Solar Battery Storage Without a Roof: Options for UK Flats and Small Homes

At SaveOnWatts, our whole mission is simple: clear, human, empowering, rigorous information so clean, smart energy is for everyone, not just detached homeowners.

What do we mean by “solar battery storage without solar” in the UK?

When people say solar battery storage, they usually mean a battery that:

• Stores electricity when it’s cheap or sunny
  
• Lets you use that stored energy later, when power from the grid is more expensive or there’s a power cut
  

You don’t always need solar panels to make a battery useful:

• You can charge the battery from the grid, especially on off-peak or smart tariffs where electricity is cheaper overnight.
  
• You can add solar later, many batteries and inverters are designed to be upgraded.
  
• Some “solar generators” or portable power stations can be charged from:
  
• A normal wall socket
• Plug-in solar panels (including balcony kits)
• Car charging or other sources, depending on the product

So “solar battery storage without solar” really means: using a battery to manage when and how you use grid electricity today, with the option to connect solar in future.

Can I have a home battery in a flat or small UK home?

In most cases, yes... but the type of system matters.

For flats and rentals, the most practical and permission-friendly options are:

• Portable power stations / micro batteries that sit on the floor or a shelf and plug into appliances.
  
• Small wall-mounted units that don’t alter the building structure. 
  

For small houses or maisonettes, you may also be able to consider:

• Fixed home batteries connected to your consumer unit (fuse box) by a qualified electrician.
  

Key questions to ask yourself:

1. Do I own the property?

• Owners have more flexibility for fixed systems but still need to follow building and electrical rules.
  
• Renters generally need landlord consent for anything wired into the property.
  

2. Is there a safe, ventilated space?

• For flats, this might be a storage cupboard, utility room, or dedicated area of a living space, not a communal corridor or escape route.
  

3. What’s my goal?

• Occasional backup during power cuts
  
• Shifting usage to cheaper off-peak tariffs
  
• Preparing for future balcony or rooftop solar
  

Once you’re clear on these, you can choose between portable and fixed options.

Option 1 – Portable power stations & micro storage for renters

Portable power stations (sometimes sold as “solar generators”) are self-contained battery units with:

• Built-in battery
  
• Charger and management system
  
• Several outputs (UK 3-pin sockets, USB, USB-C, sometimes 12V)
  

You charge them from a normal wall socket, and on some models you can add plug-in solar panels, including balcony panels.

They’re ideal if you:

• Rent and can’t alter wiring
  
• Want something you can take with you when you move
  
• Have very limited space
  
• Need occasional backup for essentials (Wi-Fi, lighting, phone, a small fridge or medical equipment – depending on size)
  

A few practical points:

• Capacity is usually given in kWh (kilowatt-hours) – which is simply how many units of electricity the battery can store. A 1 kWh unit can, in theory, run a 100 W device for about 10 hours (100 W × 10 h = 1 kWh), though there are some losses.
  
• Check that it has UK-certified sockets and protections (over-current, over-temperature, short-circuit protection).
  
• Store and use it in a dry, ventilated area, away from direct heat sources, and never block escape routes.
  

Because these units aren’t hard-wired into your home, they don’t normally need DNO notification (the Distribution Network Operator that manages your local grid). You still need to follow manufacturer instructions and general fire safety guidance.

Option 2 – Compact fixed batteries for small homes & maisonettes

If you own a small house or maisonette, or you have more control over the property, you might look at a fixed home battery system.

These systems usually:

• Mount on a wall or floor
  
• Connect into your consumer unit via a dedicated circuit
  
• Use a hybrid inverter (handles both solar and battery) or a separate battery inverter
  

They can:

• Charge from solar panels and/or the grid
  
• Automatically discharge when electricity is more expensive
  
• Provide backup to selected circuits during power cuts (depending on design)
  

Because they are part of the fixed wiring, they:

• Must be installed by a competent electrician familiar with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).
  
• Often require DNO notification and sometimes approval under standards such as ENA G98 or G99 (technical rules for connecting generation/storage to the grid).
  
• Are often installed by contractors working to MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) standards when paired with solar.
  

You’ll also need to consider:

• Location: away from sleeping areas where possible, not blocking escape routes, respecting manufacturer clearances.
  
