· 2 min read
Home Battery Storage: VAT, Export Payments and Planning Explained
A plain guide to the rules that affect home battery storage: VAT, Smart Export Guarantee payments, and whether you need planning permission.
If you’re thinking about adding a battery, a few rules affect what it costs and how it works for you. Here’s a plain summary.
VAT
Installing solar panels and battery storage in a home is currently zero-rated for VAT. That applies whether the battery goes in with new panels or is added to an existing system. The relief is scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, so check the current position with us or with HMRC if you’re planning further ahead.
Export Payments (SEG)
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, larger energy suppliers have to offer a tariff for electricity you export from an MCS certified system. Each supplier sets its own rate, and some tariffs are designed to work with batteries. It’s worth comparing them.
A battery changes how much you export. It stores power you’d otherwise send to the grid so you can use it later. Whether it’s better to store or export depends on your tariff.
Time-of-Use Tariffs
With a time-of-use tariff, a battery can charge overnight at the cheap rate as well as from your panels. What that’s worth depends on your tariff, your battery size and when you use power, so we work it out for your property at survey.
Planning Permission
Most home battery installations don’t need planning permission, as the battery usually goes inside the house or in a garage. Listed buildings and some conservation areas are different. We check this at survey.
Funding Schemes
Some households can get help with the cost through local council or energy-company schemes, usually depending on income and the property’s energy rating. Eligibility varies, so check with your local council or energy supplier before you go ahead.
Existing Solar Owners
If you already have panels, a battery can usually be added to your system. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you currently export, when you use power, and your inverter. We’ll look at your setup and tell you honestly.
Next Steps
Contact Yarmer Renewables to:
- Discuss your battery storage options
- Book a free survey
Phone: +44 7966 295073 Email: info@yarmer.co.uk
Yarmer Renewables - Solar and battery storage installers in the South West
