Watts in store? Introduction to energy storage batteries for homes

An increasing reliance on renewable sources

As the UK transforms to an energy infrastructure based on electricity, with increasing reliance on renewable sources, the wider use of battery technology is anticipated. A range of domestic scale energy storage batteries is now available with the potential to reduce energy costs for households and ultimately contribute to the resilience of the grid.

This introductory guide is for house builders considering the installation of a battery system. It highlights the practical and technical considerations when selecting a system and, in particular, how to ensure good alignment with the expectations of home buyers. Using graphics, the guide introduces and clarifies the terminology used to describe the configurations of batteries in homes (including those coupled with photovoltaics) and their critical performance attributes.