Solar & Renewables

Battery Storage

Battery energy storage systems store electricity for later use, commonly paired with solar PV to maximise self-consumption and provide backup power.

What is Battery Storage?

Battery storage systems (also called home batteries or energy storage systems) store electrical energy for use when needed. When paired with solar panels, they allow homeowners to use solar-generated electricity after sunset.

How Battery Storage Works

  1. Solar panels generate electricity during daylight
  2. Excess energy charges the battery instead of exporting to grid
  3. Battery discharges when solar production is low
  4. Grid provides backup when battery is depleted

DNO Applications for Batteries

Battery systems affect DNO application requirements:

System SizeApplication Type
Solar + battery under 3.68kW totalG98 notification
Solar + battery over 3.68kWG99 application required
Battery-only systemsMay require G99 depending on size

MCS Certification

For batteries to qualify for certain incentives, they should be:

  • Installed by an MCS-certified installer
  • Meet product certification standards
  • Properly commissioned and documented

Benefits of Battery Storage

  • Maximise self-consumption of solar generation
  • Reduce grid dependence and electricity bills
  • Backup power during outages (with appropriate systems)
  • Time-of-use optimisation - charge when rates are low