Is a home battery still worth it?

A home battery was once the purest symbol of energy independence. Since then, the grants have disappeared, digital meters have been introduced almost everywhere and energy prices seem to go in a different direction every week. What does that mean for someone looking to invest in a home battery today? In this article, we take a practical look at what a home battery delivers today, for whom it might be a worthwhile investment, and how to get the most out of this kind of system.

During the day, your solar panels often produce more power than you consume at that time. That excess energy normally flows back to the grid. With a home battery, you capture that surplus energy. That means you use your own electricity at times when the sun is not shining, such as in the evening or on an overcast day.

This has advantages. Whereas you would otherwise sell the solar energy you’ve generated during the day to the grid at a low feed-in tariff, only to buy it back later at a higher price (with additional grid charges), you now store it yourself. That enables you to avoid the difference in pricing. As a result, you get more out of your solar panels, reduce your energy bills and become less dependent on the grid. At a time when electricity prices are fluctuating wildly, it’s especially useful to have a buffer. A battery also provides extra security at times of peak consumption. 

In short, a home battery helps you manage your energy as effectively as possible. This makes your energy consumption not only more efficient, but also more predictable.

Nowadays, most batteries have an EMS (Energy Management System) that determines how ‘smart’ your battery is in terms of energy management. But there are differences. 

• For example, there are batteries with a basic control system that charge when solar generation is taking place. 
• There are also batteries with more dynamic optimisation that will actively respond to the current price of electricity.
• Finally, there are home batteries that work with active grid services, reducing your energy bills, actively relieving the grid and contributing to a climate-neutral energy system.

In short, smart batteries are still a relevant choice for those looking to optimise their energy management.

The grants for purchasing home batteries were abolished in Flanders in 2023. That means you no longer receive direct financial support for the purchase. But that doesn't mean there are no longer any benefits from having a battery. Using more of your own solar energy means your energy bill will automatically drop, and at times when electricity prices are negative, you avoid costs by feeding less electricity back into the grid.

There are also tax benefits you can take advantage of. While a home battery itself has no impact on the EPC rating of your home, other improvements to make your home more energy-efficient may still allow you to qualify for certain grants. The overall picture is therefore still an interesting proposition, even without direct grants, for those who want to be smart about their energy consumption.

The home battery market has had a bumpy ride. In 2023, sales plummeted by 58%, mainly due to the removal of grants and regulatory uncertainty. But since the end of 2024, interest has been firmly on the rise again. The main reason for this is the disappearance of the reverse counter. This makes it more financially attractive to store your own electricity instead of feeding it back into the grid.

The fall in prices also plays a big role. Today, a 5 kWh battery costs between 3 500 and 4 000 euros on average. For a 10 kWh battery, you’ll typically pay between 5 500 and 8 000 euros. (Important note: these are guide prices that may vary by installer and brand). In addition, plug-in home batteries have been allowed since April 2025. These are cheaper, easier to install and do not require major works. This lowers the entry threshold for those who want to start small or first test whether a battery suits their consumption. On average, the payback period is between six and 15 years.

On sunny afternoons or windy days, the available power sometimes exceeds the demand. Prices in the energy market then dip below zero. That sounds strange, but it means you have to pay to feed power into the grid. So for those who have solar panels without a battery, it can cost money rather than save it.

A smart system makes clever use of this. It stores electricity while there’s a surplus and the cost of energy is cheap or even free. If you use that energy later in the day, you save twice: you avoid grid costs AND you don't have to buy expensive electricity. People who shift their consumption pattern to times when there is abundant electricity get the most out of their installation. This table makes this clear:

A home battery may not deliver a quick profit, but it is a smart investment for those who want to think ahead. Especially if you already have solar panels and a digital meter, a battery can help you get more out of the electricity you generate and be less dependent on the grid. Whether it’s a worthwhile investment for you depends on your consumption, your installation and your expectations. But one thing is clear: a home battery was never just a fad. On the contrary – with falling prices, new plug-in models and the disappearance of the reverse counter, they are again becoming a more interesting prospect. 

If you’re thinking of installing a home battery, get a quote from our partner, ‘Impact us today’ and find out how much you could save. We can also tell you more about the relaxed renovation requirements, give you tips on more sustainable insulation materials and tell you what to look out for if you want to install solar panels.