Yes, and standalone batteries are one of the fastest-growing segments of our business. You do not need solar panels to benefit from battery storage.
How it works without solar:
The strategy is called tariff arbitrage. You charge the battery overnight when electricity is cheap and discharge it during the day and evening when rates are at their highest.
- Cheap overnight rates — tariffs like Octopus Go offer electricity at around 9p/kWh between midnight and 5:30am
- Peak rates — during the day and evening, standard rates can be 30p+ per kWh
- The saving — for every kWh you shift from peak to off-peak, you save around 20p. A 10 kWh battery cycled daily saves roughly £500–£800 per year.
Financial case:
- 0% VAT — standalone batteries currently qualify for 0% VAT when installed alongside solar, but attract 20% when standalone. Even with VAT, the payback is typically 5–7 years.
- Home Energy Scotland loan — you may qualify for an interest-free loan to help spread the cost
- Battery lifespan — 15+ years, giving you many years of savings after payback
The financial case is strong and getting stronger as electricity prices remain high.
