Battery Storage
What Battery Do I Need for My Solar Panel Installation?
· 6 min read · Bright Ray Solar LTD
Find out what size solar battery you need in the UK. Compare 5kWh, 10kWh and 13.5kWh home batteries, AC vs DC coupled storage and how to maximise self-consumption.
Start with your evening electricity use
A solar battery stores surplus solar electricity generated during the day so you can use it in the evening. The right battery size depends mainly on how much electricity you use after the sun goes down, plus the size of your solar panel system.
Typical solar battery sizes for UK homes
As a guide, smaller homes and flats often suit a 5kWh battery; a typical three-bedroom home commonly suits 8–10kWh; and larger homes, households with heat pumps or electric vehicles often benefit from 13.5kWh or more. Modular batteries let you start smaller and add capacity later.
AC-coupled vs DC-coupled batteries
A DC-coupled battery connects through a hybrid inverter and is very efficient for new solar installations. An AC-coupled battery has its own inverter, making it ideal for adding battery storage to an existing solar PV system.
Smart tariffs make batteries work harder
Pairing a solar battery with a smart time-of-use tariff lets you charge from the grid when electricity is cheapest and avoid peak prices. Bright Ray Solar LTD's team will recommend the battery that fits your usage and budget, at the best rates available on the market.