Can I Have Battery Storage Without Solar?

How Standalone Batteries Offer Savings, Flexibility, and Backup — Without the Panels

While battery storage is often associated with solar panels, more homeowners are discovering that you don’t need solar to benefit from a battery system. With the right setup — especially when paired with off-peak tariffs like Economy 7 — a standalone battery can reduce your energy bills, offer backup during outages, and give you more control over how and when you use electricity.

Why Battery Storage Works Without Solar

Battery storage is no longer just a “solar add-on.” Even without panels, a smart battery system can significantly reduce your reliance on expensive daytime grid electricity.

The principle is simple: charge the battery when electricity is cheapest (usually overnight), and use it when rates are highest (typically in the morning and evening). This time-shifting strategy is increasingly popular among UK households using Economy 7 or EV-friendly tariffs — where night rates can be less than half the cost of daytime energy.

According to MoneySavingExpert, the average Economy 7 night rate is around 14.9p/kWh, while day rates can reach 33.6p/kWh. That’s a substantial difference — and exactly where battery storage can unlock savings.

What Does an “Average” Setup Look Like?

A typical UK household uses around 3,800 to 4,500kWh per year, according to Ofgem — roughly the energy needs of a 2-bedroom home with 1 bathroom, moderate appliance use, and no electric heating. For homes like this, a 10kWh battery is often the ideal size, allowing overnight charging and full daytime coverage for essentials like lighting, refrigeration, and working-from-home power needs.

Real-World Example: A 10kWh Battery Without Solar

One of our recent proposals shows the clear value of battery storage without solar. We quoted a client for a 10kWh standalone battery setup using a smart Economy 7 tariff. The results?

• 💰 Estimated annual savings: £758
• 📉 Payback period: 6 years
• 🔄 Lifetime net savings: £25,665
• ⚡ Annual usage covered: ~4,500kWh

All this with no solar panels — just smart charging, a premium lithium battery, and a well-managed tariff strategy.

Optional Backup Power During Outages

Another major benefit of battery storage — with or without solar — is the option to maintain power during a grid outage. While backup functionality doesn’t come as standard, it can be configured with the right hardware (such as a hybrid inverter and isolator switches).

That means during a blackout, your battery can power key appliances — from lighting and internet to refrigeration and security systems — keeping your home running while others go dark.

Why It’s About More Than Just Savings

Standalone battery systems aren’t just about slashing bills — they offer a step toward energy independence. You get:

• 🧠 Greater control over how and when you use energy
• 🔌 Protection against tariff changes and peak-rate pricing
• 🏠 Increased home value with smart energy infrastructure
• 🌍 Lower grid demand and carbon impact, especially when paired with renewables later

So Is a Battery Without Solar Worth It?

For many homes — especially those without the roof space, budget, or desire for solar panels — the answer is yes. Battery-only systems make financial and practical sense, particularly when paired with flexible tariffs like Economy 7 or EV rates.

And the best part? You can always add solar later. A Zephyr Tech battery system is designed to grow with your energy goals.

Ready to Explore Battery-Only Storage?

Whether you’re aiming to cut costs, prepare for blackouts, or take the first step toward full energy independence, our team can help.
Get in touch today to see if a standalone battery system is right for your home.

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