What this guide covers
A home battery's storage capacity and electrical connection both need to suit your property. A 5 kWh battery describes a quantity of energy. Its power in kW determines how quickly it can charge or deliver that energy. Location, temperature, protection and any backup function also need assessment.
Do not assume several systems are suitable together because each has a modest output. Their combined generation and demand need assessment. Avoid altering protection settings to bypass a limitation. What should I do about smoke, deformation or unusual heat? Keep clear and follow the product's emergency instructions. Do not move or open the system. Call 112 for smoke, fire or immediate danger.
Copy or print your summary
Start with the purpose. Do you want to use more of your solar generation, shift consumption or keep particular appliances working during a power cut? These aims can require different arrangements.
Compare energy capacity and power separately
Consider an illustrative battery with 5 kWh of usable energy and a constant output of 0.8 kW. With no losses, it would supply that output for 5 ÷ 0.8 = 6.25 hours.
In practice, conversion losses, reserve settings, temperature and power limits affect the result. Having a battery also does not automatically give the house electricity during a grid outage. That requires an appropriately designed and connected provision.
Ask a supplier to state the usable capacity, charging and discharging power, and exact behaviour during a power cut. Request examples based on your appliances and usage.
Gather electricity-use and installation information
Collect recent energy data and the details of any solar system. Record when substantial electricity use occurs and which appliances you plan to add. An annual total alone does not show when a battery can charge or when stored energy is needed.
Include the existing inverter model and any charge point or heat pump. Have their interaction with the proposed battery assessed. Exact model numbers matter: “works with solar panels” does not establish compatibility with your equipment.
For a savings calculation, ask for the tariff, loss, operating and service assumptions. A projected saving is not a guaranteed return.
Decide where it can go before ordering
Discuss these points with the supplier and installer.
| Subject | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Escape route | Could smoke from a fault obstruct the way out? |
| Mounting | Is the surface suitable for the weight and fire precautions? |
| Environment | Do temperature, humidity and ventilation meet the product instructions? |
| Clearances | Can heat dissipate, and is maintenance access available? |
| Detection | How will occupants be alerted to smoke? |
| Access | Can normal operation and servicing take place safely? |
The fire service recommends suitable siting, keeping escape routes clear and smoke detection. A general preference for a shed or garage cannot override the environmental limits of the chosen model. Brandweer: a safer home battery.
A plug-in battery still needs a suitable circuit
A plug-in battery can supply energy into the home's installation. Have the proposed socket and circuit assessed for that use. A power setting in an app does not establish suitability.
The fire-service checklist includes direct connection without an extension lead or power strip and attention to siting and circuit demand. Use it to prepare questions; it does not approve your particular circuit. Brandweer: plug-in battery checklist.
Do not assume several systems are suitable together because each has a modest output. Their combined generation and demand need assessment. Avoid altering protection settings to bypass a limitation.
Registration and installation safety are separate matters
RVO states a registration requirement from 0.8 kW of power. That is a power threshold, not storage capacity in kWh. It does not mean an 800 W battery may be connected to any socket. RVO: registering a battery system.
You may also encounter PGS 37-1. Its current scope excludes systems used by private individuals and recommends its measures for systems above 20 kWh. Local rules, conditions and duties can still matter. Have these checked for the property. PGS 37-1, IPLO: legal application.
Request a complete proposal and handover
The proposal should identify the make, model, modules, inverter, control system, connection, protective devices, mounting and documents. Ask who handles registration, settings and commissioning checks.
Agree who controls the app account and what happens if a subscription ends or a supplier stops providing its service. Keep a local copy of the operating and emergency instructions rather than relying solely on an account.
You do not need to buy electrical test instruments for this preparation. Energy records, product documents, location measurements and a question list are sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Does every home battery provide backup power? No. Ask exactly which connections work during an outage and what limits apply.
Is a small battery automatically simpler to install safely? Its connection, position, product quality and operating conditions still need to be suitable.
What should I do about smoke, deformation or unusual heat? Keep clear and follow the product's emergency instructions. Do not move or open the system. Call 112 for smoke, fire or immediate danger.
Discuss the electrical preparation with CAS
Tell CAS Elektrotechniek your aims, existing equipment and proposed battery model. Ask about preparing the installation.
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Materials and specifications
Before buying, check that the size, type and specification suit your installation. Use the article list and tools to work out the quantities you need.
Manuals and model details
- Quantity and unit
- One current manual per exact product
- Specification
- Use exact model/revision, with conflicting instructions unresolved until manufacturer/installer clarification.
Prepare an enquiry
Uncertain information stays unknown. This checklist gives no safety score and sends nothing. After checking, copy only what you want to share with CAS. In the event of fire or immediate danger, move to safety and call 112. Do not wait for a reply to a form submission.
Worked example and formula
Task: extra socket. Room: study. Supply: unknown. Request an assessment; the list does not approve an installation.
Checklist only; no safety score or automatic submission
Formula version 2026-10-05.1
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Would you like CAS to carry out the work?
Tell us about the room, equipment and changes you need. Agree the work, checks and warranty terms before the job starts.
First discuss whether CAS can take on your particular system and work.
Discuss the workIn the event of fire or immediate danger: move to safety and call 112. Do not wait for a form reply.