Types of Solar BatteriesHow We Selected the Top Solar Battery StorageBest OverallBest WarrantyBest for InstallationBest Usable CapacityBest Value for MoneyBest for Restricted SpacesBest for Variety of FeaturesConsiderations When Choosing a Solar BatteryBest Solar Battery Storage in the UK FAQs
Types of Solar BatteriesHow We Selected the Top Solar Battery StorageBest OverallBest WarrantyBest for InstallationBest Usable CapacityBest Value for MoneyBest for Restricted SpacesBest for Variety of FeaturesConsiderations When Choosing a Solar BatteryBest Solar Battery Storage in the UK FAQs
✔ Solar batteries allow homeowners to store excess energy generated by their solar panels for later use.
✔ They can significantly reduce reliance on the grid and lower electricity bills.
✔ Modern solar batteries, especially lithium-ion types, offer high efficiency and compact designs suitable for residential use.
✔ We have examined a variety of solar batteries available in the UK market to bring you our top recommendations, considering key factors such as overall performance, warranty options and more.
Adding a solar battery to your solar panel system can significantly enhance your energy independence and reduce your reliance on the grid.
You'll be able to store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use when the sun isn't shining, potentially lowering your electricity bills and increasing your home's self-sufficiency. Interestingly, you can even benefit from a solar battery without having solar panels, using it to store cheaper off-peak electricity for use during peak hours.
To help you navigate the UK market, we've thoroughly researched and evaluated a variety of solar batteries, ranking them based on crucial factors such as overall performance, warranty coverage and value for money. Our comprehensive analysis aims to guide you towards the solar battery solution that best fits your unique needs and circumstances.
For ease, here are the best solar batteries based on key factors:
| Best In | Solar Battery |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Tesla Powerwall 3 |
| Best Warranty | Duracell Energy Dura5 |
| Best for Installation | Fox ESS EP5 |
| Best Usable Capacity | LG Chem Resu Prime |
| Best Value for Money | Alpha Smile-B3 Plus |
| Best for Restricted Spaces | Huawei Luna 2000-10 |
| Best for Variety of Features | Enphase IQ Battery 5P |
When exploring solar battery options, you'll encounter several types, each with unique characteristics. Here's what you need to know about the main types of solar batteries:
You'll find that lithium-ion batteries are currently the most popular choice for home solar energy storage. They offer you high energy density which means they can store more power in a smaller space. With these batteries, you can expect:
However, keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries are typically more expensive upfront than other options.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, lead-acid batteries might catch your attention. These are the oldest type of rechargeable batteries and have been used in off-grid systems for decades. When considering lead-acid batteries, you should know:
While exploring more innovative options, you might come across flow batteries. These use liquid electrolytes and are unique in their design. Here's what you should consider:
When selecting the top solar battery storage options, you'll find that our process was thorough and expert-driven. We began by identifying the leading manufacturers in the heat pump market, ensuring we considered only reputable and trusted brands. Next, we consulted with our in-house experts at Glow Green who provided us with crucial factors to evaluate when choosing a heat pump.
These factors included:
It's important to note that these weren't the only factors we considered when evaluating heat pumps, we also looked at critical performance metrics such as energy efficiency ratings, seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP), noise levels, environmental impact, integration capabilities with existing home systems, long-term reliability and real-world user experiences from verified installations.
Armed with this knowledge, we delved into extensive research, examining heat pumps from trusted manufacturers. For each factor, we narrowed down our selection to three or four top contenders. Finally, we presented these options to our Glow Green experts, who carefully assessed each one and selected the best heat pump for each category based on their professional judgment and industry expertise.
Why we choose the Tesla Powerwall 3 as best overall?
You'll find the Tesla Powerwall 3 stands out as the best overall solar battery storage solution in the UK market. With its impressive 13.5kWh usable storage capacity and a powerful 11.5kW output, it's designed to meet the energy needs of modern, all-electric homes.
You'll also appreciate its built-in solar inverter with six maximum power point trackers which optimises solar panel performance even in shaded conditions, boosting energy efficiency to 97.5. The Powerwall 3's versatility shines through its ability to operate in a wide temperature range making it ideal for the UK climate. You'll also benefit from its scalability which you to expand your system up to a remarkable 216kWh capacity.
