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Powervault 3 Solar Battery: Costs, Pros + Cons, & Specs
- The Powervault 3 battery costs £4,500 to £13,000 and the complete installation will cost around £1,500 on top.
- A cheaper alternative, the Powervault 3eco, costs £3,400 to £5,000 and is made from recycled materials.
- A downside of the Powervault 3 is that it weighs 330kg and requires professional installation.
When it comes to solar batteries, there are a growing number of options available with many positive attributes. Powervault 3 prices in the UK are between £4,740 (4kWh) and £14,820 (20kWh) and are one of the top suggestions from many outlets, but do they live up to their reputation? Let’s look deeper into their specs, pros, and cons.
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What is the Powervault 3 battery?
The Powervault is a solar battery that can be attached to solar panels or wind turbines to preserve their energy for later use. Like many solar batteries, they work both with and without solar panels and come in a variety of sizes.
Formed in London back in 2012, Powervault’s main mission has been to reduce the UK’s electricity bills, diminish carbon emissions, and decrease the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. The company’s battery systems are compatible with every type of solar panel and inverter, according to the company, making them quite versatile for homeowners.
The Powervault 3 and Powervault 3eco are two of the most popular offerings from the company. They vary in terms of the materials used, with the Powervault 3 containing Lithium-polymer and the 3eco system consisting of recycled Lithium-manganese-oxide. The 3eco is among the best solar batteries in terms of sustainability but it may not last as long and has less capacity.
| Battery name | Powervault 3 | Powervault 3eco |
|---|---|---|
| Battery types | Lithium-polymer (Li-MNC) | Recycled Lithium-manganese-oxide (LMO) |
| Usable capacities | 4.1kWh, 8.2kWh, 12.3kWh, 16.4kWh, 20.5kWh | 3.9kWh, 5.9kWh, 7.9kWh |
| Charger/inverter | 5.5kW / 5.5kW | 3.8kW / 5.5kW |
| Life cycles | >600 | >1,500 |
| Warranty | 10 years | 3 years |
| Depth of Discharge | 100% | 90% |
As a UK-based company, PowerVault built a battery designed for the exact energy use of an average UK home (8kWh to 10kWh/day). This way it can match the power consumption of the home and charge and discharge every day.
The Powervault’s key features include an online portal for monitoring performance and charging, along with an in-built capability to provide grid services. They are available through many UK installers and distributors.
How much does the Powervault 3 cost?
| Capacity | Price plus installation | Life cycles |
|---|---|---|
| 4kWh | From £5,500 | >6,000 |
| 8kWh | From £8,000 | >6,000 |
| 12kWh | From £10,000 | >6,000 |
| 16kWh | From £12,000 | >6,000 |
| 20kWh | From £15,000 | >6,000 |
Installation costs can vary, which is why these prices are estimates. With VAT, they tend to be higher and can also vary based on your particular home and how much work needs to be done. A Powervault battery cost starts lower than most of the competition at the same quality level.
The Powervault 3eco is cheaper and more environmentally friendly since it comes from recycled parts (referred to as “second life” batteries). On the downside, they will not last as long and will lose depth of discharge quicker than other models.
| Capacity | Price (excluding VAT) |
|---|---|
| 4kWh | £3,400 |
| 6kWh | £4,200 |
| 8kWh | £5,000 |
Powervault 3 battery grants in the UK
While there are no grants specifically for solar batteries in the UK, there are several solar panel grants you can apply for. If you’re in the market for solar panels and a solar panel battery at the same time, the ECO4 scheme can shave off some money from the price tag. Although these are meant to alleviate the cost of solar panels, you can add a solar battery to the mix as well if buying them together.
To apply for this you will need the necessary documentation, including your council tax bill, ID, and proof that your annual household income is below £31,000. Also, check the list of suppliers that are eligible for the ECO scheme.
The UK government has also implemented 0% VAT on renewable energy products such as solar panels. This policy will run until 2027, so it’s currently a good time to buy solar panels and you can receive a reduced rate for batteries when bought together. There may be other regional solar grants that you can apply for, so be sure to check with a professional installer.
However, finding a professional solar installer can be a difficult task, taking up days of calling up companies and comparing their prices on your own. If you’re hoping to find reliable installers offering the best prices, you should try our service instead.
All you need to do is fill out a 30-second form and we’ll handle the rest. You can quickly and easily obtain up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from professionals in your area. We’ve thoroughly vetted them to ensure they are up to the task. Click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £660 per year
Powervault 3 review: Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Affordable: Powervault cost tends to be quite affordable, ranging from £5,500 to £15,000 (including VAT). As a powerful mid-range option, it is quite competitive with a range of capacities and prices to choose from. An average Tesla Powerwall cost, for example, starts from £7,500.
- Recyclable: Powervault can recycle 99% of the lead in their batteries and are requested to do so by the law. This makes the disposal issue less of a problem for this brand. Batteries present a major issue in terms of recycling, so this program is very helpful.
- Good monitoring capabilities: With a great customer portal, the Powervault 3 provides monitoring capabilities, showing off the charge level and various performance metrics.
- National grid-based charging: The battery can also use the national grid to charge. This can allow you to charge during off-peak hours and use the electricity during higher-priced hours.
- High compatibility: The Powervault 3 is compatible with virtually every solar panel on the market. This would be ideal for homeowners who do not want to swap out their current system just for a battery.
- Good safety features: The Powervault contains temperature sensors and assurance against hazardous materials.
Cons:
- Requires professional installation: Installing the Powervault can be a difficult task to undertake on your own. This will incur additional costs and could be more complicated than other batteries.
- Physically heavy: The battery is not the most portable one if you’re aim is to put it on a vehicle. It weighs 330kg, which is a fair bit heavier than competitors. This could create issues with placement and transportation.
Is the Powervault 3 worth it for your UK household?
All in all, the Powervault 3 has many advantages, from a wide price range to recyclability and performance monitoring features. The price is lower than a lot of the high-end competition at the same quality level and it comes with a 10-year warranty with assurance that it won’t decline more than 30% in performance.
The company has stated that its battery can work with any solar panel, so this frees up a lot of options for buyers. Their customer service is also considered top-notch and they have an excellent Trustpilot score:
However, it is not very suitable for off-grid vehicles and can be heavy to transport. It’s also difficult to install without assistance, requiring a professional installer. If you’re interested in the Powervault 3 or Powervault 3eco, you will need to find a reliable installer to help. That’s where our service comes in.
Instead of wasting days looking up companies and inquiring about prices on your own, let us take the wheel. We can provide you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from thoroughly vetted professionals in your area. All you need to do is click the button below to get started.
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £660 per year
FAQ
Rawal Ahmed is a writer at Household Quotes with an interest in sustainability and a background in tech journalism and digital marketing.