Why solar battery storage matters now (2026)

Charge your home with the sunshine you already make. A solar battery stores spare daytime solar so you can use it later—when you actually need it. That means less bought-from-the-grid electricity, more control, and better value from your panels.

If you’re considering solar, upgrading an older system, or just tired of unpredictable bills, here’s what battery storage really changes.

Row of brick semi-detached houses with tiled roofs, each fitted with arrays of blue solar panels on the south-facing slopes, surrounded by greenery.

3) Backup power is possible—but only with the right setup

This bit matters: most standard solar + battery systems shut down during a power cut because grid-tied systems must switch off for safety (anti-islanding). 

If you want power during outages, you need a battery/inverter setup that supports backup/EPS and is designed and installed for that use. We’ll tell you clearly what’s possible at your property and what’s not.

4) Better control of export payments (SEG)

Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can get paid for electricity you export back to the grid, via a tariff offered by energy suppliers. 

A battery gives you more choice:

  • Use more of your solar at home first

  • Export when it makes sense for your household setup

  • Reduce exporting “accidentally” during the day, then buying it back later in the evening

(Exact rates vary by supplier and tariff—so we focus on designing the system around your usage, not marketing a headline number.)

Close-up of vibrant yellow California poppy flowers (Eschscholzia californica) blooming against a clear blue sky, with soft bokeh background.

5) Modern batteries are tidy, quiet, and built for long-term use

Today’s home batteries are compact, near-silent, and monitored through apps. Warranties are typically around 10 years depending on brand and model. 

We design the system so it fits your home, your daily routines, and your future plans—solar now, EV later, or both together.

Is battery storage worth it for you?

A battery is usually a great fit if you:

  • use a lot of electricity in the evening

  • work away from home during the day (so you don’t use much solar live)

  • want to add an EV charger now or later

  • are on (or plan to switch to) a smart tariff

  • want more control and predictability

If you’re home all day and already use most of your solar as it’s generated, a battery can still help—but we’ll be honest about the difference it’ll make.

1) Use your solar after the sun goes down

Solar panels generate most of their power in daylight hours. But a lot of household usage happens in the evening—cooking, heating, laundry, TV, charging devices.

A battery stores unused solar from the day and lets you use it later. You buy less electricity during the evening peak and keep more of your own energy in the house.

2) Save more with time-of-use tariffs

Even without perfect sunshine, a battery can still help you cut costs if you’re on a smart tariff.

You can charge the battery when electricity is cheaper (overnight or off-peak), then use that stored power during more expensive periods. It’s a simple way to smooth out your bills and reduce exposure to price swings.

Ready to store the sunshine?

We design solar + battery systems that match your roof, your usage, and your budget—without pressure or jargon.

Click Get a quote for a free, fixed-price quote, or call 01752 916 013 to speak with the team.

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Picking the best EV charger for your property (2026 guide)

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How to choose the right solar battery storage (2026 guide)