The 5 Best Solar Battery Storage Systems UK: Expert Picks 2024

If you want to make the most of your solar panels, complementing your system with a solar battery is a must. That’s why we’re giving you a rundown of the best solar battery storage systems in the UK.

To get the best solar panel batteries for your home, it’s important to understand how each aspect can affect its performance. To learn more about solar battery specifications (such as efficiency levels and capacity) check out our explanation section. Here we also detail our system selection process.

With these considerations in mind, let's delve into our top-rated solar battery storage systems in the UK.

Typical solar battery prices will vary depending on your requirements, but can also be affected by installation costs. How much you pay will depend on the installer you choose. That’s why it’s best to compare multiple installers in your area.  

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Operating globally, Sunsynk has a significant market presence and is committed to providing innovative, eco-friendly energy solutions. The Sunsynk L5.1 battery is an affordable yet high-performance lithium-ion solar battery, perfect for homeowners seeking reliable energy storage at a lower cost. 

Its compact design makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its long cycle life ensures a durable and continuous power supply. This solar battery is the perfect choice for cost-conscious users in need of dependable energy.

The Sunsynk L5.1 solar battery is a reliable and budget-friendly solar energy storage solution, designed for users seeking efficient power management without sacrificing quality. With this battery’s capacity of 5.1kWh, it is ideal for homes with moderate energy needs or those with limited installation space. 

Engineered for high-power scenarios, the Sunsynk L5.1 ensures consistent energy availability, even during peak usage times. Its long cycle life enhances durability, providing years of dependable service while minimising the need for frequent replacements.

Its compact size allows for easy integration into smaller setups, making it a versatile choice for urban environments or properties with space constraints. 

Currently priced between £1,400 to £2,000 (exc. installation),  it is one of the more affordable choices in the solar battery market.

The SunPower SunVault is the best solar battery storage device if your main concern is maximising usable capacity. As one of the most popular and well-known producers of efficient solar batteries, SunPower’s systems are known for their durability and wide range of systems with differing energy capacities.

They may have only one line of solar batteries but they come in various sizes, providing multiple options for both low-power and high-power systems. The capacity of the SunVault can be increased by installing more modules, with each battery module allowing for an extra 6.5kWh.

Although SunPower does not disclose pricing information, customers have discussed their various supply costs on forums (many of which are different based on their region and needs but fit within a range). According to post-purchase reviews, the 13kWh model costs £12,000 to £16,500, while the 26kWh model is priced between £20,000 to £26,000 with installation.

Despite the seemingly high cost per battery, their systems remain some of the highest-quality products on the market with a reportedly very high usable capacity, especially with a 52kWh configuration.

Currently, the SunVault series is available in 13kWh, 19.5kWh, 26kWh, 39kWh, and 52kWh capacities. These options are best suited to medium-large sized homes. 

Tesla Energy is probably the most popular name in solar technology right now, and for good reason. The Powerwall has received rave reviews due to its strong performance and high efficiency. One of its other benefits is that it works well with and without solar panels, storing energy for later use.

Together with the solar panels, Tesla’s full system is a strong contender for the best solar panels and battery in the UK. Due to its ability to function in up to 10 battery-connected series and its impressive Depth of Discharge (DoD), it may be the best battery for home electricity needs, regardless of your energy demands.

Tesla’s connectivity features are also a plus but they have some kinks to work out. The Backup Gateway 2 is included as part of the package, which is a smaller box that communicates directly with Powerwall. This allows you to monitor energy use and manage backup energy reserves using any mobile device. In theory, that’s great but so far, they have been rather buggy. In addition, the Tesla Powerwall cost in the UK is something to consider.

With a third iteration of the Tesla Powerwall solar battery announced and potentially on the market soon, there may be another great system worth considering for this list down the line.

Overall, this highly efficient solar battery by Tesla will suit any medium to large home in the UK, with a maximum capacity ranging up to 140kWh. 

Enphase’s IQ batteries aren’t just a singular solution. They come in a range of sizes and prices which makes them one of the more versatile choices on the market. While they can’t compete with a lot of other companies in terms of sheer power, they have found their own way to stand out: low-power systems and variety.

The Enphase IQ can meet the more minute needs for a lower price or be cheaper to buy when mixed and matched with their more powerful batteries. They are also versatile since they can operate with both gas-powered and solar generators.

Aside from the batteries themselves, Enphase also offers great warranties that can go up to 15 years with 70% guaranteed capacity by the end of the term. The company offers a 10-year standard warranty and a 5-year extension. However, the warranty only applies for 4,000 cycles, which is less than most other manufacturers.

Another downside is that if you already have a system, you may not be able to switch to Enphase easily as their products only work with Enphase inverters (which might cause extra expenses).

While its total capacity is not disclosed, the Enphase IQ solar battery starts at 3.36kW storage capacity, making it especially suited to smaller homes. 

World-renowned electronics producer LG has a lot going for its systems. Their solar batteries come in a wide variety of sizes and capacities, much like SunPower. However, where they stand out is in terms of both range and customisation. They are also compact and slim for their relative power ratings.

The LG Chem Resu series ranges from 6.5 - 13kWh (LG Resu), 6.5 - 9.8kWh (Resu-H), and 10 - 16kWh (Resu Prime). As the numbers indicate, the Prime is the most powerful of the three, offering a continuous power output of 7kWh with a peak output of 11kWh. Perfect for maintaining full power in an outage with an above-average rate of consumption.

