How Does the Free Home Battery Scheme Work?

From your first application to a working battery on your wall, here is every step of the journey — what happens, who does it and what you need to do.

Check if your home qualifies for a free battery

Homeowners and private tenants can apply. It only takes a few minutes.

Check If My Home QualifiesSubject to property and scheme eligibility.

The Free Home Battery Scheme is designed to be simple for households. You apply online, the scheme checks your home is suitable, and an approved installer fits a smart battery that joins the programme. Here is the journey in seven steps.

The seven steps

  1. Check your eligibility

    Start a short online application. The scheme is open to private households — homeowners and private tenants. See who can apply.

  2. Book a survey

    Choose a preferred date and time for your home battery survey as part of your application. We’ll contact you to confirm it.

  3. Home and property assessment

    A surveyor checks whether your property, electrical installation and the proposed battery location are suitable. Read what to expect at your survey.

  4. Installation approval

    If the survey confirms your home is suitable, the installation is approved. If you rent privately, your landlord’s approval is needed before installation can go ahead — more on rented homes.

  5. Battery installation

    An approved installer fits and connects the battery at no cost to you. See what happens on installation day.

  6. The battery connects to the programme

    Once commissioned, your battery is connected so it can be managed as part of the programme alongside other homes.

  7. Your household receives the benefit

    Participating households can receive up to £500 per year towards their electricity bills, subject to eligibility and scheme terms.

Ready to take step one?

Your application takes a few minutes.

Check Your EligibilitySubject to property and scheme eligibility.

Who does what

StageWhat you doWhat the scheme does
ApplyAnswer a few questions about your homeReviews your application
SurveyProvide access at the agreed timeAssesses the property and battery location
ApprovalPrivate tenants obtain landlord approvalConfirms whether the installation can proceed
InstallProvide access on installation daySupplies, installs and commissions the battery
OngoingUse your home as normal and report any issuesOwns, maintains, services and insures the battery

Why the battery is managed as part of a programme

Your battery isn’t a stand-alone gadget. Connected home batteries, managed together, can store electricity and release it when it is most useful — helping to lower household bills, support the grid and strengthen energy security. That is why the scheme owner funds, owns and looks after the battery. Our guide to how home batteries work explains the technology, and who owns the battery covers responsibilities.

How long does it take?

Timescales depend on survey availability, whether any landlord approval is needed and installer scheduling.

No commitment to apply

Applying is free and simply starts the process. Your eligibility and your home’s suitability are confirmed through the application and the survey — see the scheme FAQs for more.

Start your free battery application or return to the free home battery overview.

Could your home qualify for a free battery?

It only takes a few minutes to start your application and request your survey.

  • Supplied and installed at no cost
  • Homeowners and private tenants can apply
  • Up to £500 a year towards your electricity bills
  • Owned, insured and maintained by the scheme owner
Apply for a Free Home BatterySubject to property and scheme eligibility.
Free Home Battery Scheme
  1. Property
  2. Property type
  3. Your details
  4. Complete

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