• Permissions: if you’re leasehold or in a flat within a converted house, you may need consent from the freeholder or management company.
  

For many upper-floor flats, fully wired fixed batteries are still possible but often more complex. That’s why SaveOnWatts often guides flat-dwellers first towards portable or micro-scale options, unless the building layout and permissions clearly support a fixed system.

Safety, permissions and UK rules you need to know

Whatever you choose, keep three principles in mind:

1. Electrical safety

• Only use certified products from reputable brands.
  
• For anything connected to your consumer unit, use a qualified electrician and follow UK wiring regulations.
  
• Never adapt or overload sockets to connect more than they’re designed for.
  

2. Building and fire safety

• Don’t install or store batteries in escape routes (communal corridors, stairways).
  
• Follow manufacturer guidance on ventilation, temperature range and mounting.
  
• In blocks of flats, check any building or fire safety policies – some landlords or freeholders already have guidance on where energy devices can go.
  

P3. ermissions and notifications

• Renters: get written approval from your landlord for anything beyond simple portable units.
  
• Leaseholders or shared buildings: check your lease and speak to your managing agent or freeholder.
  
• Grid-connected fixed systems: your installer should handle any DNO notification under G98/G99 – ask to see confirmation.
  

Always follow manufacturer instructions and current UK safety guidance, and check with your landlord or building manager if you’re renting.

Costs, savings and realistic expectations

Micro and small-scale systems can be very useful – but it’s important to stay realistic.

Portable power stations / micro storage:

• Typically cost less upfront than full fixed systems, but store smaller amounts of energy.
  
• Great for targeted uses: keeping a home office, router, phone, lighting and maybe a low-power fridge or TV running.
  
• Savings come mainly from:
  
• Charging on off-peak tariffs (e.g. cheap night rates) and using that energy in the evening.
• Avoiding the need for disposable batteries or separate backup kit.

Compact fixed batteries:

• Higher upfront cost, but larger capacity and deeper integration with your home.
  
• Can work very well with time-of-use tariffs (where prices change through the day) and with solar panels if you add them.
  
• Real-world savings depend on:
  
• Your tariff
• How much of your usage you can shift
• System size and efficiency

No system can promise a specific bill reduction for everyone. Instead, think in terms of control and resilience: you’re deciding when you buy electricity, and you’ve got some backup if the grid goes down (depending on system design).

How to choose the right battery option for your flat or small home

A simple way to decide:

1. List your priorities

• Backup for critical devices
  
• Lower bills
  
• Preparing for future balcony or rooftop solar
  

2. Check your space and permissions

• Flat + renting → start with portable/micro storage.
  
• Small house + ownership → consider fixed battery or hybrid approach (small fixed + portable).
  

Match capacity to reality

• Add up the power of the devices you care about (in watts), and think about how long you want them to run.
  
• A battery’s kWh rating shows how much energy it can store; divide that by the watts you want to use to get an approximate run time.
  

Look for UK-aligned support

• UK-spec sockets and cables
  
• Clear safety documentation
  
• Installers who understand DNO rules, G98/G99, MCS for fixed systems
  

SaveOnWatts curates systems that are specifically suitable for UK flats, renters and small homes, and we’ll always be upfront about when a system needs permissions or professional installation.

FAQ: Solar battery storage without a roof in UK flats and small homes

Can I use a home battery if I don’t have solar panels? Yes. You can charge a battery from the grid, especially on off-peak tariffs, and then use that stored energy later. Many systems can add solar later if your situation changes.

Are batteries allowed in UK flats?In most cases, yes, but you must follow building and fire safety rules, use certified products, and respect your building’s policies. Portable units are usually easiest; fixed systems may need landlord/freeholder consent and professional design.

Can I power my whole flat from a portable battery?Probably not continuously. Portable units are best for key loads – routers, laptops, lights, small appliances. A whole-flat backup requires careful design and usually a fixed system.

Will a small battery make a big difference to my bills?It can help, especially with smart tariffs and good habits, but it won’t erase your bill. Think of it as a tool for control and resilience rather than a magic fix.

What’s the difference between a “solar generator” and a home battery?“Solar generator” is a marketing term often used for portable power stations with optional solar panels. A home battery system is normally fixed, wired into your home, and can work with solar and the grid. Both are forms of battery storage – they just suit different homes and lifestyles.