Why home batteries make sense now
Three things have changed in the UK energy market:
1. Time-of-use tariffs are mainstream. Octopus Go and similar tariffs offer electricity at 9.5p/kWh overnight, compared to ~33p during the day. That ~23p difference is money in your pocket if you can shift when you use power.
2. Battery prices have dropped. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries now cost a fraction of what they did five years ago, with better longevity and safety.
3. Energy prices remain high. Even after the 2022-2023 crisis eased, UK electricity prices are significantly higher than they were pre-2020. That makes the savings from load-shifting more meaningful.
How much can you save?
The maths is straightforward. If you're on a tariff like Octopus Go:
| Battery Size | Daily Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 5kWh | ~£0.97 | ~£355 |
| 10kWh | ~£2.07 | ~£755 |
| 15kWh | ~£3.24 | ~£1,183 |
These figures assume daily cycling and account for ~90% round-trip efficiency. Your actual savings depend on your usage patterns and tariff rates. For a detailed breakdown, see how much a home battery can save, or try our savings calculator.
What size battery do I need?
For most UK households (see our full battery sizing guide):
5kWh – Good for flats, smaller homes, or lower energy usage. Covers essential evening loads (lighting, TV, cooking) for 3-4 hours.
10kWh – The sweet spot for typical 3-4 bedroom homes. Covers most daytime/evening usage without running out.
15kWh+ – Larger homes, home offices, or if you want extra capacity for cloudy days (if combining with solar).
UK tariffs that work with batteries
Octopus Go
The most popular choice. 9.5p/kWh from 00:30 to 05:30 (5 hours). 32–36p during the day depending on region. Simple and effective.
Intelligent Octopus Go
Requires a compatible EV. 7.6p/kWh for 6 hours overnight (23:30 to 05:30; Octopus, checked 10 October 2026). Octopus may also schedule extra smart-charging slots for your EV outside that window.
Octopus Flux
For homes with solar. Three rate periods including an export bonus. More complex but can maximise solar+battery value.
Economy 7
The original time-of-use tariff. 7 hours of cheap overnight rates. Still works well with batteries if you're already on it.
The Habo approach
Most battery systems require you to research compatibility, source separate components, and find a specialist installer. We think that's unnecessarily complicated.
Habo fits an EcoFlow STREAM, electrician-wired to the consumer unit (G98 / BS 7671), from £2,499 fully installed. It is not a 13A plug-in whole-home battery. Works with cheap overnight tariffs. Habo will try to serve anyone who registers in an area where we have an electrician. With 0% VAT until March 2027.
One 5 kWh box. That's it. No overwhelming choice paralysis.
Join the waitlist
An electrician-wired EcoFlow STREAM from £2,499 fully installed. Habo will try to serve anyone who registers in an area where we have an electrician. Nothing to pay today.
Join the waitlist