Ultimate Guide to Solar Battery Costs in the UK [2025 Update]

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Ultimate Guide to Solar Battery Costs in the UK [2025 Update]
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You might want to buy a solar battery, but you don't know how much it will cost. While the high cost of solar batteries may initially seem like a turnoff, the pros, such as saving money in the long run, far outweigh the cons for your solar system.  

Families are trying to find ways to save money and avoid buying things they don't need as their budgets get tighter. However, purchasing a solar battery might lower your electricity costs, give you an extra way to make money, and make your home more eco-friendly. That sounds like a better use of that money, doesn't it?

This guide will show you everything about solar battery costs in the UK. Due to the different house sizes and battery cells, the prices may range from £200 to over £10,000 and more. So, compared to the home solar batteries, the Jackery Portable Power Stations, as portable power systems, are cheaper but have over 12 kWh capacity.                   

 

Key Takeaways:

The solar battery cost for a typical 4kW solar system ranges from £3,500 to £4,000. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, although they possess longer lifespans.

Factors influencing solar panel battery costs encompass the battery composition, capacity, longevity, and installation expenses.

Solar batteries in the UK range from £200 to £10,000. The price depends on how much storage space you need.

Even though they cost a lot, the average Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rate can help you save up to £735 a year. This is on top of the money you will save from your solar panels.

We recommend Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, 1000 Plus, and 300 Plus with LiFePO4 batteries, which supply stable and consistent power with longer lifespans.                 

 

Solar Battery Costs in the UK 

The instability of solar power generation makes battery energy storage systems necessary for supporting equipment. In the UK, solar battery costs involve many aspects, including initial investment, replacement, and operation and maintenance costs. Next, we will mainly discuss the initial cost of solar batteries.

The current price of solar batteries in the UK ranges from £200 to £10,000, depending on the solar battery's chemical composition, service life and storage capacity. The following will focus on the cost of solar batteries with different capacities or chemical materials.

Solar Battery Costs by Different Capacities

A solar battery's capacity is an essential factor affecting its cost. As the capacity of a solar battery increases, the price of the required materials will also increase accordingly. In addition, the increase in the capacity of a solar battery also puts higher requirements on research and development and equipment updates, further pushing up costs.

In the UK, household users usually choose solar batteries with capacities between 3kWh and 10kWh to meet their daily electricity needs. Commercial users may need a larger solar battery, which increases the price.

In the UK, 4-7kWh batteries cost around £3,500 to £8,000, 9-12kWh batteries cost between £8,000 and £10,000, and 13-14kWh batteries cost over £10,000.

Battery Capacity (kWh)

Solar Battery Price

>1kWh

£230 – £300

3kWh

£2,500 – £3,500

4kWh

£3,500 – £4,000

5kWh

£4,000 – £5,000

6kWh

£5,000 – £7,500

12kWh

£9,500 – £10,000

(Data Source: Green Match)

*The prices and savings shown in the table are estimates for reference only.

 

Solar Battery Costs by Different Household Sizes

A solar storage battery can be purchased for less than £2,000 or over £11,000. However, if you need a battery with a moderate capacity of 5 kWh, suitable for a three-bedroom residence, anticipate a cost of approximately £5,000.

The primary determinant of a storage battery's cost is its capacity. The price is approximately £900 to £1,000 per kWh of electricity a battery can store.

The greater the number of solar panels and the higher the energy consumption, the larger the battery's required capacity.

Numerous high-quality batteries are modular or stackable, allowing for the addition of supplementary units to enhance the system's total capacity. This enables you to commence on a small scale and expand your storage system by increasing solar production or energy requirements.

Household Size

Solar Battery Size

Solar Battery Cost

1-2 Bedrooms

4-7 kWh

£3,000-4,000

3 Bedrooms

5-8 kWh

£5,000-7,000

4+ Bedrooms

10+ kWh

£10,000+

The table provides an approximate overview of battery prices, including professional installation. When comparing options, ensure you obtain at least three estimates.

 

Solar Battery Costs by Different Types

The chemical material of a solar battery has a decisive influence on its cost. There are main types of solar batteries worth considering: lead-acid solar batteries and lithium-ion solar batteries.

Lead-Acid Solar Battery: The average price of a 4kWh lead-acid solar battery is around £2,000. Its service life is around 1,800 times. In addition, the depth of discharge (DoD) of a solar battery with a rated capacity of 4kWh is around 50%, significantly lower than that of a lithium-ion solar battery.

