What Certifications Should a Solar Battery Have in the UK?
Save Energy UK sets out the certifications and standards homeowners should look for before adding a battery to a solar panel system.
Batteries store significant amounts of energy, and certification shows they have been independently tested for safety, performance and compatibility with UK networks. Uncertified equipment may fall short of safety rules, perform poorly, or put warranties and insurance at risk.
The main points covered are:
• MCS: batteries are not always individually MCS certified, but the system should be installed by an MCS certified installer using approved equipment. This is also needed to access export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee.
• UKCA or CE marking: every battery sold and installed in the UK should carry one of these marks, showing it meets safety, health and environmental rules. UKCA was introduced after Brexit and is gradually replacing CE.
• IEC 62619: an international safety standard for lithium-ion batteries in storage applications, covering overheating, electrical faults, mechanical stress and internal failure.
• UN 38.3: confirms a lithium battery has passed transport tests for vibration, impact, altitude and thermal stability.
• G98 and G99: grid connection rules, with G98 covering smaller systems and G99 larger or more complex ones. Installers usually handle the applications.
Certified batteries also include fire-safety features such as temperature monitoring and automatic shutdown. According to the firm, certified products are more likely to perform well over their lifespan, come with stronger warranties and make future maintenance, upgrades or a house sale simpler. They may cost a little more upfront, but the company argues they offer better long-term value.