Home Battery Storage With or Without Solar Panels: An In-Depth Discussion

In your quest for enhanced energy independence and cost-effective solutions, Nano Pro-Tech presents an innovative approach, catering to those without the financial means or a suitable roof for solar panels.

Understanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Home Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a dynamic solution to store electricity, sourced either directly from the National Grid or other renewable sources. This stored energy proves invaluable during critical downtimes or high-demand periods.

1. Diverse BESS Solutions: In the UK, a wide array of BESS solutions are available, ranging from containerised units suitable for commercial properties to standalone 5kW batteries designed for domestic use. The versatility in these solutions ensures compatibility with various property types and energy needs.
2. Advancements in Lithium-Ion Technology: Current battery storage technology, particularly lithium-ion batteries, empowers homes and businesses to harness power from renewables even when sunlight is unavailable. Home battery storage facilitates the charging and discharging of energy to and from the Grid, making it a viable option without a direct renewable energy source.
3. Flexible Charging Options: Home battery storage enables the charging of electricity from the National Grid during off-peak hours or from renewable sources. This flexibility allows homeowners to optimise energy usage based on cost-effectiveness and availability.
4. Tailored Solutions for Domestic and Commercial Properties: BESS solutions cater to diverse needs, with containerised units suited for commercial properties and standalone batteries accommodating domestic energy requirements. This adaptability ensures that both residential and commercial properties can benefit from energy storage solutions.
5. Enhanced Energy Management: Beyond mere storage, BESS facilitates proactive energy management. Homeowners can strategically charge their batteries during periods of low electricity costs, contributing to reduced bills and efficient grid usage.

5 Reasons to Consider Home Battery Storage Without Solar Panels

1. Cost-Efficient Off-Peak Charging: Utilising home battery storage to import cheaper off-peak power from the Grid proves a prudent strategy for reducing energy costs. Time-of-use tariffs, such as Economy 7 and Octopus Go, offer specified hours with lower electricity rates, allowing homeowners to programme their battery systems for cost-effective charging.
2. Backup Power Supply for Uninterrupted Living: For homes in areas susceptible to regular power cuts, a battery-only system, complemented by an Emergency Power Supply (EPS), offers a greener alternative to fuel generators. This ensures that essential circuits, such as refrigerators, cookers, or computers, remain powered during blackouts.
3. Increased Energy Independence: A standalone battery system becomes an ideal option for those seeking greener and energy-independent solutions, especially when solar panels are impractical. This approach provides homeowners with greater control over their energy usage, reducing dependency on the Grid.
4. Eco-Friendly Alternative to Generators: Opting for a battery-only system as a backup power supply presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional generators. This choice aligns with green energy tariffs, contributing to a sustainable energy ecosystem.
5. Adaptability to Varied Property Types: Home battery storage without solar panels caters to a broad spectrum of property types. Whether you reside in an urban apartment or a rural farmhouse, the adaptability of battery systems ensures that diverse homeowners can benefit from energy storage solutions.

Comparing Battery Storage Without Solar vs. Solar Panels with a Battery

1. Reduced Dependency on the Grid: While a standalone battery system still relies on the National Grid for charging, opting for solar panels with a battery system reduces this dependency. By harnessing the abundance of sunlight – yes even here in the UK!, homeowners can significantly cut ties with wholesale energy prices and the type of electricity supplied by the Grid, contributing to lower carbon emissions.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint with Solar Panels: The installation of solar panels facilitates the generation of renewable energy, significantly reducing carbon emissions. A typical home with a solar panel system can save approximately one tonne of carbon per year, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.
3. Enhanced Cost-Efficiency of Solar Panels with Storage: The integration of solar panels with a battery system proves more cost-effective, with potential savings of up to 90% on annual consumption compared to a battery-only system providing up to 15% savings. Beyond direct savings, surplus energy can be sold back to the Grid through initiatives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
4. Financial Advantages of Surplus Energy Selling: Homeowners installing solar panels benefit from selling surplus energy back to the Grid, earning up to 15p/kWh through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This financial incentive adds another layer of savings to the overall cost-effectiveness of the solar panel system.
5. Accelerated Payback Time with Solar Panels: The payback period for a battery system without solar panels is estimated at around 11 years. However, installing solar panels with a battery system reduces the payback time, making it a more economically advantageous choice for homeowners.

Cost Considerations for Home Battery Storage Systems

The cost of installing a home battery system without solar panels involves an AC Controller and Battery System. As of 1st Feb 2024, VAT on these systems in the UK has been reduced from 20% to 0%, resulting in additional savings. Costs can vary, ranging from £4000 to £11,000 based on factors such as battery capacity, brand, technology, and installer choice. At Nano Pro-Tech, we are committed to offering competitive prices along with top-notch service! There are a vast array of battery options available to suit all budgets and preferences, at Nano we offer: Tesla Powerwall, Growatt, Fox ESS, and GivEnergy to name a few of the most popular choices.

Can I Add Solar Panels Later?

Yes, the flexibility of current market products allows for the addition of solar panels to an existing battery system. This process, known as retrofitting, ensures that homeowners can adapt and expand their home energy storage systems at a later date, increasing overall storage capacity.

Is Home Battery Storage Without Solar Panels a Practical Idea?

Given the prevailing energy rates and the looming threat of power cuts in the UK, the consideration of home battery storage without solar panels becomes increasingly sensible. If you’re a UK homeowner exploring the costs and benefits of home battery storage for solar PV, contact our award-winning team at Nano Pro-Tech today by calling our dedicated team at 0800 861 1582, emailing us at info@nano-pro.tech, or filling in our online form here. We’re here to provide insights and assist you on your journey towards sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.