This section is for businesses, landowners and developers looking at battery energy storage systems (BESS). It is educational: we are not an installer and cannot design or quote a system. Funding for businesses is mostly through tax treatment and bill savings rather than grants. Homeowners should start with the home battery grants guide.
Pick the use case
Solar-plus-storage
Add storage to on-site solar so more of the generation is used on site.
Read the guide →Peak shaving and load shifting
Use a battery to cut demand at the most expensive half-hours.
Read the guide →Grid connection enabler
Use storage and export or import limits to fit a constrained connection.
Read the guide →Funding and tax
Read commercial battery funding for what exists, what is closed, and the questions to put to your accountant.
Things every commercial project needs to settle
- Grid connection. Above 16 A (3.68 kW) per phase you need a G99 application to the distribution network operator, which is often the longest item.
- Planning and fire safety. There is no dedicated permitted-development class for batteries, and larger sites can need planning permission and fire-service consultation.
- Insurance and warranty. Ask your insurer early about battery chemistry and spacing.
- Data. Sizing starts from half-hourly meter data, not a rule of thumb.
Frequently asked questions
Is commercial battery storage eligible for the 0% VAT rate?
Generally no. The zero rate covers residential accommodation and buildings used solely for a relevant charitable purpose, not general commercial premises.
Is there a grant for commercial battery storage?
We are not aware of an open national grant that pays for behind-the-meter commercial batteries. The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund closed in July 2025 with no successor fund planned. Check your devolved government, combined authority and local enterprise partnership for current programmes.
Where is the homeowner guidance?
Home batteries have their own funding routes. See the home battery grants guide.