The difference
A physical battery stores your surplus electricity and gives it back at night and, if designed for it, in a power cut. A virtual battery is a retailer's tariff that banks the money value of your surplus as credit to use on future bills. It costs nothing to install but provides no electricity at night and no backup.
When a virtual battery makes sense
- Holiday homes exporting a lot while empty
- Owners who do not need backup
- When surplus exceeds what normal compensation can absorb on your bill
When a physical battery makes sense
- Occupied homes with significant evening use
- Anyone who wants power during cuts
- Owners who want to depend less on future tariff changes
Using both
Some owners combine a modest physical battery with a virtual battery tariff. We help you weigh it up from your own numbers.
Questions we are often asked
Does a virtual battery work in a blackout?
No. Only a physical battery with backup switching does.
Is a virtual battery free?
Usually there is a monthly fee or tariff condition. Check the retailer's terms.