Battery storage for Birmingham homes
A home battery stores power for later. Fit one with new panels, add one to panels you already have, or run one on its own from a cheaper overnight rate.
Choose your route: new, add-on or standalone
| Route | Suits | What installers look at |
|---|---|---|
| New panels and a battery | Homes getting solar for the first time | Your roof, a spot for the battery and a hybrid inverter |
| A battery added to existing panels | Homes that already have panels, including newer homes that came with them | Your inverter and how the battery connects to it |
| A battery on its own | Homes on a cheaper overnight rate, with or without panels | Your tariff, your evening use and the battery spot |
In the quote form, pick 'Battery only' if you already have panels.
Find the right spot for the battery
Installers look for a dry, airy spot that's easy to reach: a garage wall, a utility room, or a sheltered outside wall. They follow the battery maker's rules on where it can go.
Many Yardley and Sheldon semis have a side garage that suits. In Moseley and Kings Heath terraces, an outside wall at the back is a common choice.
Set it up for cheap overnight rates
Some energy tariffs charge less for electricity overnight. A battery can charge then and run your home through the evening.
Ask each installer whether the battery can be set to charge on a timer, and check the tariff with your supplier.
Decide if you need backup power
Most home batteries don't keep the lights on in a power cut unless they're set up to. If backup matters to you, ask for it by name.
It can need extra parts and a switch, and it may only cover some circuits. Get it written on the quote.
How big a battery do I need?
It depends on how much you use in the evening. Installers size it from your bills and your panels. Compare quotes by usable kWh, not the headline size.
Can I add a battery to panels on a newer home?
Often, yes. The installer checks your inverter and how the panels are wired. Pick 'Battery only' in the quote form.
Is this the same as a plug-in battery?
No. These are fixed home batteries fitted by an installer. Plug-in solar kits must never be used with a home battery.