We understand you have questions about going off-grid. Choosing to generate your own electricity – especially without being able to fall back on a connection to the National Grid – can feel like a big step. Whether you’re building a remote home, running a rural business or just want reliable power where the grid can’t reach (or keep up), you probably have a few questions.
You’re not alone. Most of our customers come to us with similar concerns.
At Powerguard, we’ve been designing and building off-grid systems for over 25 years – so we’ve heard it all, and we’ve solved it all. Below, we’ve pulled together answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.
Here’s what you need to know:
Contents
- What does “off-grid power” mean in the UK?
- How does a Powerguard solar and battery system work?
- Is solar power reliable enough in the UK?
- Do I need planning permission for an off-grid solar power system?
- What are the maintenance requirements for a solar and battery system?
- What are the main advantages of going off-grid?
- What are the main challenges of off-grid living?
- Can I sell my excess electricity back to the grid?
- Is going off-grid suitable for homes, farms, and businesses?
- How do I know if an off-grid system is right for me?
- Still Have Questions?
- Let’s Talk Power
1. What does “off-grid power” mean in the UK?
Off-grid power means generating your own electricity independently, without relying on the National Grid for supply. In the UK, this typically involves using solar panels, battery storage and a backup diesel generator to ensure continuous power, especially during the darker winter months. For many rural properties and farms, it’s the only practical way to achieve reliable, long-term energy independence.
This is why Powerguard specialises in designing, building and installing those very systems.
Further reading:
Powerguard off-grid power solutions.
2. How does a Powerguard solar and battery system work?
An off-grid system captures sunlight through solar panels and stores excess energy in large-capacity batteries for later use.
A solar and battery off-grid system works by:
- Capturing energy from sunlight using solar panels.
- Storing excess electricity in batteries for use when the sun isn’t shining (such as at night or during bad weather).
- Using a backup diesel generator to supply power when battery reserves are low and solar output is insufficient – particularly during winter or cloudy periods.
A Powerguard off-grid power system is self-contained and designed to meet the energy needs of your home or business without drawing electricity from the grid.
3. Is solar power reliable enough in the UK?
Yes, solar energy is viable in the UK – even with the British weather. Modern solar panels work effectively with diffuse sunlight (on cloudy days) and are sized accordingly for year-round demand.
However, because solar generation is lower in winter, battery storage and a backup generator are essential components to ensure 24/7 power reliability throughout the year.
Further reading:
Energy Saving Trust – Solar Panels Advice
4. Do I need planning permission for an off-grid solar power system?
In most cases, solar panel installations on domestic properties are classed as permitted development and do not require planning permission, provided they meet certain conditions:
- Panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the roof.
- Ground-mounted panels must not exceed specific size limits.
- Installations must not be placed in conservation areas or on listed buildings without approval.
However, larger agricultural or commercial installations may require planning permission and any new buildings powered off-grid (like barn conversions) should check local planning regulations.
Further reading:
GOV.UK – Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Planning
5. What are the maintenance requirements for a solar and battery system?
Off-grid solar and battery systems are generally low maintenance, but key tasks include:
- Annual inspection of solar panels for dirt, debris and potential shading issues.
- Monitoring battery health to ensure optimal performance and lifespan (typically 15–20 years with proper maintenance).
- Routine servicing of diesel generators, including oil changes and load testing, to ensure readiness when needed.
Many off-grid systems come with remote monitoring, allowing faults to be detected early.
6. What are the main advantages of going off-grid?
The biggest advantage is total energy independence: no grid connection costs, no standing charges and protection from rising energy prices.
The key benefits include:
- Complete energy independence – no reliance on the National Grid.
- Protection – from rising energy prices and energy supply disruptions.
- Cost control – no grid connection fees or standing charges.
- Reduced carbon footprint – when compared to traditional diesel-only systems.
A Powerguard system is designed for scalability – meaning you can expand it later if your needs grow – without being restricted by grid limitations or export rules.
7. What are the main challenges of off-grid living?
Important considerations include:
- Initial setup costs – installing solar panels, battery banks and generators is a significant upfront investment.
- System design – the system must be correctly sized for your specific needs.
- Seasonal variation – energy usage patterns and battery storage need to account for lower solar generation in winter.
- Maintenance planning – while systems are reliable, occasional servicing is essential, particularly for backup generators.
However, with good design and upkeep, off-grid living can be straightforward and highly rewarding.
8. Can I sell my excess electricity back to the grid?
No. The UK Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme has been closed to new applicants since 2019. Also, Powerguard off-grid systems are designed to be fully independent of the grid – so there is typically no connection to the National Grid, through which you could export surplus energy.
With a Powerguard off-grid solar and battery system you generate power solely for your own use. Then you store the surplus energy, again, for your own use. Every kilowatt-hour generated is yours to use as needed without restrictions. This ensures all the energy you generate is kept for your own use, maximising the return on your investment.
Further reading:
Energy Saving Trust – Off-Grid Energy Options
Ofgem – Feed in Tariffs
9. Is going off-grid suitable for homes, farms and businesses?
Yes – Powerguard systems are ideal for rural homes, farms, workshops, glamping sites and hospitality venues where reliable energy is critical. Off-grid power systems can be tailored to a wide range of uses:
- Homes and barn conversions – needing full-time residential power.
- Farms and rural businesses – requiring energy for irrigation, workshops, lighting and security.
- Commercial premises – like wedding venues, hotels or holiday home locations seeking energy resilience without grid dependence.
System sizing is flexible, ensuring that each installation meets the specific needs of the property.
10. How do I know if an off-grid system is right for me?
If you face expensive grid connection costs, frequent outages or you want predictable, secure energy for a remote property, an off-grid system is likely the best solution.
You should consider an off-grid system if:
- Your property has no practical or affordable access to the National Grid.
- You are looking to control long-term energy costs.
- You need reliable, year-round power without risk of blackouts.
- You want to reduce diesel reliance and minimise carbon emissions.
- You plan to build in a rural area without existing infrastructure.
A professional energy audit and site survey (as provided by Powerguard) will help assess your needs and design a tailored system to meet them.
Still Have Questions?
Going off-grid is a big decision – but for many homes, farms and rural businesses, it’s the most practical and future-proof way to take control of your energy supply.
Whether you’re struggling to get power to a remote property, need more than the grid can provide or simply want total energy independence, Powerguard can help. We’ve been designing and building fully off-grid systems in Britain for over 25 years, using a combination of solar panels, battery storage and backup generation – all tailored to your exact needs.
Let’s Talk Power
Want to find out if off-grid is right for you? Get in touch with our team today.
📞 Call: 01507 600 688
📧 sales@powerguard.co.uk
We’ll talk through your situation, answer your questions and help you plan the right system. Want to visit our facility and see our Made in Britain process in operation? We can arrange that, too! Because when it comes to your power, nothing should be out of your control.