Install PV and Battery Storage together – pay 0% VAT on the battery

Save money on solar PV and battery installation

If, once you have installed your solar panels, you decide to upgrade to include a battery storage system you will need to pay the full rate of VAT (currently 20%).

However, following changes announced in the Spring Statement in March 2022 you can now install a solar battery storage system at the same time as your panels and benefit from paying 0% VAT.

Why install a battery system?

Installing a solar battery system at the same time as a solar PV system will save you money from both the VAT savings made at the time of install, but also the long term savings on your energy bill.

By adding battery storage to your install you can maximise your savings and return on investment from day one.

What is self-consumption?

One of the main aims of solar PV panels is to help homeowners become self-sufficient in electricity production.

During the daytime you can meet your consumption needs by using your household appliances. This is known as self-consumption and is “free energy” that your solar PV panels have generated for you. Any excess energy is sent back to the grid and if you have a smart meter you can be paid for this via the Smart Export Guarantee.

However, without a solar PV battery storage system, when it gets dark at night you will be dependent on importing electricity from the grid at the rate set by your electricity supplier.

That’s where a solar battery storage system comes in to play. By installing a battery alongside your solar PV panels, you can store this excess energy for use at times when your solar panels cannot generate free electricity for you.

In summary, the benefits of installing a solar PV battery storage system are:

• Use more of the electricity generated by your PV system
• Store excess electricity for use when you need it
• Buy less energy from the grid and take control of your energy costs
• Maximise your investment in solar panels. Once your battery is fully charged you could earn money on the electricity that you produce by selling excess energy back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee
• Potential to provide emergency power

Can I use the power in the event of a power cut?

Depending on the system that you choose to install, you may be able to use the battery in the event of a power cut.

Not every battery system can do this however, so our surveyors will chat through the options with you.