As commercial battery storage, especially when combined with solar panels, becomes increasingly popular, business owners are seeking more information before installing it. With this, there are many common myths surrounding battery storage, the benefits and whether they can be installed at your business premises. This article goes through the most common myths and provides clear information on the benefits of installing commercial battery storage.
| What is the Myth | Why It’s Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Bigger batteries are always better at providing more power and have higher capacities. | Not necessarily true. Larger batteries typically have more cells, which will provide higher capacity limits. The performance of the battery is determined by its C-Rate. This is how quickly the battery is discharged relative to its maximum capacity. So a smaller battery could perform better if it has a higher C-rate. |
| Batteries always provide full power to the building despite their capacity. | This is a very common myth, and this is why we carry out an assessment of your electrical requirements before designing your battery storage system. Capacity (kWh) and Power (kW) are the important factors. If your building tries to draw 8kW of power, but the battery inverter is below 8kW, then the battery delivers up to its inverter limit, with the rest supplied from the grid. Many appliances need a massive inrush current, where they may only use 1kWh in regular use but suddenly need 4 kW for a few seconds to start up. Some batteries aren’t equally strong at all levels of charge. A battery may be able to provide the power at 80% charge, but not at 15%. |
| You can install a solar battery anywhere. | The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A4:2026) cover battery installation in commercial premises, and the PAS 63100:2024 recommendation covers domestic dwellings. Both set out where batteries should and shouldn’t be placed. For dwellings, PAS 63100 recommends batteries be installed outdoors where practicable, in outbuildings, on external walls, or in locations meeting fire-separation requirements. They should not be installed in bedrooms, escape routes, lofts or roof spaces, or cupboards opening into sleeping areas. For commercial premises, siting is driven by BS 7671 and your site’s fire risk assessment. |
| Your battery will always provide power in the event of a blackout or power cut. | Battery storage does not automatically provide auxiliary power. You will need to install an emergency power supply (EPS) within the battery storage system to then provide auxiliary power in the event of a blackout or power cut. |
| You need to have solar panels to install a battery storage system. | You can install battery storage without choosing to install solar panels. You will still enjoy all of the benefits of battery storage, such as being able to charge the battery with off-peak electricity to save you money on energy bills. They are most efficient when combined with solar panels, as you are able to generate your own electricity as well as leverage the battery in cloudy weather or in the evenings and winter months. |
| Once you install solar panels, you can’t install battery storage afterwards. | Battery storage can be installed after solar panels are installed, and then we can integrate the systems together. This is the same for battery storage without solar panels; they can be installed afterwards and integrated together. |
| Batteries are a major fire risk. | Batteries are a fire risk, which is why the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2018+A4:2026) and the PAS 63100:2024 recommendation exist. PAS 63100 specifically covers domestic dwellings, while commercial installations are governed by BS 7671 and managed through your site’s fire risk assessment. When installed correctly in a compliant location, the risk of a major battery fire is significantly reduced. Regular maintenance is also important to mitigate risk. |
| Batteries are only useful for off-grid premises. | Batteries are very beneficial for off-grid installation to provide electricity when combined with solar panels. They are very useful for on-grid premises as well. You can charge the battery from the grid in off-peak hours for cheaper electricity, and at night, on cloudy days or in the winter months. |
| Batteries don’t last very long. | Battery storage systems, when maintained well, have long lifespans. A battery that has been maintained correctly will typically last between 10 and 15 years. This myth originates from older batteries, which only had a lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Battery storage systems are similar to other batteries in that they lose charge over their lifespan. After 10 years, they may range from 70% to 90% capacity on average. |
| Batteries are too inefficient and waste energy. | Battery storage is highly efficient, especially when you leverage cheaper electricity rates in off-peak times off the grid and when you combine them with solar panels. |
| Battery storage systems require constant maintenance. | Battery storage systems do require maintenance, but it’s not constant, with some being able to be left alone throughout the year. We recommend maintenance every 3 to 6 months for peak performance and maximum lifespan of the system. |
| The environmental cost of making them is worse than the savings. | A typical lithium-ion battery has a manufacturing footprint of roughly 60–100kg of CO2 per kWh. A system typically pays back within 1-2 years when combined with solar panels, or over a few years with just battery storage. |