For many working couples in the UK, the idea of switching to solar energy is appealing. Lower bills, cleaner energy and a more sustainable home all sound great. But there’s one question that often comes up. If both of you are out during the day, when the sun is shining, is it still worth investing in solar panels? And more importantly, should you consider adding a solar battery storage system?
This is a common dilemma for homeowners in places like Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and across Dorset. After all, most solar energy is generated during daylight hours, which means you might not be home to use it. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at whether solar battery storage is worth it for working households, using the latest UK energy data to explore the real costs, savings and long-term benefits.
Solar energy has grown rapidly across the UK in recent years. More homeowners than ever are choosing to generate their own power, reducing their reliance on the national grid and cutting energy bills. The average three to four kilowatt solar panel system in the UK can cover a significant portion of a typical household’s electricity needs.
According to recent data, the average cost of a solar panel installation is around £7,200 to £7,700. This varies depending on roof size, location and the quality of the panels you choose. When you add a solar battery storage system, the total investment can rise to between £16,000 and £18,000 for a full package. It’s not a small outlay, but the potential savings over time can be substantial.
Most modern solar panels last for at least twenty five years and come with long performance warranties. Over their lifetime, they can save thousands of pounds in energy costs. For many homeowners, this makes them a solid long-term investment, particularly as energy prices continue to rise.
However, for people who spend most of the day away from home, the question becomes how much of that solar energy can actually be used directly. This is where battery storage changes everything.
Solar panels produce electricity when the sun is shining, usually between 9am and 5pm. If you are at work during those hours, your home is using very little power. That means much of the electricity your panels generate is either exported to the grid for a small payment or simply not used efficiently.
A solar battery solves this problem by storing the energy your panels create during the day so that you can use it later in the evening when you return home. Instead of drawing expensive electricity from the grid, you use your own stored solar power to run your lights, appliances, heating or entertainment systems.
This means your home remains powered by solar energy long after the sun goes down, helping you to make the most of every unit of electricity your system produces. It also reduces your exposure to rising energy prices and gives you more control over your household’s power consumption.
Another benefit is the sense of independence that comes with it. With a good-sized battery, you can run your home even during peak grid demand or temporary power outages. For many families, that reliability and peace of mind are just as valuable as the financial savings.
A high-quality solar battery system in the UK currently costs between £3,000 and £10,000 depending on the brand and capacity. Many homeowners who already have solar panels are choosing to add a battery later, with the average price sitting around £8,000.
Modern lithium-ion batteries typically last ten to fifteen years. Combined with the government’s zero percent VAT incentive on residential installations, batteries are now more affordable than ever.
In terms of savings, a home with solar panels alone might reduce electricity bills by around £350 to £400 a year. When a battery is added, that figure can more than double. Some UK households are now saving between £700 and £900 annually because they can use much more of their own solar energy rather than exporting it for a low tariff.
For couples who work during the day, the value of a battery becomes even clearer. Without one, much of your solar energy would be wasted or sold to the grid for a few pence per kilowatt hour. With one, you keep that energy and use it later, effectively buying back your own power at a much better rate. Over time, that difference adds up significantly.
While it’s true that batteries add to the upfront cost, their ability to increase self-consumption and reduce grid reliance means they often shorten the payback period of a solar system.
In the UK, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows households with solar panels to earn money by exporting excess electricity back to the grid. However, the rate paid by energy suppliers for this exported energy is often quite low compared to what you pay to buy it back.
With a solar battery, you can store more of your own energy and only export when it makes sense financially. Some homeowners even choose time-of-use tariffs that let them store cheap overnight electricity in their battery and use it during peak hours, further improving their savings.
Financing options for solar panels and battery storage are also expanding. Many installers, including Save Energy UK, now offer flexible payment plans that make it easier for families to spread the cost of installation.
If you live in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch or elsewhere in Dorset, you’re in one of the best regions in the UK for residential solar energy. The South Coast enjoys a relatively high number of sunny days each year, meaning your panels can generate strong returns.
Working with a local installer such as Save Energy UK has several advantages. Local teams understand the regional building regulations, roof structures and typical shading conditions. They can design a system that suits your home and daily routine, ensuring that both your panels and battery deliver maximum value.
Save Energy UK provides complete solar panel installation and battery storage services across Dorset and neighbouring areas. Whether you are installing solar for the first time or upgrading an existing system, our experts can advise you on system sizing, energy storage capacity and the best way to take advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee.
Although this article focuses on homeowners, it’s worth noting that businesses are also embracing solar energy. Commercial properties tend to use most of their electricity during the day, making solar panels extremely effective. However, for residential customers who are away during daylight hours, battery storage plays a crucial role in unlocking the full value of their investment.
For most working households, the answer is yes. While solar panels alone already offer strong benefits, combining them with a battery allows you to make full use of the energy your system produces, even when you’re not home.
A battery helps you save more, rely less on the grid and take control of your energy future. With electricity costs expected to remain high in the coming years, this is one investment that continues to pay back in both comfort and confidence.
If you’d like to explore whether solar panels and battery storage are right for your home, contact Save Energy UK today. Our friendly team can assess your property, analyse your energy use and provide a clear quote that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Do I need a solar battery if I’m out during the day?
If you are away from home for most of the day, a solar battery helps you make the most of your system. It stores the energy you generate so that you can use it when you return home in the evening.
How long do solar panels last in the UK?
Most modern solar panels last for around twenty five years, and many continue to perform well even beyond that with minimal maintenance.
Are solar panels still worth it in 2025?
Yes, absolutely. With rising electricity prices, improved technology and government incentives, solar remains one of the smartest long-term home investments available.
How much does solar panel installation cost?
The cost varies depending on system size, but most UK homeowners pay between £7,000 and £8,000 for a typical installation. Adding a battery increases the total cost but also improves savings.
Can I finance solar panels in the UK?
Yes. Save Energy UK offers a range of financing options that make it easier for homeowners to spread the cost of installation and start saving straight away.
