MCS certified domestic battery installation statistics - April 2025 to March 2026
Summary
DESNZ publishes annual statistics on MCS-certified domestic battery installations covering April 2025 to March 2026, including capacity and cost data. The MCS database captures installations eligible for various support schemes and provides the primary dataset for tracking behind-the-meter storage deployment. This data informs policy development on distributed storage and network impact assessments.
Why it matters
The data reveals the scale and economics of domestic storage deployment, which affects distribution network planning and future flexibility markets. As such, it provides evidence for policy decisions on storage support mechanisms and network charging reform.
Key facts
- •Annual MCS domestic battery statistics
- •April 2025 to March 2026 period
- •Includes capacity and cost data
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
What the numbers show
This is a preview announcement for DESNZ's annual domestic battery statistics covering April 2025-March 2026, scheduled for release on 28 May 2026. No actual data is available yet.
The dataset will track MCS-certified domestic battery installations, providing the definitive count of behind-the-meter storage deployments eligible for government support schemes. This includes total installations, aggregate capacity in MWh, and cost metrics per kWh of installed capacity.
MCS certification captures the vast majority of domestic battery deployments since it's required for access to the Smart Export Guarantee, VAT relief, and various local authority grant schemes. The database excludes DIY installations and non-certified systems, but these represent a small fraction of the market.
Previous releases have shown installation numbers, average system sizes, regional distribution, and installation costs. The 2024-25 data (covering April 2024-March 2025) will provide the baseline for year-on-year comparisons when the new statistics are published.
Trends
Without the actual data, we can only anticipate what the 2025-26 figures might reveal based on market conditions over that period.
The domestic battery market faced several headwinds during 2025-26. Battery cell prices, which had been declining since 2022, began stabilizing or rising slightly due to supply chain pressures and increased demand from utility-scale storage and EVs. This likely affected installation costs and potentially slowed deployment rates.
However, several factors supported continued growth. Electricity price volatility remained high following the energy crisis, maintaining the economic case for storage paired with solar PV. Time-of-use tariffs became more widespread, improving arbitrage opportunities for battery owners.
The government's extension of VAT relief on storage systems through March 2026 provided continued cost support. Several distribution network operators also launched flexibility services specifically targeting domestic batteries, creating additional revenue streams beyond bill savings.
Regional patterns will likely show continued concentration in southern England, where solar PV penetration is highest and network constraints create stronger incentives for local flexibility services. The data should reveal whether government efforts to promote installations in other regions gained traction.
System sizes may have continued trending upward as battery costs per kWh remained relatively stable while households sought greater energy independence. The typical installation likely remained in the 5-10 kWh range, but larger systems (15+ kWh) probably gained market share.
What to watch
These statistics will inform several critical policy decisions scheduled for 2026-27.
First, DESNZ is reviewing support mechanisms for domestic storage as part of its wider distributed energy strategy. The installation numbers and cost trends will determine whether current VAT relief and grant schemes are delivering value for money or need adjustment.
Second, Ofgem's ongoing network charging review depends heavily on understanding domestic storage deployment patterns. If installations cluster in areas with high solar penetration, this could accelerate network constraint issues and strengthen the case for more cost-reflective charging. Conversely, distributed deployment might demonstrate storage's role in reducing network investment needs.
The data will also feed into NESO's flexibility market design work. Rapid growth in domestic battery capacity would support more ambitious targets for household participation in demand response and frequency services. Slow growth might prompt reconsideration of how quickly domestic flexibility can scale.
Cost trends are particularly important for future policy design. If installation costs remain stubbornly high despite falling battery prices, this suggests margin inflation by installers or other market failures that policy might need to address. Falling costs would support arguments for reducing support levels.
Regional distribution patterns will influence network operators' flexibility procurement strategies. Areas with high battery penetration become prime targets for distribution-level services, while regions with low uptake might need specific incentives or different flexibility solutions.
The statistics will also provide crucial input for the government's 2026 progress report on the Clean Growth Strategy, which includes targets for distributed energy resource deployment. Domestic batteries represent a key component of household energy system decarbonization and grid flexibility provision.
Finally, the data timing - released just before the summer recess - positions it to influence autumn spending review discussions on energy policy priorities and budget allocations for 2027-28.
Source text
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[Home](/) 2. [Environment](/environment) 3. [Climate change and energy](/environment/climate-change-energy) Official statistics announcement # MCS certified domestic battery installation statistics - April 2025 to March 2026 Data monitoring the installation of domestic batteries recorded on the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), including capacity and cost statistics. From: : [Department for Energy Security and Net Zero](/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero) Published : 11 March 2026 Release date: : 28 May 2026 9:30am (confirmed) These statistics will be released on 28 May 2026 9:30am ## Is this page useful? * [Maybe](/contact/govuk) * Yes this page is useful * No this page is not useful Thank you for your feedback Report a problem with this page ## Help us improve GOV.UK Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. This field is for robots only. 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