5 Best Solar Panel Batteries for UK Homes

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21st Oct 2024

Whether you’re installing a new solar system or already have a solar PV system in place, adding a solar battery is the key to getting the most out of your energy, especially the excess electricity your panels generate.

But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one for your home?

Don’t worry—our expert installers are here to help. We’ve reviewed five of the best solar batteries for UK homes to guide you in finding the perfect match.

Why Buy a Solar Battery?

A solar battery lets you store the excess energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or when energy rates are higher.

This not only reduces your reliance on the grid (cutting your energy bills!) but also makes your home more energy independent.

Plus, using stored solar power helps you rely less on fossil fuels, which is a win for the environment. And with the right setup, you can even take advantage of cheaper electricity during off-peak times, boosting your savings even more.

What are the Different Types of Solar Batteries?

Solar technology keeps evolving, but right now, most solar battery manufacturers use one of these two main battery types:

• Lithium-ion batteries: These are the most popular for homes with solar panels. They’re compact, efficient, and long-lasting—typically around 10 to 15 years. You can also use most of the battery’s capacity before needing to recharge, making them very practical.
• Lead-acid solar batteries: These are older and more affordable, often used in off-grid systems. While they’re cheaper upfront, they don’t last as long and aren’t as efficient as lithium-ion options. They also require regular maintenance, so they’re less convenient for everyday home use.

Each type has its pros and cons, so your choice depends on your home’s needs, budget, and available space.

What to Look for in a Solar Battery

Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the right solar battery for your home:

• Battery capacity (kWh): This tells you how much energy the battery can store. Bigger homes with higher energy demands might need a battery with 10 kWh or more. For smaller homes, a 5 kWh battery might be enough. Think about how much energy you typically use each day and choose a battery that meets your needs.
• Depth of Discharge (DoD): This indicates how much of the battery’s stored energy you can use before recharging. A DoD of 90% or higher is ideal because it indicates a higher solar battery efficiency, allowing you to maximise your energy usage without shortening the battery’s lifespan.
• Round-trip efficiency: This measures how much energy is lost when storing and retrieving power. Efficient solar batteries have at least 85% efficiency – this is a good bet to make the most of your stored solar energy.
• Backup power: Not all solar batteries provide backup power during a grid outage. If this is important to you, make sure your chosen model supports this feature, like the Tesla Powerwall, which automatically kicks in when the grid goes down.
• Lifespan and warranty: Most solar batteries last between 10 to 15 years. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty and how many charge/discharge cycles it covers. This will give you a clearer picture of how long the battery will stay efficient.

5 Best Solar Batteries for UK Homes

With these factors in mind, let’s explore some of the best solar battery options for homes in the UK.

1. Tesla Powerwall 3 – Best for bigger buildings

The Tesla Powerwall 3, now available to order in the UK, is one of the most efficient and reliable solar batteries on the market. With a usable capacity of 14 kWh, it’s perfect for homes with higher energy demands. Plus, it offers a round-trip efficiency of 90%, meaning you retain most of the energy stored.

Key features:

• Capacity: 14 kWh usable
• Efficiency: 90%
• DoD: 100%
• Backup power: Yes, supports power outages

The Powerwall is also sleek and compact and can be wall- or floor-mounted, making it ideal for a variety of home setups. It’s expected to be available in late 2024.

2. Enphase Encharge 10T – Best for smart energy management

Looking for more than just energy storage? The Enphase Encharge 10T comes with smart energy management features, allowing it to seamlessly switch between power sources (solar, grid, or battery) depending on your needs.

Key features:

• Capacity: 10.1 kWh usable
• Efficiency: 89%
• DoD: 90%
• Backup power: Yes, with automatic grid failure detection

3. Huawei Luna 2000-10 – Best for compact spaces

The Huawei Luna 2000-10 offers a compact, high-voltage Li-ion battery solution with 10 kWh of storage. Its modular design lets you expand the system as your energy needs grow, making it perfect for smaller homes with the potential to scale up.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 10 kWh
• Efficiency: 86%
• DoD: 100%
• Backup Power: Available with select configurations

4. LGES 16H Prime – Best for affordability

If budget is your main concern, the LGES 16H Prime is a fantastic choice. It’s one of the most cost-effective solar batteries on the market but doesn’t sacrifice performance. However, it lacks modularity, meaning you can’t expand the system if your energy needs increase.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 16 kWh
• Efficiency: 90%
• DoD: 100%
• Backup Power: Yes

5. Sonnen EcoLinx 30 – Best warranty

If a long warranty is what you’re after, the Sonnen EcoLinx 30 delivers. With a 15-year warranty, this battery outlasts most on the market. The downsides? It’s pricier and slightly less efficient.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 30 kWh
• Efficiency: 88%
• DoD: 100%
• Warranty: 15 years

Finding the Right Battery for Your Home

Choosing the best solar battery storage for your home comes down to understanding your energy needs, budget, and priorities. Whether you value efficiency, space, or long-term scalability, there’s a solar battery out there to fit your home perfectly.

If you’re unsure which one is right for you and your existing solar panel system, reach out to The Little Green Energy Company. We’re here to offer expert advice and help you find the ideal solution for powering your home efficiently and sustainably.