When it comes to getting the most from your solar panels, a battery can completely transform your home’s energy efficiency. Instead of sending your excess energy straight back to the grid, you can store it, ready to use later when the sun goes down.
But with so many battery options out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here’s a simple breakdown of everything you need to consider, and how Novus Energy helps you design a system that’s future-proof, efficient and built around your lifestyle.
1. Understanding kWh Capacity, How Big Should Your Battery Be?
The most common question we get is: “What size battery do I need?”
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which tells you how much energy it can store.
Think of it like the size of a water tank: the larger the tank, the more solar power you can hold for later use.
A few key factors determine your ideal size:
- Your average daily energy use (shown on your electricity bill)
- How much solar you generate from your panels
- Whether you want backup during power cuts
- Your future plans, like adding an EV charger or heat pump
For most UK homes, a 5–10 kWh battery is ideal. But at Novus, we tailor the system to your home and habits, analysing your generation data, energy profile, and long-term goals before recommending the right setup.
2. Depth of Discharge, What It Really Means
Not all batteries are designed to use their full capacity every time.
The Depth of Discharge (DoD) tells you how much of the stored energy you can safely use without affecting lifespan.
For example:
- A battery with 80% DoD can safely use 80% of its energy before recharging.
- A battery with 95% DoD gives you even more usable power each cycle.
High-quality lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries typically offer 90–95% DoD, giving you more usable storage and a longer life expectancy (usually 10–15 years).
3. Hybrid vs AC-Coupled, What’s the Difference?
There are two main ways to connect your battery to your solar system:
Hybrid System (Integrated)
A hybrid inverter combines your solar and battery controls into one unit.
This setup is more efficient, reduces installation costs, and simplifies monitoring through a single app.
If you’re installing solar and battery together, this is usually the best option.
AC-Coupled System (Add-On)
An AC-coupled battery is connected separately to your existing solar inverter.
It’s ideal if you already have panels and want to retrofit battery storage later on.
While slightly less efficient (due to energy conversion), it’s flexible and doesn’t require replacing your current inverter.
At Novus Energy, we install both, designing the system around your roof, your energy needs, and your future plans.
4. Think Ahead, Future-Proofing Your System
The right home battery should grow with you.
If you’re planning to add:
- An EV charger
- A heat pump
- Or even expand your solar array later on
…it’s worth choosing a battery brand and inverter that allow modular expansion.
That way, you can start with (for example) 5 kWh now, and easily add another battery later without replacing the whole system.
5. Smart Charging and Time-of-Use Savings
With modern smart tariffs, you can also charge your battery overnight when electricity is cheap, then use it during the day when rates are higher.
Pairing a home battery with your solar system means:
- Less imported electricity
- Lower bills
- Protection from price spikes
Our installations include full setup and app training, so you can monitor your generation, storage and usage in real time, straight from your phone.
6. Why Choose Novus Energy for Solar Battery Storage
We don’t just fit a product, we design a complete system.
From initial survey and DNO approval through to installation, commissioning and monitoring setup, our engineers handle every step.
✅ MCS-accredited installers
✅ Manufacturer and insurance-backed guarantees
✅ Yorkshire-based, nationwide service
✅ Friendly, tidy teams
We believe in clear advice, quality workmanship and systems that are built to last, so your home stays powered efficiently for years to come.
⚡️ Ready to Power Up?
A solar battery is more than an add-on.. it’s the key to full energy independence.
If you’re ready to take control of your power, we’ll design the right setup for your home and budget.
📲 Book your free home energy consultation today and find out how much you could save. Simply fill out the contact form below to get started.