Best locations for solar battery installation

What do I need to consider when choosing a place for my battery?

There are 5 factors to consider when determining the right place for your battery:

1. Space

Batteries come in various sizes. A typical 10 kWh battery is approximately 80cm high, 65cm wide, and 20cm deep. For reference, this is about the same as a washing machine, just a lot less deep.

Note that, in addition to the battery itself, you may also have to accommodate the inverter (except if you’ve got an all-in-one solution).We have another guide explaining how you should size your home battery.

2. Water protection

Electricity and water should naturally be kept separate. Most battery have an “IP rating” of 65. “IP” stands for ingress protection, which means an IP65-rated is dust-tight and protected against water jets. This is a pretty high standard. However, the cabling connecting the battery might not be as watertight. That is why either an indoor location or one with a roof overhang are ideal. Alternatively, a canopy can help.

3. Temperature

Extreme temperatures can negatively impact your battery’s performance. Lower temperatures slow down chemical reactions in a battery, therefore impairing its performance. That is why some battery models have a built-in self-heating feature. For those which do not, it is advisable to put the battery in a location where temperature is fairly stable and doesn’t usually drop below 10°C.

4. Ventilation

A battery’s optimal operating temperature is between 20°C and 30°C. However, the chemical reactions occurring in a battery do produce heat, which need to be dissipate outside the system. Adequate ventilation ensures the environment stays within the optimal temperature range for performance and safety.

5. Cabling requirements

The length of the cable between your battery, inverter, and consumer unit affects both installation costs and transmission efficiency. So this may be an important factor in choosing your battery location.

How is the specific battery model installed?

Are the battery and inverter together or separate?

Some battery models have an in-built inverter (for instance Tesla’s Powerwall, or Givenergy’s AIO solution). However, many models, such as InstaGen, require a separate inverter. If using a separate inverter, minimise the distance between the battery and inverter to reduce efficiency losses.

What are the mounting requirements?

It depends on the battery model. While some batteries, such as Tesla’s Powerwall 3, place significant weight on the wall, most other batteries are ground mounted, which means their weight is placed on the ground.

Should I install my battery outside or inside?

Given the considerations outlined above, indoor installations are usually preferable, as an indoor location typically has a more stable temperature and lower humidity. However, outdoor installations are usually unproblematic too, particularly when a canopy is present and when the battery does have a self-warming feature.

Can I install a solar battery in my loft?

Yes, you can install a battery in your loft, but official guidance and installers now advise against it. Loft installations for solar inverters and batteries used to be very common, however, have been getting scrutiny over recent years. The British Standards Institute (BSI) published a guidance in April 2024 advocating against the installation of batteries in loft. Although this guidance is not legally binding, many installers now avoid loft installs. Garages or basements are better indoor locations for a battery because they provide stable temperatures and sufficient ventilation. Utility rooms and cupboards can also work if they are sufficiently ventilated. If, due to a lack of alternative, you still opt for a loft install, we highly recommended installing a smoke detector close to the battery.

Conclusion

Choosing the right location for your solar battery is essential for ensuring its performance, safety, and longevity. By considering factors like space, temperature, ventilation, and water protection, you can optimise your system’s efficiency. If you're unsure where to start, Capture Energy is here to guide you through the process. Complete the survey below to streamline powering your home with confidence.