Battery Storage vs No Battery

Written By Linden Stone

What's Best for Your Solar Panels?

When thinking about installing solar panels, one key question comes up time and again:

“Should I add a battery to my solar panel system, or just stick with panels on their own?”

At JellyWatt Renewables, we help homeowners and businesses across the South West make the switch to solar every week — and choosing whether to include home battery storage is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons, and who each option is best for.

Option 1: Solar Panels Without Battery Storage

Also known as: Grid-tied solar PV systems

Most standard solar panel installations in the UK are without batteries. These systems generate electricity during the day, and any unused energy is sent back to the grid — which you can get paid for via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Benefits:

  • Lower upfront cost

  • Faster return on investment

  • Simpler installation & fewer components

  • Still saves you a large portion of your energy bills

Limitations:

  • You still rely on the grid at night

  • You won’t be protected during power cuts

  • You miss out on maximising self-consumption

Best for: Properties with low night-time usage, retirees or customers prioritising fast payback.

Option 2: Solar Panels With Battery Storage

Also known as: Hybrid or off-grid-ready solar PV systems

By adding a solar battery, you can store any excess electricity generated during the day and use it later — particularly useful in the evenings when your solar isn’t generating, but your energy use is high.

Benefits:

  • Maximise use of your solar energy (up to 80%+)

  • Protection against rising energy prices

  • Keep the lights on during blackouts (with backup option)

  • More energy independence

Limitations:

  • Higher upfront investment

  • Slightly longer payback period (typically 8–12 years)

  • Battery lifespan typically 10–15 years

Best for: Homes with high evening use, Heat Pump owners, EV owners, off-grid projects, or anyone looking to future-proof their energy bills.

Real-World Example: A Frome Family With Evening Usage

A recent JellyWatt customer in Frome had high evening usage — charging laptops, cooking dinner, and running a heat pump after work. Without a battery, most of their solar savings would have been lost. By adding a 5.2kWh battery, they now use 78% of their solar energy directly, and have cut their grid usage by over 60%.

Talk to the Local Solar Experts

At JellyWatt Renewables, we design, supply and install solar PV and battery systems across:

  • Somerset (Frome, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, etc.)

  • Wiltshire (Mere, Warminster, Salisbury, Trowbridge)

  • Dorset (Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Sherborne, Blandford)

Whether you’re looking for solar panels for your home or want to discuss the right battery storage system, we’ll help you make the smartest choice for your property and budget.

📞 Ready to get started?
Contact us for a free site survey and personalised quote.

Linden Stone