariffs.
Battery Degradation
Over time, batteries lose capacity, which may reduce savings and effectiveness.
Who Should Consider Home Battery Storage Without Solar?
Urban Dwellers Without Roof Space
If you live in a flat or a home without sufficient roof space for solar panels, a battery system allows you still to enjoy some of the financial benefits of energy storage.
Renters
Although solar panels may not be an option for rented properties, standalone battery systems are portable and can move with you when you change homes.
Time-of-Use Tariff Users
Households on tariffs like Economy 7, Octopus Agile, or Go can maximize savings by charging batteries during cheap-rate periods.
Homes in Power Cut-Prone Areas
If you experience frequent outages, a battery system provides reliable backup power.
What Can Make Home Battery Storage More Appealing in the UK?
The UK is undergoing a rapid energy transition, with greater integration of renewables and smart grid technologies. This shift will likely make battery storage more appealing, even without solar panels. Key trends include:
Government Incentives
While most subsidies focus on solar-plus-storage systems, the UK government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions may lead to broader support for standalone storage systems.
Cheaper and Better Batteries
Innovations in battery technology, such as sodium-ion or solid-state batteries, promise to make systems more affordable and efficient.
Dynamic Tariffs
As more energy providers adopt dynamic pricing, the financial benefits of time-shifting electricity usage will grow.
Community Energy Schemes
Battery owners could participate in local energy-sharing networks, selling stored electricity during peak times to benefit the community and generate income.
Final Thoughts
Home battery storage without solar is a practical solution for UK households looking to cut costs, manage energy use, and reduce dependence on the grid.
While the upfront investment may seem steep, the long-term benefits, ranging from bill savings to power security, make it a worthwhile consideration for many.
Whether you’re on a time-of-use tariff, in a rented property, or simply seeking backup power, these systems offer a flexible way to adapt to the challenges of modern energy consumption.
As technology advances and the market grows, battery storage could soon become a standard feature in homes across the UK.
Sources and References
- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/storing-energy/