Batteries represented 17% of all Warm Homes: Local Grant installations to end-July 2026 — the third most common upgrade behind solar (38%) and insulation (24%). See if your home qualifies for funded battery storage.
A home battery stores electricity so you can use it when energy is most expensive — or when your solar panels are not generating. Instead of exporting cheap solar power to the grid at 3–7p/kWh and buying it back at 22–28p/kWh, a battery lets you use your own generation around the clock.
Modern lithium-ion home batteries are compact, wall-mounted units that typically last 10–15 years. Popular UK brands include Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy, SolarEdge, Solis and Fox ESS.
| System size | Typical cost (installed) | Best for | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kWh (entry) | £2,500–£4,500 | 1–2 bed / low usage | 0% with solar / 20% standalone |
| 10kWh (mid) | £4,000–£7,000 | 3–4 bed / average usage | 0% with solar / 20% standalone |
| 15kWh+ (large) | £6,500–£11,000 | High usage / EV / heat pump | 0% with solar / 20% standalone |
Yes. The Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG) funds battery storage for eligible households. Batteries were the third most common reported WH:LG upgrade to end-July 2026 at 17% of all measures. Eligibility requires EPC Band D or below, and either income-route qualification or a location in an eligible low-income area postcode.
EPC Band D or below. Income route (qualifying benefits) or low-income area route. Your local authority confirms eligibility and arranges installation. Enter your postcode above to check your area.
A standalone (AC-coupled) battery charges from the grid during cheap off-peak periods — typically 11pm–6am on tariffs like Octopus Go or Agile. If you’re on a flat-rate tariff, savings are much smaller. The key factor is the spread between your off-peak and peak rates.
Batteries installed without solar are subject to 20% VAT. This significantly increases the cost compared with a solar + battery package at 0% VAT until 31 March 2027ly.
Yes. Warm Homes: Local Grant can fund battery storage for eligible households — EPC D or below with income or location route. Batteries accounted for 17% of all WH:LG reported measures to end-July 2026.
A 5kWh battery costs £2,500–£4,500 installed. A 10kWh system costs £4,000–£7,000. Prices vary by brand, installer and whether it is combined with solar.
No. A standalone battery can charge from the grid on off-peak tariffs. But combining with solar gives the biggest benefit and reduces VAT from 20% to 0%.
It can be on a time-of-use tariff, but payback is typically 8–14 years standalone vs 4–8 years combined with solar. The 20% standalone VAT also increases upfront cost considerably.
Batteries installed alongside solar qualify for 0% VAT until 31 March 2027ly. Standalone batteries installed without solar are subject to 20% VAT in the UK.