POWERPIGGY BATTERY GUIDES
No solar panels?
You can still store power.
How grid-charged battery storage works
A suitable battery and inverter can charge using electricity from the grid. On a compatible time-of-use tariff, charging is scheduled during cheaper periods. The system can then supply stored electricity to the property when direct purchases cost more. This shifts when you buy energy; the battery does not generate free electricity.
The tariff matters as much as the battery
Check the off-peak price, daytime price, standing charge and charging window. Some tariffs require a smart meter or specific equipment such as an electric vehicle or heat pump. Battery ownership alone does not guarantee access. Compare your entire expected electricity bill, including electricity still bought directly, before changing supplier or tariff.
Allow for charging losses
A battery uses more electricity to charge than it later delivers because storage and conversion are not perfectly efficient. The difference between rates must cover those losses before an energy saving appears. The complete financial case also depends on installation cost, how often you use the system, battery degradation, standby consumption, finance and maintenance. A large battery that is rarely used can offer poor value.
What to ask before buying
Ask about usable capacity, inverter output and whether the battery can fully recharge during the cheap window. Confirm grid-charging functionality, scheduling controls, warranty terms and whether backup capability is included. Share your electricity bill and usage before choosing capacity. Your equipment options and installed price are confirmed through an individual assessment.
Further reading: Energy Saving Trust’s battery storage guide.