If you’ve started looking into home battery storage, you’ve probably noticed one thing straight away — prices vary. A lot.
Some quotes come in at just a few thousand pounds, while others can be double that. So, what’s going on? Why such a difference, and how do you make sure you’re getting genuine value for money — not just a shiny box and a sales pitch?
At GU Solutions, we’ve been helping families across Basingstoke, Hook, and the wider Hampshire area make sense of the numbers for over 20 years. Here’s what really affects the cost of battery storage, and how to make sure you get the best deal for your home.
1. The size of the battery (and how much power you actually use)
Let’s start with the obvious one: battery size.
Batteries are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) — that’s how much energy they can store.
A small 5kWh battery might cover your evening essentials like lights, fridge, and Wi-Fi.
A larger 10–15kWh setup can power the whole house and charge your EV overnight.
Naturally, the bigger the battery, the higher the cost. But it’s not about getting the biggest one you can afford — it’s about matching it to your lifestyle.
There’s no sense in paying for storage capacity you’ll never use. A good installer (like us!) will help you find the sweet spot between saving money now and future-proofing your setup.
2. The battery brand and technology
Not all batteries are created equal.
Just like with cars or phones, the brand and technology you choose make a difference. Some offer longer warranties, faster charging, better performance in cold weather, or smarter app controls.
Top brands like Tesla, GivEnergy, or SolarEdge tend to cost more upfront, but they often come with longer lifespans and better efficiency. Others may be cheaper to install but could need replacing sooner.
At GU Solutions, we only recommend systems we’d be happy to fit in our own homes — tried, tested, and built to last.
3. Whether you’re retrofitting or starting fresh
If you already have solar panels, adding a battery is often straightforward. Most modern systems can be retrofitted without replacing your existing panels or inverter, which keeps costs down.
However, if your solar setup is older or uses outdated equipment, it may need some minor upgrades to make everything compatible — and that can slightly increase the installation cost.
That’s why we always start with a free home survey, so we can give you an accurate figure based on your actual setup, not an online guess.
4. Installation and location
Where the battery goes matters.
Most homeowners in Basingstoke and the surrounding villages choose a garage or utility room, but outdoor installations are possible too.
If it’s a simple indoor install close to your consumer unit, it’ll be quicker (and cheaper).
If it’s further away, or your wiring needs upgrading, the job can take longer.
A reputable installer will always explain what’s involved before starting work — no hidden extras, no nasty surprises.
5. Smart features and backup options
Modern batteries do far more than just store energy. Some include smart charging, letting you top up at cheaper off-peak rates. Others can power your home during outages, acting like a backup generator.
These advanced features can add to the cost, but they also add long-term value — giving you more control, more security, and bigger potential savings.
6. The installer you choose
Here’s one of the biggest (and most overlooked) factors: who actually installs it.
A cheap quote from a national call centre might look tempting, but if something goes wrong later, getting help can be a nightmare.
When you work with a local, NICEIC-approved installer like GU Solutions, you get:
- A real survey from a qualified electrician (not a salesperson)
- Local support and aftercare
- Proper certification and safe installation
- Someone who’ll still be around if you need them next year
That peace of mind is worth far more than saving a few pounds on paper.
How to get the best value — not just the lowest price
- Get a tailored quote — not a one-size-fits-all estimate.
- Ask about modular systems — some let you start small and expand later.
- Check warranties — aim for at least 10 years on both the battery and inverter.
- Compare like for like — not just cost, but features, size, and installer credentials.
- Think long-term savings, not just upfront cost — a better-quality battery usually pays back faster.
Ready to find out what’s right for your home?
Whether you’re in Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, Alton, or Fleet, the team at GU Solutions can help you cut through the noise and find a battery storage system that fits your home, your budget, and your lifestyle.
We’ll give you straight answers, clear pricing, and expert installation — no jargon, no pressure.
Call 01256 473326 or book your free home survey today, and let’s make your energy smarter, cleaner, and more affordable.