Lithium-ion Solar Battery: Lithium-ion solar batteries are generally more expensive than lead-acid solar batteries. A 4kWh lithium-ion solar battery costs about £4,000, twice the average 4kWh lead-acid solar battery. A 4kWh lithium-ion solar battery can provide about 4,000 life cycles (its lifespan is about 10-11 years) and 90% DoD.

 

Lead-Acid Battery (4kWh)

Lithium-ion battery (4kWh)

Solar Battery Costs

£2,000

£4,000

Depth of Discharge (DoD)

50%

90%

Life Cycle

1,800

4,000

Cost per kWh

56p

28p

(The prices and savings shown in the table are estimates for reference only.)

To summarise, despite the higher estimated price of lithium-ion solar cells, they still have a larger market share due to their superior performance. However, a lead-acid solar battery can also be considered if one has a smaller budget.

The above data are all estimates. Please ask for a professional installer if you want more accurate solar battery costs in the UK. However, it is worth noting that as solar batteries become more popular, their price is currently falling.

 

What Factors Influence Solar Battery Costs? 

In the UK, solar battery cost is affected by various factors, in addition to capacity and chemical composition. Therefore, consumers should consider these factors comprehensively when choosing solar batteries to make the most cost-effective decision. Here are a few significant factors that affect solar battery costs:

factors affect solar battery costs

 

Life Cycles

The life of a solar battery is measured in cycles, that is, how many full charge and discharge cycles it can withstand. The more cycles a solar battery has, the longer its life will be. Since the life of a solar panel is about 25 years, solar cells with a long life can reduce replacement costs. Cheap solar batteries with a shorter life may need to be replaced, which is more expensive in the long run compared to a one-time long-term investment.

Batteries with more guaranteed cycles typically cost more than batteries with fewer cycles, but this is not a precise science.

Capacity

Battery capacity denotes a solar panel battery's entire energy storage potential, whereas useable capacity indicates the quantity available for use, often determined by the drain depth.

The quantity of storage and usable capacity, quantified in kilowatt-hours (kWh), directly impacts the cost of your solar battery storage system. An increased capacity allows for greater energy storage and coverage of a bigger region, thereby leading to a higher price.

Another aspect to contemplate is the storage capacity in series. Although a battery may have a reduced standalone capacity, many can be connected in series to increase capacity.

Consequently, the larger your home, the larger your solar battery's capacity should be. A 5kW solar battery is enough for families of four but insufficient for larger families.  

Family Size

Recommended Solar Battery Size

1 Bedroom

2 kWh

2 Bedroom

4 kWh

3 Bedroom

8 kWh

4 Bedroom

10 kWh

Depth of Discharge (DoD)
This denotes the quantity of electricity that may be drawn from a battery before it needs recharging. It resembles functional capacity, although it is not identical.

A solar storage battery with a depth of discharge (DoD) of 100% is uncommon. Most batteries can be depleted by approximately 90% before requiring recharging. This approach is prevalent among rechargeable batteries, particularly those in mobile phones and laptops.

Nonetheless, several premier solar storage batteries possess a Depth of Discharge (DoD) of 100%.   

Smart Charging

A solar battery with an intelligent charging function can adjust the charging state and extend the battery life. You can also manage and monitor various indicators of the solar battery (power, temperature, and other parameters) with the mobile application in real-time to prevent overcharging and over-discharging.

Warranty

Many solar batteries come with a guarantee lasting 5-10 years. That's less than half of the usual 25-year warranty for a solar PV system, so keep that in mind. You may need to replace your storage battery before replacing your panels.

Sometimes, a battery has a longer guarantee, which doesn't always mean it costs much more. For example, the Jackery Portable Power Stations offer a 5-year warranty on portable solar batteries.

Installation Costs

Installation of solar storage batteries requires experienced personnel, thus representing an additional expense to consider. Substantial, high-quality batteries may incur higher installation costs than smaller, less expensive alternatives.

Installation costs fluctuate depending on the required battery size, geographical area, and property configuration. Typically, installing solar panels concurrently can reduce costs.

Brand and Model

The price of a solar battery will be affected by the brand it belongs to, and some companies will charge higher prices to build their reputation or because they are more trustworthy or more respected than others. For example, solar batteries from big brands such as Tesla and LG are more expensive but tend to be of better quality. In addition, even within the same brand, different models of solar batteries vary in features and prices.

