Choosing
Solar only, battery only, or both?
Short answer. For most homes with a roof of their own, solar only is the best value. Add a battery if you use most power in the evening or can charge cheaply overnight. Battery only suits homes that already have solar, or a smart cheap-rate tariff.
The three options side by side
| Option | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Solar only | £5,500 to £7,500 | Homes with power use by day |
| Solar and 5 kWh battery | £8,500 to £12,500 | Homes out by day, busy at night |
| Battery only (cheap rate) | £2,750 to £4,750 | Smart tariff, EV or heat pump homes |
Estimates as of October 2026, assuming 0% VAT.
Choose solar only if
- Someone is home in the day.
- You want the lowest cost and the shortest payback.
- You are unsure about a battery. You can add one later, though it will carry 5% VAT after 31 March 2027.
Choose both if
- You are out all day and use most power at night.
- You have an electric car or plan one.
- You want some backup and a smaller grid bill in the evening.
Choose battery only if
- You already have solar and export a lot.
- You live where a roof is not available, such as a flat, and can use a smart cheap-rate tariff.
- You accept a longer payback.
Try the four-question chooser for a quick steer.
Questions people ask
Is plug-in solar a fourth option?
Yes. It is smaller and cheaper, from about £450, and saves about £70 to £100 a year. See our plug-in solar page.
Which pays back fastest?
Solar only usually does. A battery pays back slowly unless you can charge it at a cheap rate.
Can I start with solar and add a battery later?
Yes. Ask for an inverter that suits a battery so you do not pay twice.
Want numbers for your own home? Try the estimator or ask for a free quote.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust: solar panels
- Energy Saving Trust: battery storage
- GOV.UK: VAT Notice 708/6, energy-saving materials
More guides
- What solar and a battery cost for a Broadstairs house
- Current UK solar and battery benefits (October 2026)
- Smart Export Guarantee rates explained
- Is a home battery worth it with the SEG?
- Plug-in solar for Broadstairs flats and rented homes
- What size solar battery do I need?
- 0% VAT on solar and batteries explained
- Planning permission and network approval in Broadstairs
- Solar panels near the sea: what to ask for
- Cheap overnight tariffs and a battery only
- Pairing an EV charger with solar and battery