While the initial cost of the Tesla Powerwall 3 may be higher than some competitors, its long-term savings on energy bills and robust performance justify the investment.
Key Takeaway:
With its sleek design, full home backup capability and seamless integration with the Tesla Energy smart app, you're getting a cutting-edge, feature-packed system that offers unparalleled performance and future-proofs your energy needs.
Why we choose the Duracell Energy Dura5 as best warranty?
With a robust 10-year warranty, this battery provides long-term peace of mind for homeowners looking to invest in energy storage. The Dura5 utilises Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry which prioritises safety and longevity, ensuring reliable performance throughout its warranty period.
Its modular design allows you to expand your system up to 32 units which gives you flexibility as your energy needs change. The battery also offers a usable capacity of 4.6kWh and operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -10°C to +55°C, making it versatile for various UK climate conditions. Also, Duracell Energy's dedicated UK team of over 100 staff provides comprehensive technical support and research and development which further enhances the reliability of their warranty offering.
Key Takeaway:
The Duracell Energy Dura5 is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind as it offers a robust 10-year warranty combined with safe and efficient Lithium Iron Phosphate technology.
Why we choose the Fox ESS EP5 as best for installation?
You'll find the Fox ESS EP5 stands out as the best choice for installation, making it an excellent option for homeowners and installers alike. Its compact, slimline design with a depth of only 147mm allows for versatile placement, whether you prefer wall-mounting or floor installation35. You'll also appreciate the plug-and-play solution that saves valuable time during setup.
The EP5's modular design offers maximum flexibility which allows you to easily scale your system up to 20.72kWh capacity (or even 41.44kWh when paired with the Fox H3 PRO hybrid inverter). With its IP65 protection rating, you can confidently install it indoors or outdoors. The battery's user-friendly features, including CAN/RS485 communication and compatibility with Fox ESS inverters, further streamlines the installation process3. Plus, you'll benefit from the advanced Fox Cloud 2.0 monitoring system which enables you to effortlessly manage and optimise your energy storage from your smartphone or tablet.
Key Takeaway:
The Fox ESS EP5 is the ideal choice for installation due to its compact design, modular scalability and user-friendly setup, making it easy to integrate into any home energy system.
Why we choose the LG Chem Resu Prime as best usable capacity?
With the Resu16H Prime model, you'll enjoy a substantial 16 kWh of usable capacity, which is among the highest in the residential battery market. This large capacity allows you to store more excess solar energy or off-peak grid electricity, potentially covering your entire home's daily energy requirements. You'll appreciate the flexibility to scale up your system as you can connect two Resu16H Prime batteries in parallel, providing an impressive 32 kWh of total storage capacity.
This scalability ensures that even homes with high energy demands can achieve significant energy independence. Also, with its high round-trip efficiency of over 90%, you'll be able to utilise most of the stored energy effectively. The Resu Prime's capacity retention is also noteworthy, with a warranty guaranteeing 70% capacity after 10 years, ensuring long-term value for your investment.
Key Takeaway:
The LG Chem Resu Prime is the top choice for usable capacity which makes it ideal for homeowners seeking significant energy independence.
Why we choose the Alpha Smile-B3 Plus as best value for money?
The Alpha Smile-B3 Plus is an exceptional choice for value for money as it offers a compelling combination of performance and affordability. This battery system allows you to customise your energy storage capacity to suit your needs while keeping installation costs low. Its all-in-one design simplifies both installation and maintenance which helps to further reduce overall expenses.
The Alpha Smile-B Plus also features a high depth of discharge which enables you to effectively utilise most of the stored energy. With a solid warranty backing its performance, you can feel confident in your investment, knowing it is designed for longevity.
Key Takeaway:
The Alpha Smile-B3 Plus offers excellent value for money by combining affordable pricing with flexible energy storage options and a reliable warranty, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to maximise their investment.
Why we choose the Huawei Luna 2000-10 as best for restricted spaces?
