With the UK government confirming rooftop solar will soon be mandatory on almost all new homes, solar panels are fast becoming standard across new-build developments. But as solar becomes the norm, the natural next question is: should they come with a battery, too?
While solar panels generate clean electricity, battery storage unlocks their full potential – boosting homeowners’ savings and energy independence from the traditional grid. Below, we look at what housebuilders and homeowners need to know about solar panel battery storage – and why it’s becoming essential.
What Does a Solar Battery Actually Do?
A home battery system stores unused solar energy during the day and releases it when needed – typically in the evening, when demand and energy prices peak. Without a battery, any excess power generated from your solar panels is exported back to the grid, often at much lower rates than what you pay to import it. The value of using your own stored energy far outweighs any savings from selling it – boosting your overall return on investment.
It’s no surprise, then, that 43% of UK homes with solar panels now have battery storage as well, reflecting strong and growing demand for smarter energy use at home.
Yet despite this shift, very few new-build homes currently come with a battery system as standard – leaving developers with a clear opportunity to differentiate and futureproof their offerings.
At Gryd, every solar installation includes amply sized solar panels and a home battery system as standard, ensuring each property delivers maximum self-sufficiency from day one.
Savings With and Without a Battery
Here’s a simple comparison based on a typical 4kW solar setup in a well-insulated new build home:
| Scenario | Annual Savings | Home Energy Needs Met by Onsite Solar | Energy Independence |
| Without Battery | £200–£400 | ~20–30% | Low – most of your energy still comes from the grid, subject to price rises |
| With Battery | £700–£1000 | ~70–85% | Medium–High – most of your energy is self-generated, limiting exposure to market price rises |
With a battery, your home becomes dramatically more efficient, relying significantly less on the grid and making better use of every kilowatt-hour you generate.
As energy prices in the UK continue to fluctuate, battery storage has another critical advantage: flexibility. Homeowners can time when they draw power, using stored solar energy when prices are high and even charging batteries from the grid during cheap overnight rates.
Gryd’s intelligent battery systems are designed to learn a home’s energy usage and optimise it automatically, helping homes reduce bills even further while staying green. And with Gryd’s subscription model, the benefits of battery storage come without the upfront costs or future expenses of inverter or battery replacements – making long-term savings more accessible than ever.
A Lower Carbon Footprint, Built In
Solar panels are a smart step. But pairing them with a home battery system is how you turn energy generation into real control, savings, and resilience. With Gryd’s solar subscription, homeowners benefit from ample solar generation, battery storage, insurance, and maintenance all included in one low, fixed monthly cost. There’s no need for a large upfront investment or the uncertainty of a long payback period.
For new-build developments aiming to meet sustainability targets or boost EPC ratings, batteries are a powerful tool to hit both goals and buyer expectations. Gryd’s model means there’s no need to navigate complex specs, large upfront costs or maintenance plans. It’s future-ready home energy, built in.
If you’d like tailored cost or savings estimates for your project – get in touch for a free consultation and see how solar panel battery storage can transform your next build.