 

How Much Can I Save with a Solar Battery?

One of the best reasons for buying battery systems is that they can save you money on your energy bills, which is valid for most solar panel batteries. But how much does that savings mean?

Without knowing more about your home, it's hard to give you an exact number for how much your bills will go down because of solar storage. In the end, many things can change the amount you save, which can change monthly. These are some of the most important things that could affect how much money you could save by using solar batteries in the UK:

- What is the cost of having the battery system installed?

- What kind of solar panel battery do you want to be put in, as well as the solar panel system that is already there (if any)?

- How well do you use the power your solar panels give you?

- You can change how much energy from the National Grid costs based on the time of year and over time.

- How long does the battery last?

- Whether you'll have to pay extra to fix your battery throughout its life.

On top of that, your solar battery can earn you cash. If you join the Smart Export Guarantee program, you can sell any extra power that your solar panels make.

Solar Battery Size

Average Estimate Annual Savings

4 kWh

£385.4

8 kWh

£642.3

10 kWh

£900.2

The total savings from a solar battery in the UK depend on various factors, including battery size, electricity costs, and home use patterns.

A highly effective method to conserve funds with your solar battery is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows you to export surplus electricity stored in your battery back to the National Grid. Presented below are the specifications for various standard solar panel dimensions:

 

1-2 Bedrooms

2-3 Bedrooms

4 Bedrooms

Solar Battery Size

2-3 kW

3-4 kW

6 kW

Total Savings with SEG Payment

£520

£820

£1,350

Total Savings without SEG

£440

£660

£1,005

ROI

£5,500-6,500 to £7,500-8,500

£5,500-6,500 to £10,500-11,500

£15,000-16,000

The displayed prices and savings statistics are approximations. We advise consulting expert installers to obtain the cheapest costs.

With an ideal solar panel and solar battery, one can conserve a year's electricity expenses for their residence. To maximise total savings, the capacity of your solar system should match that of the solar battery. Consequently, if your solar panel capacity is 10kW, select from 10kW solar battery options. This applies similarly to other system sizes, such as the 12kW solar systems in the UK.

Except for the SEG, choosing a portable solar battery, like Jackery Portable Power Station, is another wise choice for using solar energy but with a limited budget. It can also store the energy converted by Jackery Solar Panels. If you worry about the bad weather conditions in the UK, the portable power station can be quickly refuelled by wall outlets or carports.    

how jackery solar generator works

 

 

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

After learning about solar battery costs in the UK, you can see that using solar batteries in homes is more expensive than portable power stations, especially for some big families.

A portable power station can be better than a solar battery when portability and flexibility are paramount. It can be effortlessly transported and charged from multiple sources, such as wall outlets, car adapters, or solar panels. In contrast, a solar battery is usually stationary and predominantly recharged by solar panels, rendering it less adaptable for mobile power requirements.

Jackery Portable Power Stations is engineered to supply electricity in outdoor settings. The solar-ready portable power station enhances mobile living and outdoor experiences. You now possess the energy and capability to reach your desired destination.

 

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus features a LiFePO4 battery, rendering it smaller and lighter than competing goods, with a weight of only 3.75kg, facilitating effortless mobility at any time and place.

The Explorer 300 Plus is a portable power station featuring a 300W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (600W Surge Peak) and a capacity 288Wh. It can charge up to four devices concurrently, facilitated by one AC, USB-A, and USB-C output, enabling rapid and effortless charging of multiple devices. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and compact to fit within a rucksack, facilitating convenient transport.

The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete wall charge requires 2 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 200W panel necessitates 4 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.  

jackery explorer 300 plus

 

So, What Can an Explorer 300 Plus Run?

The Explorer 300 Plus is best for short-term outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, running, biking, picnicking, and more. It can supply enough power for your electronics and devices on your outdoor trip, including your phones, laptops, cameras, GPS devices, lights, etc.

Electronics & Devices

Working Hours

Phone (29W)

13 Charges

Drone (90W)

5 Charges

String Lights (125W)

2H

Mini Fridge (90W)

2.5H

LCD Television (60W)

4.2H


 

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

The Explorer 1000 Plus features an impressive 1264Wh durable LiFePO4 battery and a 2000W full-power pure sine wave inverter, supplying sufficient energy for almost all essential devices. Remarkably, it can augment its capacity to 5kWh by incorporating up to three more battery packs.