LG lithium ion batteries perform better in the cold as they do not have liquid cooling (they only use passive cooling). This makes them a good choice for regions with colder climates.

The LG Chem Resu series, ranging from 6.5 - 16kWh, has options that will suit any sized home.

If any of the options above piqued your interest, you’ll probably be aching to get your hands on a solar battery or an extensive solar panel system. For that, you’ll need the help of a professional installer you can trust. Ordinarily, this can take days of extensive research, contacting installers, and assessing their offers. That’s why we have a faster way.

Our service can help you obtain solar battery quotes from trustworthy installers instantly. We’ve vetted them for you so that you can be sure you’ll get the best prices and the best service.

All you have to do is fill out a 30-second form with some basic info about what you need.

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Here are the manufacturers that build the best batteries for solar panels in the UK and how well they fare in the UK market. We’re assessing the manufacturers based on several factors including:

Here is our review of the manufacturers listed above:

In terms of quality of systems, Tesla may be the most well-balanced, making it very high quality. They may have a small range of batteries but they provide them at low prices compared to their relatively high capacities. They also provide excellent warranties.

That isn’t to say it’s all smooth sailing for Tesla. While the Tesla Powerwall 2 is the best battery for home energy needs in many respects, the company does not have a particularly high score in customer service. They also have limited availability and the batteries can only be installed by Tesla-certified installers. These hold the company back a bit, despite the strength of their technologies.

LG and SunPower both have a decent claim to the best battery system for solar energy storage. However, SunPower gives very little information about DoD and prices, which is bad for customer information and assessment. The company is also held back by its high prices (as obtained from customer reviews).

Overall, all these manufacturers have their pros and cons that you should consider carefully.

You might be wondering how we picked this lineup, so let’s elaborate on our criteria for choosing the best solar battery in the UK.

With help from our solar energy expert, Joshua M. Pearce, we were able to narrow down our search to the solar battery brands with the best reputation for high quality and innovation. After picking the top 5 manufacturers we were able to test each brand's product offerings within the following criteria.

Per battery capacity: This metric indicates the energy storage capacity of each battery. Higher capacity batteries store more charge, which is typically preferred by consumers. However, it's important to consider this alongside the cost per kWh. A battery with high capacity and cost per kWh may become more expensive as it nears its full capacity. As mentioned earlier, the SunPower SunVault excels in this aspect.

The table below shows the battery size required per household size in the UK. 

Total capacity in series: Solar batteries can be linked to increase their capacity levels. For instance, Tesla Energy allows you to connect up to 10 batteries in parallel, offering the highest capacity in a series configuration. While individual batteries may be powerful, understanding combined output is crucial if you plan to purchase multiple batteries. However, linking batteries can be costly yet potent.

Continuous power output: This indicates the level of power your battery can consistently provide. A high continuous power output means your battery can supply electricity to more appliances and electronics. Batteries with high CPOs are suitable for powering entire households, whereas lower outputs are more suitable for emergency power during outages.

Peak power output: Similar to CPO, this measures how much power your battery can produce but focuses on peak levels. It's useful for understanding the battery's performance limits without risking damage. The top-tier LG RESU Prime excels in this category with a peak performance rating of 11kWh.

Depth of discharge (DoD): This signifies the effective usable capacity of your battery. In many battery types, the full excess electricity stored cannot be withdrawn. A 100% DoD means you can utilise the entire battery capacity as specified in the specs. For example, a 90% DoD on a 10kWh battery means you have 9kWh of actual storage, with 10% lost as you use energy. Tesla Energy batteries boast nearly 100% DoD, making them highly efficient in this regard.

Round-trip efficiency: This measures how much of the solar power put into your battery will actually be available for storage over time. It's the ratio of input power versus retrievable power. Solar batteries consume energy during operation/charging, and this metric indicates the rate at which input power is lost. Higher round-trip efficiency is crucial in areas with expensive energy costs, as it reduces reliance on the energy grid and minimises losses during transfer. The Generac PWRcell boasts one of the highest round-trip efficiency ratings in the industry, at 96.5%.

Warranty: Pairing a battery with an existing solar panel system represents a significant investment, so ensuring you get your money's worth is vital. Warranties play a key role in this, ensuring you can receive repairs or replacements for any faulty parts. A standard 10-year warranty is common, but companies like Enphase offer extensions of up to 15 years total.

Thanks to the UK Government's 0% VAT reduction on energy-efficient products, there’s never been a better time to invest in a solar battery. In fact, the average home with a 4kW solar panel system could save up to £2,850 on the cost of a solar battery (10kW). Not only can you save on these upfront costs, but storing excess solar power can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid energy, and potentially lower your electricity bills in the long term.

If you’re ready to install the best solar battery for your solar panels, we recommend seeking out multiple installers. A good installer can save you tons of money on solar panel costs and get the job done smoothly. Many of the solar battery manufacturers listed above only allow installation from certified professionals. It’s the only way to find the best battery for solar energy storage that suits your home and needs, especially since there are so many factors to consider.

Finding the right person for the job can be tricky with the abundance of options available. Trustworthy solar panel installers can provide you with great prices and great service but it often takes days to assess professionals and compare prices if done on your own. A good installer can even help you navigate paperwork and get the right government solar panel grants. Luckily, you don’t have to do it yourself!

Our service is one of the best ways to obtain solar battery quotes from vetted professionals. We’ve done the legwork to ensure that they are all reliable and provide reasonable prices. All you need to do is fill out a 30-second form and we’ll provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes so you can pick the best ones.

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