Solar PV systems are becoming a popular choice for both homes and businesses in Scotland. One of the key challenges with solar energy is that it doesn’t always produce power when you need it most. This is where a solar battery comes in. By storing the electricity generated by solar panels, batteries allow you to use that power later — whether that’s in the evening at home or to keep your business running during peak times.
At Jorro, based in Glasgow, we specialise in installing solar PV systems and electric vehicle (EV) charge points across Scotland. We are also approved installers of the Tesla Powerwall, one of the leading solar battery solutions on the market today. For both domestic customers and commercial sites, adding a battery to a solar system can help to maximise savings and energy independence.
How Solar Batteries Work
Solar batteries store the excess electricity your solar panels produce during the day. Instead of sending that surplus back to the grid, the battery holds onto it for use later. This means you can power your home or business when the sun isn’t shining, like at night or on cloudy days.
Many solar PV systems in Scotland operate under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows you to be paid for any unused electricity exported to the grid. However, with battery storage, you have the option to use that energy yourself first, reducing how much you need to buy from your energy supplier at higher rates.
Why Consider a Solar Battery for Your Home or Business?
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cut down on your energy bills or a business aiming to improve sustainability, there are clear advantages to including battery storage as part of your solar PV system.
Lower energy bills
Store free solar energy in a solar battery and use it when grid electricity prices are highest.
Protection from power cuts
Some battery systems, like the Tesla Powerwall, offer backup power during outages.
Increased self consumption
Use more of the power you generate, rather than exporting it.
Support for electric vehicle charging
Charge your EV from stored solar energy overnight or outside daylight hours.
Reduced carbon footprint
Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and grid electricity generated from non-renewable sources.
For commercial sites, battery storage can also help manage triad charges and peak demand costs, making energy use more predictable and efficient.
Comparing Solar Battery Manufacturers
There are several manufacturers of solar battery available in Scotland, each with different features, capacities, and price points. Some of the most common battery brands in the UK market.
Tesla Powerwall
- 13.5 kWh per unit
- Can stack up to 10 Powerwalls for larger systems
- Automatically detects power cuts and switches to battery supply
- Liquid cooling for better efficiency
- Monitoring via the Tesla app for real-time data and control
LG Chem RESU
- Typically 9.8 kWh
- Compact design suited to smaller properties
- Good efficiency and lifespan
- Compatible with several different inverters
Sonnen Batterie
- German engineering with modular sizes from 5 kWh upwards
- Integrated energy management system
- Good for pairing with certain hybrid inverters
BYD Battery-Box
- Flexible configuration with scalable storage options
- Stackable units for different capacities
- Compatible with multiple inverters and suitable for commercial use
While there are a range of good quality solar battery systems available, not all batteries are created equal when it comes to reliability, ease of use, and integration with other technologies. Tesla Powerwall consistently stands out for its combination of high capacity, smart features, and sleek design.
Why Tesla Powerwall is the Best Option for Homes and Businesses
Tesla Powerwall is one of the most advanced battery storage systems currently available. At Jorro, we are proud to be certified Tesla Powerwall installers in Scotland, and we believe this system offers significant advantages for both domestic and commercial customers.
The Powerwall’s integrated energy monitoring and intelligent management system allow you to track how much solar energy your panels are generating, how much power is stored in the battery, and how much electricity your property is using at any given time all from the Tesla app.
For homes, the Powerwall provides reliable backup power during grid outages, automatically switching over without interruption. For businesses, this means critical systems can keep running even when the grid is down, avoiding costly downtime.
Another benefit is the modular design. A single Powerwall unit offers 13.5 kWh of usable capacity, which is sufficient for many homes. However, larger properties or commercial premises can easily scale up by installing multiple units together.
The Powerwall uses liquid thermal control to maintain optimal operating temperatures, which extends battery life and improves performance, particularly in the varied climate of Scotland. Combined with its 10-year warranty and proven track record worldwide, it offers peace of mind for anyone investing in solar energy storage.
Solar Battery Grant Support and Regulations
In Scotland, there may be grant funding available for renewable technologies including solar PV and battery storage. Domestic homeowners can check eligibility for support through the Home Energy Scotland loan scheme, which may include funding for battery systems alongside solar panels.
Commercial businesses can also explore financial incentives and low-carbon support via Zero Waste Scotland and other Scottish Government-backed schemes. Always make sure your installation meets the requirements of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), which ensures high standards in renewable energy installations.
At Jorro, all of our solar PV and battery installations comply with MCS standards, and we are fully accredited for Tesla Powerwall installation. This means your system will qualify for any applicable incentives and will be installed to the highest quality standards.
Energy Storage and EV Charging
Pairing battery storage with an EV charge point is an effective way to further reduce your reliance on the grid. Charging an electric vehicle using stored solar power lowers your running costs and helps to make the most of the energy your panels produce.
For businesses with EV fleets, integrating battery storage allows for load balancing and scheduled charging during off-peak times. This can help avoid peak demand penalties and reduce overall operational costs.
At Jorro, we offer integrated systems that combine solar PV, Tesla Powerwall storage. Our team works with homeowners, small businesses, and commercial clients across Scotland to design energy solutions tailored to their specific needs.
