Are solar batteries worth it?

As the cost-of-living increases, more and more UK households are switching to renewable energy, and it’s clear to see why.
At Utilita Home, our main goals are to help people save £££s, all while supporting the UK’s Net Zero by 2050 target – and the best way to do that is by explaining how to get the very most out of green energy.
With that said, it’s important to understand solar isn’t just about the panels on your roof, it’s about batteries too. Whether you’ve already invested in solar, or you’re considering it, understanding exactly how a solar battery fits into the picture or whether they are worth the investment, is key to maximising your savings and being less reliant on the grid.
What is a Solar Battery?
In theory, a solar battery works in the same way as any other battery you’d use for your TV remote, your electric toothbrush, or your children’s toys – they store your power so it’s there when you need it.
Solar panels generate clean energy all year round, but a solar battery helps you hold onto as much of it as possible, so you can make savings day or night, rain or shine.
It’s simple – use your energy during the day and store the excess electricity you generate in your battery instead of selling back to the grid. This means you can use it, when your panels aren’t generating power, giving you even more financial freedom and energy independence.
What are the benefits of a Solar Battery?
Having a solar battery installed as part of a home solar package would benefit the large majority of households – it’ll save you £££s, give you greater freedom by reducing reliance on the grid, and keep you connected when you really need it…
- Save more on your energy bills. Without a solar battery, all the energy you don’t use is either wasted or exported back to the grid. The problem is, you often then have to rebuy electricity from the grid during peak times when it’s more expensive. With a solar battery, you can skip out the middleman, hold onto your own generated energy and use it when you really need it, at no extra cost.
- Be protected during power outages. Having a bank of energy stored for emergencies means you’ll keep your house on supply when others can’t. Even if there’s a power cut, or there’s issues with the grid, your solar battery will keep your essential appliances working until normal power returns.
- Increase your energy independence. A solar battery gives you more control over your energy usage. You’re not just generating clean energy, you’re managing it – so whether there are predicted price increases, supply issues, or bad weather, you’ll always be one step ahead.
- Harness the full potential of your solar energy, day and night. You’re not limited to daytime hours. Store excess energy in the day, and enjoy clean, free energy after sunset. Power your home at night for free, while reducing reliance on the grid.
- Reduce your carbon footprint. Using stored solar energy means less reliance on fossil fuels. In fact, by pairing your solar package with a home battery, you can use twice as much of your own home-generated, clean energy. It’ll slice your annual carbon footprint by over 1.5 tonne CO₂e*. That’s the same as driving 6,800 miles!
What if I’m unsure about investing in a solar battery?
It’s completely normal to be hesitant when putting together your solar package. For many, solar panels are seen as complex, and the price can be daunting – that’s without adding on a battery. But that’s where we come in.
Our Home Energy Consultants are trained to make your switch as simple as possible, and as a Utilita Home customer, you can take advantage of exclusive benefits to make solar more affordable and less complicated.
- Monthly Finance. We’ve partnered with Hometree Finance to offer flexible, cheaper payment plans – with all-inclusive solar finance available from just £50 per month**, as well as no upfront cost options available. Spreading the extra £1,355 for a Sunsynk 5.32kWh battery storage over a longer-term payment plan means you won’t notice a big increase in monthly payment, but you’ll see a big difference in your energy savings.
- Utilita Optimise. If you like the idea of a solar battery, but don’t know how to charge and discharge at the best times, Utilita Optimise is perfect for you. It’s your very own fully automated, AI-powered battery management system that fits in your pocket. It’ll use data and your usage patterns to sell high, buy low, and it’s guaranteed to save you an extra £138*** a year on top of your solar savings. The best part? It’s completely FREE for Utilita Home customers for the first two years!
So… are solar batteries worth it?
Yes, they are!
Solar panels will already cut your bills and carbon footprint, but adding a solar battery takes it next level. It means the power you generate doesn’t go to waste, and you don’t have to buy energy at peak times. You stay in control, even when energy prices rise or the grid is under pressure.
And with tools like Utilita Optimise supporting smart charge and discharge automatically, it’s easier than ever to get the maximum return on your system without needing to lift a finger.
Take charge of your switch to solar with Utilita Home.
If you like the sound of maximising your savings with a solar battery, you can get started in minutes. Fill out a few quick details about your home to find out how much you could save with our Solar Calculator. Or if you’d prefer to speak to someone straight away, Request a Call-Back and we’ll be in touch within 30 minutes (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) to give you all the info you’ll need!
*Savings are based on a 16-panel system using 485w Longi Solar PV panels, generating ~6,437 kWh per year. Carbon savings are calculated using the 2025 government emission factors and include both scope 2 and 3 emissions, and follow standard MCS procedure which assumes self-consumption of 54%. Total carbon savings ~1,580 kgCO2e per year which is the average emissions equivalent of driving 6,800 miles in a petrol car.
**Upfront and monthly prices vary; apply for your personal quote. Offers are subject to status and finance agreement.
***The additional savings attributed to Utilita Optimise are based on a model scenario involving a 5.32 kWh battery that fully charges and discharges once per day. Calculations assume usage against a single-rate electricity tariff of 25.73p/kWh. Optimisation savings are derived using a smart import tariff with a night rate of 7.9p/kWh and a day rate of 25.73p/kWh, alongside an export tariff of 15p/kWh. Actual savings may vary depending on individual usage patterns, tariff structures, and system performance.
