Should I add battery storage to my Solar PV system?

If you already have a solar PV system installed on your home in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’re probably enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy and reduced electricity bills. But with rising energy prices and growing interest in energy independence, you might be wondering: "Should I add battery storage to my solar PV system?"

Let’s explore the pros and cons, specifically with a typical 3.6 kW residential solar system.

⚡ What Does a Battery Do?

A home battery stores the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day. Instead of exporting this surplus energy to the grid (often for a relatively small payment), a battery allows you to store it and use it when the sun isn’t shining — in the evening or early morning.

📍 Why It Matters in Stratford-upon-Avon

Solar performance in Stratford-upon-Avon is relatively solid for the UK, with annual output for a 3.6 kW system averaging around 3,000 to 3,500 kWh. However, without a battery, much of that energy might go unused or be exported — especially if you're not home during the day to use it.

Adding storage could help you make better use of your solar generation, especially during:

• Evenings (when demand is high and solar production is zero),

• Winter months (when sunlight hours are shorter),

• Grid price peaks.
  

✅ The Benefits of Adding Battery Storage

1. Increased Self-Consumption

Most UK homes without storage use only about 30–40% of the solar energy they generate. With a battery, that figure can jump to 70–85%, dramatically reducing your reliance on grid electricity.

2. Lower Energy Bills

By using your own stored energy in the evening, you avoid paying peak-time rates. Over time, this adds up — especially as electricity prices remain volatile.

3. Protection from Blackouts

Although power cuts in Stratford-upon-Avon are rare, some battery systems (with backup capabilities) can keep your lights and fridge running during outages.

4. Smarter Tariff Use

Modern batteries can work with time-of-use tariffs (like Octopus Agile or Intelligent Octopus), letting you charge your battery with cheap night-time electricity and use it when rates are higher — even when the sun isn’t shining.

5. Environmental Impact

Using more of your self-generated solar power reduces your carbon footprint and makes better use of your clean energy system.

💷 The Cost vs. Payback

Battery prices vary based on capacity, brand, and features, but a typical home setup ranges from £3,000 to £7,000. For a 3.6 kW solar system, a battery with 5–8 kWh of usable capacity is usually sufficient.

Estimated payback period:

• Without smart tariffs: 10–12 years

• With smart tariffs and high self-consumption: 7–9 years

While the return may not be immediate, the long-term savings, energy independence, and future-proofing can make it worthwhile — especially as electricity prices trend upward.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

If you:

• Are home mostly in the evenings,

• Have a solar system already installed, or have access to off-peak electricity rates through your supplier,

• Want to reduce grid reliance and gain more control over your energy usage,

...then adding battery storage is a smart upgrade — especially in a location like Stratford-upon-Avon with a good solar yield.

📌 Need Advice?

Thinking about adding storage but unsure what size or brand to choose? Get in touch and Greensky Solar can help you design and cost your ideal system setup.