Employing Jackery's exclusive technology, the Explorer 1000 Plus's capacity can be augmented from 1.26kWh to 5kWh by adding up to three supplementary battery packs. Furthermore, it features a maximum output of 2000W, exceeding the standard 1kWh LFP power plants by 20%.

The MPPT technique guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A wall charge from 0% to 100% of the battery requires 100 minutes, while solar charging with four SolarSaga 200W solar panels takes 2 hours. With car charging capabilities, concerns over power disruptions will be alleviated.

jackery explorer 1000 plus

 

So, What Can an Explorer 1000 Plus Run?

Due to the expandable capacity, the Explorer 1000 Plus is ideal for more scenarios, such as weekend getaways, off-grid living, or even home backup.

1.26 kWh: The 1260Wh is big enough to charge daily household appliances. As mentioned above, the one-bedroom only uses 1-2 kWh of electricity, which is ideal for people living alone. It can power your refrigerator, TV, computer, or CPAP machine in an emergency or power outage.

5 kWh: Adding more battery packs will give you 5 kWh for off-grid living or home backup power. This is enough for a two—to three-bedroom house, so you can use it to charge several appliances simultaneously to save electric bills or in emergencies.

Appliances

Working Hours

Coffee Maker (550W)

1.8-7.7H

Air Conditioner (1000W)

1-4.25H

Blender (800W)

1.3-5.3H

Computer (200W)

5-21.25H

Sump Pump (850W)

1.2-5H


 

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

Jackery unveils the high-performance Solar Generator 2000 Plus, significantly advancing portable power options. With substantial capacity and significant power output, it can sustain a typical home for weeks and fulfil all energy requirements for outdoor activities or professional tasks.

Its substantial 2 kWh capacity, with extended power of up to 12 kWh, significantly enhances off-grid living. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Power Station accommodates up to 5 supplementary battery packs simultaneously, improving its capacity from 2 kWh to an impressive 12 kWh, making it ideal for road trips, outdoor camping, heavy-duty applications, and home emergencies.

The sun Generator 2000 Plus requires only 2 hours for a complete sun charge using 6*SolarSaga 200W solar panels. The power source achieves complete autonomy by utilising solar energy for charging rather than relying on the power grid.

Operates at an exceptionally low noise level of about 30dB. The noise level during the charging of the power station is ≤30 (equivalent to library ambient noise). Utilise the Jackery application to enable Quiet-Charging Mode.

jackery explorer 2000 plus

 

So, What Can an Explorer 2000 Plus Run?

Off-Grid Living: Attain energy autonomy with the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, ideal for isolated habitation or prolonged outdoor excursions—experience scalable energy for illumination, electrical devices, and minor appliances.

Home Backup: The 2000 Plus maintains house functionality during power outages, providing 2 kWh of dependable energy, expandable to 12 kWh. It supplies energy to critical appliances and maintains connectivity during emergencies.

Professional Work: The Explorer 2000 Plus is perfect for professionals requiring portable electricity at remote locations. Power tools and equipment enhance productivity through their expanded energy capacity.  

Appliances

Working Hours

Portable Air Conditioner (1150W)

1.4-8.7H

Kettle (800W)

2-12.75H

Coffee Maker (550W)

3-18.5H

Weeder (2200W)

0.7-4.6H

Microwave (1000W)

1.6-10.2H


 

What Solar Battery Grants Are Available in the UK?

When choosing the best solar battery in the UK, several grants and incentives are available for pairing solar panels with a solar battery and making the most of the energy produced during peak sunshine seasons. Here are the main options that make solar batteries more affordable:

Solar Battery Grants

Run Time

Potential Savings

0% VAT

February 1st 2024 - March 31st 2027

Up to £1,300

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

January 1st 2020–(Indefinite)

1p to 20p per kWh

Home Energy Scotland Loan

2008–(Indefinite)

Loans of up to 75% of the installation costs (Up to £6,000)

0% VAT

From February 1, 2024, the UK government will extend the 0% VAT scheme to solar battery storage systems. 0% VAT applies to newly installed solar panels and solar batteries, retrofitting solar batteries into existing solar panel installations, and standalone battery storage systems connected to the grid.