With dimensions of just 670 x 150 x 960 mm, the Huawei Luna 2000-10 can easily fit into tight areas in your home. You'll appreciate its slim profile which allows for versatile placement, whether you prefer wall-mounting or floor installation. The modular nature of the Luna 2000-10 means you can start with a 10 kWh capacity and expand up to 30 kWh as your needs grow, without requiring significant additional space. Its high energy density ensures you get maximum storage capacity in a minimal footprint. Plus, with an IP66 rating, you have the flexibility to install it indoors or outdoors, further accommodating space constraints.
Key Takeaway:
The Huawei Luna 2000-10 is the perfect solution for restricted spaces which offers a compact design and modular capacity that allows you to maximise energy storage without compromising on space.
Why we choose the Enphase IQ Battery 5P as best for variety of features?
You'll find the Enphase IQ Battery 5P stands out for its impressive variety of features, making it a versatile choice for your home energy storage needs, whether you have solar panels or not. With six embedded IQ8D-BAT Microinverters, you'll benefit from a distributed architecture that enhances reliability and keeps your system running even if one component fails. You'll also appreciate the battery's high efficiency, boasting a 96% DC round-trip efficiency and 90% AC round-trip efficiency, ensuring you make the most of your stored energy.
The IQ Battery 5P's modular design allows you to easily scale your system, adapting to your changing energy requirements6. You'll enjoy peace of mind with its stable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, providing maximum safety and longevity5. The system's integration with the Enphase App gives you remote monitoring and control capabilities which allows you to manage your energy usage effortlessly.
Key Takeaway:
The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is an excellent choice for its variety of features, offering high efficiency, modular scalability and compatibility with or without solar panels.
While our ranking process provides a robust framework for evaluating solar batteries, there are additional metrics and considerations to be aware of when selecting the ideal energy storage solution for your specific needs:
You'll want to evaluate the battery's capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which indicates how much energy it can store. A larger capacity allows you to store more energy which is beneficial if you have high energy demands. Also, consider the power rating in kilowatts (kW) which tells you how much energy the battery can deliver at once.
Pay attention to the Depth of Discharge as it represents the percentage of the battery's capacity you can use before recharging. A higher DoD means you can use more of the stored energy which increases efficiency.
You should look at the round-trip efficiency which measures how much energy you can retrieve compared to what you stored. For example, if you store 100 kWh and can use 95 kWh, that's a 95% round-trip efficiency. Higher efficiency translates to better overall performance.
Consider the battery's lifespan, typically measured in charge cycles or years. Opt for a battery with a solid warranty, ideally covering at least 10 years, to protect your investment.
You'll encounter different battery technologies including lithium-ion and lead-acid. Lithium-ion batteries are popular due to their efficiency and longevity while lead-acid batteries are more cost-effective but less efficient.
Ensure the battery is compatible with your existing or planned solar setup. Also, consider whether you can expand the system in the future if your energy needs increase.
Balance the upfront solar battery costs with potential long-term savings. Calculate the ROI by comparing the battery cost to your projected energy bill savings over time.
Look for batteries with built-in safety features against issues like overcharging and overheating. Consider the environmental impact by choosing batteries made from sustainable materials and those that are easy to recycle.
Solar battery storage is a system that allows you to store excess electricity generated by your solar panels for use when the sun isn't shining. It enables you to maximise the use of your solar energy and reduce reliance on the grid.
Solar batteries store surplus energy produced by your solar panels during the day. When your panels aren't generating enough electricity (like at night or on cloudy days), the stored energy is used to power your home, reducing your need for grid electricity.
Benefits include increased energy independence, lower electricity bills, reduced carbon footprint and the ability to use solar energy even when the sun isn't shining. Some systems also provide backup power during outages.
Most solar batteries have a lifespan of around a decade though this can vary depending on usage patterns and maintenance. Many manufacturers offer warranties that cover this period.
Yes, in most cases, you can retrofit a battery storage system to an existing solar installation. However, compatibility should be checked, and it's best to consult with a solar installer, such as Glow Green.
The ideal battery size depends on your energy consumption, solar panel output and desired level of energy independence. A professional assessment can help determine the most suitable size for your needs.
In most cases, you don't need planning permission for solar battery installation (including solar panel installation) in the UK. However, it's always best to check with your local authority, especially if you live in a listed building or conservation area.
