A SOLAR BATTERY MAKES YOUR SOLAR BETTER
Updated October 2nd, 2026
There’s never a bad time to go back to basics. And basics in the solar business quite often includes the question, “Should I invest in a battery for my new solar power system?”
As with lots of decisions homeowners need to make, there isn’t really a right answer to this question. We try to walk our clients through the different issues that need considering before purchasing a battery for their system.
Are they most concerned about initial financial outlay?
Is energy independence paramount?
Do they have a large family, that will want to draw down power at different times of day?
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll already have a good grasp of how solar works. If not, or if you need a refresher, have a look here.
Solar panels absorb sunlight and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter changes that DC current into the alternating current (AC) your home needs to power appliances, lights, etc..
When the sun isn’t shining, if you don’t have a battery your home draws power from the grid.
If you don’t have a battery and the sun creates extra electricity, you can sell that energy back to the grid.
Those facts mean that you don’t necessarily need a battery.
Examining the facts more closely, though, may lead to the conclusion that a battery is a smart purchase.
A solar battery stores extra electricity generated by solar panels during the day so you can use it at night or when the sun is not shining. When the sun goes down, your home draws power from the battery rather than buying expensive energy through your energy supplier.
That’s useful, because while solar generates most electricity during the midday hours, most of us use the most electricity in the early evening when the sun has set.
You can also set a battery to fill up with power from the grid only at the cheapest time of day, taking advantage of low night-time rates.
Solar Battery Grant
A solar battery can add €1,500 to €7,000 to solar installation cost. Ireland’s Budget 2027 will be announced next week and is likely to see the Government, via the SEAI, introduce a standalone solar battery grant to cover some of the cost of a battery, if you decide to add one to your system. That’s another reason it makes sense to plan to include solar battery storage. Take advantage of the upcoming battery grant plus the full €1,800 solar grant.
While it’s true that surplus energy generated during the day can be exported to the national grid via the Microgeneration Clean Export Guarantee – the set rates are not nearly as high when you are selling as when you are buying. Maximising “self-consumption” by adding a battery saves consumers money in the long run.
Why Choose Solar In Ireland?
Investing in a solar panel systems in Ireland can bring many benefits, including reduced energy bills, increased energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint. If you are interested in installing a solar panel system in Ireland, it is also worth exploring the different grant options and green business loans available and seeking professional advice from one of our solar energy advisors.
Feel free to contact us for more information, we’re here to help.
