QUICK ANSWER
A 5kW (5kWh usable) solar battery is the most common entry point for UK homes. It is big enough to cover a couple's evening electricity use or keep a small home running through peak hours, but small enough to fit in a cupboard and cost under £4,000 installed. In 2026, a 5kW battery system costs between £2,500 and £4,000 fully installed.
5kW battery price breakdown
| Tier | Models | Installed price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Fogstar 5.1, Fox Ess 5.1 | £2,500-£3,000 |
| Mid-range | GivEnergy Giv-Bat 5.2, Puredrive 5kWh | £3,000-£3,800 |
| Premium | SolarEdge 5kWh, Sonnen 5kWh | £3,800-£5,000 |
Best 5kW battery options
These four batteries are the most commonly quoted 5kW options in the UK. Each has its own strength, so the right choice depends on whether you prioritise upfront price, UK support, or stackability for later expansion.
GivEnergy Giv-Bat 5.2kWh
Mid-range| Unit price | £1,800-£2,200 |
| Installed price | £2,800-£3,800 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Best for UK homeowners who want strong after-sales support. GivEnergy is a British brand with a well-rated app, active user community and UK-based support team.
Fogstar 5.1kWh
Budget| Unit price | £1,400-£1,800 |
| Installed price | £2,500-£3,500 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
The cheapest 5kWh battery on the market without sacrificing LFP chemistry or warranty length. A solid choice if you just want the lowest entry price for time-of-use shifting.
Fox Ess LV2600 (x2 modules)
Budget| Unit price | £1,400-£1,800 |
| Installed price | £2,500-£3,500 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Fox Ess uses two LV2600 modules stacked to reach 5.2kWh. Popular with installers because the modules are lightweight and the system is simple to commission. Good value per kWh.
Puredrive 5kWh
Mid-range| Unit price | £2,000-£2,500 |
| Installed price | £3,000-£3,800 |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Puredrive is a well-established UK brand with a slim wall-mount design. Sits at the top of the mid-range bracket. Its integrated BMS is respected by installers for reliability.
5kW with solar vs without solar
Whether you pair the battery with solar panels makes a big difference to your payback period. A 5kW battery on its own still saves money on a time-of-use tariff, but the savings are slower to add up.
| Setup | Installed cost | Typical saving / yr | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW battery only (time-of-use) | £2,500-£3,500 | £250-£400/yr | 8-12 yr |
| 5kW + 4kW solar | £8,000-£10,000 | £700-£1,000/yr | 9-12 yr |
| 5kW added to existing solar | £2,500-£3,500 | £350-£500/yr | 6-9 yr |
Is a 5kW battery right for you?
A 5kWh battery hits a sweet spot for smaller households, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Here is who it works for and who should look at a bigger capacity.
GOOD FOR
- Couples with daytime out of the house
- Small 1-2 bed homes with low baseload
- Starting small and stacking later
- Time-of-use tariff shifting (Octopus Flux, EDF Evo)
- Flats and terraced houses with limited wall space
TOO SMALL FOR
- Family of 4+ with evening cooking, TV and lights
- EV owners who want to charge from battery
- Electric heating or heat pump homes (3,500+ kWh/yr)
- Whole-home backup in a power cut
- High daytime usage — working from home with appliances running
Installation costs
Installation labour is separate from the battery unit price. For a 5kW battery, typical installation costs break down like this:
| Work | Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple retrofit install (battery only) | £400-£600 |
| Install alongside solar panels | £600-£900 |
| Consumer unit / CU upgrade | £200-£400 extra |
| Separate battery inverter (if needed) | £800-£1,200 |
VAT on 5kW battery installations
All battery storage installations in UK homes qualify for 0% VAT since February 2024. This applies whether or not you have solar panels. The prices on this page include 0% VAT. If an installer quotes a price plus VAT, ask them to apply the zero rate — it is automatic for eligible installations.
Frequently asked questions
A 5kW (5kWh) solar battery costs between £2,500 and £4,000 fully installed including 0% VAT. Budget options like the Fogstar 5.1 or Fox Ess LV2600 come in at £2,500-£3,000, while premium brands such as Sonnen or SolarEdge range from £3,800 to £5,000.
Yes. Most 5kW batteries are AC-coupled, which means they connect to your existing solar system through a battery inverter. This is a straightforward retrofit for most UK homes. If you already have a hybrid inverter, the install may be even simpler and cheaper.
A 4kW solar system (around 10 panels) pairs well with a 5kW battery. It generates roughly 10kWh per day in summer, which is enough to fill the battery and run the home. In winter you will still draw some grid power, but the battery will capture most of what the panels produce.
Many 5kW batteries are stackable. GivEnergy, Fox Ess and Puredrive all allow you to add a second unit later, taking you from 5kWh to 10kWh or more. Check the specific model supports parallel stacking before buying — and leave space in your cupboard for expansion.
The Fogstar 5.1kWh is currently the cheapest 5kW battery on the UK market at around £1,400 for the unit and £2,500-£3,000 installed. The Fox Ess LV2600 twin-module setup is similarly priced. Both use LFP chemistry and carry a 10-year warranty, so you are not sacrificing quality for the lower price.
Right size first. Quotes second.
Usage in, recommended capacity out. Then, if you want them, up to three quotes from vetted installers.