Who Owns and Maintains a Free Home Battery?

A fair question with a straightforward answer: the battery remains the property of the scheme owner — and so does the responsibility for looking after it.

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 battery remains the property of the scheme owner. It is supplied and installed through the Free Home Battery Scheme, but the homeowner or tenant does not become the owner of the battery simply because it has been installed at their property.

That is deliberate, and it works in your favour: because the scheme owner owns the battery, the scheme owner is also responsible for looking after it.

Who is responsible for what

Scheme owner
Owns the battery
Maintains the battery
Services the battery
Insures the battery
Replaces the battery where required
Manages end-of-life equipment
Arranges safe disposal or recycling

A home battery without the ownership burden

The scheme owner takes responsibility for maintaining, servicing and insuring the battery, replacing it where required and arranging its safe disposal or recycling at the appropriate time.

You get the benefit of battery technology at your home without being responsible for owning and maintaining the equipment yourself.

Battery technology, without the upkeep

Homeowners and private tenants can apply.

Check If My Home QualifiesSubject to property and scheme eligibility.

Why does the scheme owner keep ownership?

The battery is part of a network of connected home batteries managed together to lower household bills, support the grid and strengthen energy security. Keeping ownership with the scheme owner means one organisation is responsible for the equipment’s performance, safety and upkeep across the whole programme. Read how the scheme works for the full picture.

Common ownership questions

Do I need to insure the battery?

The scheme owner is responsible for insuring the battery.

What if the battery needs replacing?

Where replacement is required under the programme, this is the responsibility of the scheme owner.

What happens at the end of the battery’s life?

The scheme owner is responsible for the appropriate removal, safe disposal and/or recycling of the battery when required.

What if I rent?

The same applies — neither you nor your landlord owns the battery. Your landlord’s approval is needed before installation. See batteries in rented homes.

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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