INSTALLATION PROCESS
How Home Battery Installation Works
From the first survey to switching on your battery and setting up smart tariff optimisation — here is what happens, step by step.
A home battery installation in Scotland typically takes 1–2 days on-site, but the full process from survey to commissioning spans a few weeks. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team
Key Facts
- →A typical home battery installation takes 1-2 days on-site
- →Your installer must notify your DNO (SSEN or SP Energy Networks) before installation
- →Tesla Powerwall 3 includes an integrated inverter for new solar installs
- →AC-coupled batteries like Fox ESS connect to your existing solar inverter
- →All batteries are commissioned with Wi-Fi and app monitoring
- →Smart tariff integration with Octopus Intelligent Flux is set up on day one
- →0% VAT applies automatically to all home battery installations until March 2027
Last updated: 28 October 2026
1
No-Obligation Survey & Assessment
A qualified installer visits your property to assess your electrical setup, roof space (if solar is involved), and where the battery will be mounted. They check your consumer unit, existing inverter (if any), and cable runs. This determines which batteries are suitable and what additional electrical work is needed.
2
DNO Notification
In Scotland, your installer must notify your Distribution Network Operator (SSEN for northern Scotland, SP Energy Networks for central and southern Scotland) before installing a battery. This is a notification, not an application for permission — but it must be done. Your installer handles this as part of the process.
3
Choosing Your Battery
Based on the survey, you choose between batteries like Tesla Powerwall 3 (integrated inverter, Storm Watch), Fox ESS (AC-coupled retrofit), Duracell Dura5, PylonTech (modular), or Sungrow. The right choice depends on whether you have existing solar, your backup needs, and your budget.
4
Installation Day
The battery is wall-mounted (typically in a garage, utility room, or exterior wall) and connected to your electrical system. If a backup gateway is being fitted, your consumer unit may be upgraded. A typical installation takes 1–2 days depending on complexity. Your power may be briefly off during the work.
5
Commissioning & Setup
The installer configures the battery, connects it to your Wi-Fi, and sets up the companion app on your phone. If you are on a smart tariff like Octopus Intelligent Flux, the tariff integration is configured at this stage. You will see real-time energy flow in the app immediately.
6
Smart Tariff Optimisation
Once installed, your battery can work with time-of-use tariffs to charge from cheap overnight electricity and discharge during peak hours. Tesla Powerwall 3 integrates directly with Octopus Intelligent Flux via API for fully automated optimisation. Other batteries can be scheduled manually or via third-party automation.
SCOTTISH DNO REGIONS
Who Supplies Your Electricity Grid
NORTHERN SCOTLAND
SSEN (Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks)
Covers Highlands, Islands, Argyll, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Moray. Your installer notifies SSEN before installation.
CENTRAL & SOUTHERN SCOTLAND
SP Energy Networks
Covers Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Fife, Lothians, Borders, Ayrshire. Your installer notifies SPEN before installation.
WHAT YOU NEED ON THE DAY
Preparing for Installation
- ✅ Clear access to where the battery will be mounted (garage, utility room, or exterior wall)
- ✅ Access to your consumer unit / fuse box
- ✅ Wi-Fi password (the battery needs a connection for app monitoring and tariff integration)
- ✅ Parking space for the installer's van
- ✅ Someone over 18 at the property during installation
- ✅ Your electricity account details (for DNO notification and tariff setup)
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