The Complete Guide to Home Battery Storage

At JJB Electrical Ltd, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for battery systems, often installed alongside solar panels. But even without solar, batteries can play a big role in reducing energy costs and improving efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll explain how battery storage works, what the benefits are, and why it’s becoming one of the smartest investments for homeowners in 2025.

What Is Home Battery Storage?

Battery storage systems allow you to store electricity for later use. Most people think of them in relation to solar panels, but they can also be used with energy from the grid. Here’s how it works:

• During the day, solar panels generate power. If you don’t use it all straight away, the excess can be stored in a battery instead of going back to the grid.
• In the evening or at night, when your panels aren’t producing, you can draw on that stored energy.
• Some batteries also allow you to charge from the grid at cheap off-peak rates and use the energy later when prices are higher.

The result? Lower bills, more control, and less reliance on energy suppliers.

The Benefits of Battery Storage

Cut Energy Bills, By storing excess solar power or taking advantage of cheaper tariffs, you’ll reduce the amount you buy from the grid.

Energy Independence,  A battery makes you less vulnerable to price hikes. You’ll use more of your own power and less from suppliers.

Blackout Protection, Some systems can keep essentials like lighting and appliances running during power cuts.

Smarter Energy Use, Pair your battery with smart technology and you can optimise when you use stored power, for example, to run appliances overnight or charge your EV.

If you’re also considering an EV charger installation, battery storage can help keep your car running on clean, low-cost energy.

Do You Need Solar Panels to Benefit?

While most homeowners install batteries with solar, you don’t have to. Batteries can also:

• Charge from the grid during cheap, off-peak hours.
• Discharge during expensive peak times.

This means even households without solar panels can save money though the savings are greatest when solar and batteries work together.

How Big Should a Battery Be?

Battery sizes are usually measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). The right size depends on:

• How much electricity your home uses.
• Whether you have solar panels.
• Whether you plan to add an EV charger.

For a typical family home in Hertfordshire or Essex, a 5–10kWh battery is often a good fit. Larger homes or those with higher energy use may benefit from bigger systems.

The Installation Process

When we fit a battery storage system, here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation — we discuss your needs, energy usage, and whether you plan to add solar or EV chargers.

2. Survey — we check your property, roof space (if fitting solar too), and existing electrics.

3. Recommendations — we suggest the right system for your home, tailored to your budget and lifestyle.

4. Installation — we install the battery neatly, carry out any necessary upgrades (like a consumer unit replacement), and ensure the system meets UK regulations.

5. Testing & certification — you’ll receive full documentation and advice on using your new system.

Costs and Payback

The cost of battery storage has fallen in recent years, making it more accessible. The price depends on system size and whether it’s installed with solar panels.

While there is an upfront investment, most homeowners see a return within several years. Rising energy prices mean the payback period is now shorter than ever.

Real-Life Examples

• Cheshunt: A family with solar added a 10kWh battery and now use over 80% of their own generated energy.
• Hertford: A couple without solar installed a smaller battery to make use of cheap overnight tariffs. They cut their bills by almost 25%.
• Harlow: A homeowner added a battery during a rewire, preparing their home for future solar and EV charging.

Why Choose JJB Electrical Ltd for Battery Storage?

We know there are national companies out there, but here’s why local families in Hertfordshire and Essex choose us:

• We’re experienced electricians first, not just solar fitters.
• We can handle all electrical upgrades, including electrical testing and consumer unit upgrades.
• We’re fully NAPIT-approved and Which? Trusted Traders.
• We give honest advice — if battery storage isn’t right for your home, we’ll say so.
• We’re local, so we’ll be here for maintenance and support long after installation.

Battery storage is no longer a futuristic idea — it’s here now, and it’s helping homeowners in Hertfordshire and Essex save money, reduce reliance on the grid, and prepare for the future.

Whether you already have solar panels or not, a battery system can make your home smarter, greener, and more efficient.
Ready to explore battery storage for your home?

Call JJB Electrical Ltd today on 01992 276087 or visit here to book your free consultation in Hertfordshire or Essex.