Fixington

Solar Battery

Trade: Electrician

⭐ Introduction

A solar battery is a device that stores excess electricity generated by your solar panels for later use, helping to reduce reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills. It’s particularly useful if you want to maximise self-consumption of your solar power, provide backup power during outages, or make your home more energy independent.

You might consider installing a solar battery if you’ve already got solar panels but find you export most of your generation to the grid during the day, or if you want to prepare your home for a low-carbon lifestyle. Solar batteries can also be part of smart energy management systems, working alongside domestic electric vehicle (EV) chargers or heat pumps.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a solar battery involves connecting the battery unit to your existing solar inverter and home electricity system. The electrician will:

  • Assess your current solar PV setup and the electrical layout of your home.
  • Select a compatible solar battery and inverter or battery storage system.
  • Install the battery unit in a suitable, dry, and accessible location — often a garage, utility room, or external wall.
  • Connect the battery to your solar inverter and your mains consumer unit (fuse box).
  • Set up the battery management system to optimise charging, usage, and backup functionality.
  • Test the system to ensure safe operation, correct wiring, and integration with your home’s existing electrical installation.

Because the work involves your home’s electrics and integration with solar power systems, it must be carried out by a qualified electrician. They should be competent in solar PV and battery storage systems to comply with UK electrical regulations, including BS 7671 wiring standards, and, where applicable, Part P of the Building Regulations.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified electrician or solar installer to discuss your existing solar setup and your goals for battery storage.
  2. Site survey: The electrician visits your home to assess your solar panels, consumer unit, space for the battery, and any upgrades needed.
  3. Quote: You receive a detailed quotation that includes costs, timescales, and any planning or regulatory requirements.
  4. Booking: Accept the quote and arrange a convenient date for the installation.
  5. Installation day: The electrician fits the battery, connects all circuits, tests the system, and explains how to monitor and use your new setup.
  6. Certification: Receive any necessary certificates, such as Electrical Installation Certificates (EIC), and any warranty paperwork.
  7. Aftercare: Organise follow-up support, routine servicing advice, and keep documentation safe for future reference.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Electrician’s time; installation usually takes between 4–8 hours.
  • Battery unit: The cost of the solar battery itself; varies with capacity (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh).
  • Inverter upgrade: Sometimes required if your current inverter isn’t compatible.
  • Additional wiring/mounting: Physically installing and securely fixing the battery.
  • Certification: Electrical safety certificate and any necessary paperwork.
  • Disposal: Removal and safe disposal of any replaced equipment if applicable.

Example costs:

Item Approximate cost (£)
Labour (4–8 hrs) 300–600
Solar battery (5 kWh) 3,000–5,000
Inverter upgrade (if needed) 1,000–1,500
Materials & wiring 100–300
Certification & disposal 100–200

📊 What affects the price

  • Battery capacity: Larger batteries cost more but store more electricity.
  • Compatibility: Whether your existing inverter can work with a battery or needs upgrading.
  • Location of installation: Ease of access and whether external mounting requires weatherproof accessories.
  • Electrical system condition: Any remedial work or upgrades to your consumer unit or wiring could add cost.
  • Certification requirements: Additional paperwork or inspections can influence price.
  • Timeline: Urgent installations may incur premium charges.
  • Installer rates: Prices vary by region and individual tradesperson.

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Simple battery addition: If your solar system and consumer unit are compatible and in good condition, installation typically takes 4 to 6 hours.
  • Complex installations: If an inverter upgrade or significant rewiring is needed, expect 1–2 full working days.
  • Battery replacement: Swapping an existing battery can often be completed in 2–4 hours.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Solar battery installation is not generally a DIY job. It involves working with your home’s electrical system and solar PV equipment, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

  • You must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations for electrical work.
  • UK law requires that any work on electrical installations that affects the fixed wiring be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician.
  • Improper installation could cause electrical faults, fire risk, or invalidate your insurance and warranty.
  • If you want to maximise safety and compliance, hire a fully qualified electrician with experience in solar battery systems.

💰 Typical UK price range

As a rough guide, the total cost of installing a solar battery in the UK typically falls between £3,500 and £7,000 including VAT.

This estimate covers a mid-sized 4–6 kWh battery with professional installation and any minor electrical adjustments needed. More extensive work or higher capacity systems will increase costs.

Always get a written quote and compare a few trusted providers before proceeding.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Check your existing solar panels and inverter model to discuss compatibility with your electrician.
  • Ensure you have adequate space for the battery, preferably indoors or in a sheltered outdoor location.
  • Keep all paperwork and warranties from your solar panels and any existing electrical work; these help during installation and future maintenance.
  • Ask about routine servicing or software updates needed to keep the battery operating efficiently.
  • Confirm how the system will integrate with your electricity tariff, especially if you are on a time-of-use or smart meter plan.
  • Finally, clarify what documentation and certification you’ll receive after installation; this is important if you plan to sell your home or claim insurance.