Previously, VAT relief was limited to solar batteries installed with new solar panels. Before this, VAT relief only applied to batteries installed with new panels. For example, buying a 3kWh battery before March 31, 2027, could save you between £1,500 and £2,300. For a 6kWh battery, the savings could be between £3,900 and £4,100.

Battery Capacity (kWh)

0% VAT Savings

3kWh

£1,500 – £2,300, £1,900 avg.

4kWh

£2,600 - £3,100, £2,850, avg.

5kWh

£3,300 - £3,700, £3,500, avg.

6kWh

£3,900 - £4,100, £4,000, avg.

(The prices and savings shown in the table are estimates for reference only.)

This initiative will last until March 31, 2027. According to the government's announcement, VAT on energy-saving materials will be restored from zero tax rate to a reduced rate of 5% from April 1, 2027. Therefore, buying and installing solar batteries before April 1, 2027, is the most cost-effective option.

Smart Export Guarantee

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) came into effect in January 2020 and aims to encourage homeowners to choose to install solar panels to generate income by allowing them to send excess electricity back to the grid.

Rates vary from supplier to supplier, ranging from 1 pence to 20 pence per kilowatt-hour. As a SEG participant with a solar battery, you can compare quotes from different SEG licensees. Some energy suppliers even offer exclusive pricing for energy exported from specific solar battery storage systems. For example, if your rate is 5.5p per kWh, a 4kW system on a typical three-bedroom house could save around £700 per year.

Solar Panel System

Total Savings, including SEG Payment

Total Savings without SEG

Return on Investment

2–3kW

£520

£440

£7,500 - £8,500 to £5,500 - £6,500

3–4kW

£830

£660

£5,500 - £6,500 to £10,500 - £11,500

5–6kW

£1,360

£1,005

£15,000 - £16,000

(The prices and savings shown in the table are estimates for reference only.)

Home Energy Scotland Loan

Scotland's Scottish Home Energy Loan offers interest-free loans to finance energy-saving renovations, including solar panels and batteries. Scottish residents can get a loan of up to 75% of the installation cost, depending on the specific measure. The project's total cost determines the cashback amount and is subject to a maximum limit. In addition, the repayment period of the Home Energy Scotland Loan ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the project.

 

Can I Get a Solar Battery for Free in the UK?

If acquiring a battery exceeds your budget, rest assured that government grants are available to assist you. The UK government's ECO4 plan may also help you with solar battery and solar panel installations.

The ECO4 project will operate March 2026 and primarily aims to enhance the energy efficiency ratings of residents across the United Kingdom. The initiative also seeks to diminish carbon emissions and lower electricity expenses for the most vulnerable homes in our community.

To qualify for the ECO4 scheme, you must:

- Either possess the property you own or engage in private rental.

- Possess an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.

- At least one individual in your household must obtain means-tested benefits.

- To qualify for financial aid to acquire solar panels or a solar battery, one must reside in an all-electric home that does not permit the installation of a biomass boiler or participation in the district heat network.

If you do not meet the criteria for this plan, consider exploring the ECO4 LA Flex scheme. The LA Flex initiative is a component of the ECO4 system, granting local authorities the authority to ascertain eligibility criteria.

 

Solar Battery Costs FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about solar battery costs in the UK:

1. How much does a battery cost for solar panels?

Currently, the price of a commonly used solar battery in the UK ranges from £2,500 to £10,000, depending on its chemical composition, service life, and storage capacity.

2. How much does adding a battery to a solar system cost?

Adding a solar battery to a solar system ranges from £2,500 to £10,000. However, the actual price of a solar battery will vary depending on the capacity and chemical composition of the battery you choose. In addition, the cost of a solar battery is also affected by many factors, such as installation conditions, policy environment, market competition, and maintenance requirements.

3. How much does a 10kW battery cost?

The average cost of a 10kW solar battery in the UK is £8,000 to £9,000. However, the cost of a solar battery varies depending on many factors. Therefore, please consult a professional installer for a more accurate solar battery price.

 

Final Thoughts

Having determined the necessary size of the solar battery and its estimated cost, is acquiring a battery a prudent investment for your household? Will it enhance the yield from your solar photovoltaic system?

Although the initial expenses associated with batteries, including installation charges, are considerable, the substantial savings on energy bills justify the investment. Additionally, one could generate supplementary money by exporting surplus solar electricity to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.

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