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Off-grid solar with battery — for caravans, narrowboats, off-grid cabins or back-up power.

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Undersized battery for UK winter

December-February low solar. Need 5-10 days battery storage or backup generator.

Heating high-load months

Heat pumps draw heavily. Off-grid solar + ASHP rarely cost-effective.

Backup generator essential

1-2 weeks per year typical. LPG or diesel.

Maintenance critical

Battery degradation, inverter faults can't be fixed by "calling the grid".

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
10 kW solar PV arrayPremium panels
£9k–£16k
15 kW solar PV arrayMaximum domestic
£14k–£25k
20 kWh battery bankTesla Powerwall x 2
£10k–£20k
40 kWh battery bankPremium independence
£20k–£40k
Off-grid inverter (5kW)Victron, Schneider
£2.5k–£5k
Backup LPG generatorManual or auto-start
£2.5k–£6.5k
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

At a glance

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Renewable Energy explained

Off-grid solar systems provide full energy independence — no grid connection. Significant battery storage required for UK weather. Expect to pay £25,000–£60,000 for UK off-grid solar home system.

What Does the Work Involve?

Large solar PV array (8-15 kW). Significant battery bank (20-40 kWh). Inverter (off-grid type — handles grid-independent loads). Backup generator (LPG or diesel for cloudy winter weeks). Smart load management to prioritize loads in low-generation periods.

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
10 kW solar PV array9,00016,000Premium panels
15 kW solar PV array14,00025,000Maximum domestic
20 kWh battery bank10,00020,000Tesla Powerwall x 2
40 kWh battery bank20,00040,000Premium independence
Off-grid inverter (5kW)2,5005,000Victron, Schneider
Backup LPG generator2,5006,500Manual or auto-start
Complete off-grid system30,00080,000Full independence

How Long Does It Take?

Design and installation: 2-4 weeks. Commissioning: 1 week.

DIY or Professional?

MCS-certified specialist required. Off-grid expertise rare — limited UK installers.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Off-grid specialist (not standard MCS solar installer). Wind & Sun, EnergyMyWay, Solar Voltaics. 5-10 year warranty.

UK Regulations

MCS certification. G83/G99 grid connection (or grid disconnection if pure off-grid). Building Regs Part P. Conservation/planning permission for arrays.

Common Problems

  • Undersized battery for UK winter: December-February low solar. Need 5-10 days battery storage or backup generator.
  • Heating high-load months: Heat pumps draw heavily. Off-grid solar + ASHP rarely cost-effective.
  • Backup generator essential: 1-2 weeks per year typical. LPG or diesel.
  • Maintenance critical: Battery degradation, inverter faults can't be fixed by "calling the grid".

Frequently Asked Questions

Is off-grid solar feasible in UK?

Possible but expensive. Need 10+ kW PV, 30+ kWh battery, backup generator. Cost typically 10x grid-connected system.

When does off-grid make sense?

Rural property far from grid connection (£10,000s for new grid). Self-sufficiency philosophy. Beyond economic threshold.

Battery life?

Lithium-ion: 10-15 years. Lead-acid (cheaper): 5-7 years. Battery replacement is major ongoing cost.

Total annual cost of off-grid?

System depreciation (£25,000 / 20 years = £1,250/year) + battery replacement (£1,000-£2,000/year over 10-year cycle) + generator fuel (£200-£800/year) = £2,500-£4,000/year. Compare to grid electricity cost.

Best system for typical 3-bed?

10 kW PV + 20 kWh battery + 5 kW LPG generator. Total £30,000-£50,000. 2-3 weeks/year on generator typical.

Grid-tied + battery instead?

Better economics. Grid-tied with battery (10 kWh): £10,000-£15,000. Self-consume + smart tariff savings. Without electricity independence but much cheaper.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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