off-grid

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
📧 sale@greenelectricchoice.com

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.

Here at Powerguard, we understand that more and more of you business people and homeowners want to know how to produce your own electricity, whether to power a remote property, reduce dependence on the National Grid, or simply to secure a consistent, uninterrupted power supply.

If you’re tired of grid limitations, unpredictable energy costs, or you just want complete control over your power, you’re in the right place.

At Powerguard, we specialise in Off-Grid power systems – combining solar, battery storage and backup generators – to keep homes running without the restrictions of the grid.

We started doing this 25 years ago and we now have happy customers around the world – all of whom know how to generate their own electricity.

That’s also why we have the expertise to put together this guide – to help you achieve your goal of energy independence and to help you avoid any time-wasting, expensive pitfalls.

Contents

• Why Do You Need to Produce Your Own Electricity?
• Scenario 1: The Rural Self-Builder Who Can’t Get Grid Power
• Scenario 2: The Business that Needs More Power than the Grid Can Provide
• Scenario 3: You Want More Solar Panels – But the Grid Won’t Allow It
• Scenario 4: The Homeowner or Business Tired of Power Cuts
• Solar Power: The Foundation of Energy Independence
• Battery Storage & Backup Generators: Keeping the Lights On After Dark
• Can You Disconnect from the Grid Completely?
• Why Choose Powerguard?
• Take Control of Your Power Supply

Why do you Need to Produce your own Electricity?

There are many reasons you might need to produce your own electricity, whether that means going fully off-grid or supplementing the power you get from the National Grid.

Below, we explore some of the most common scenarios and challenges where generating your own electricity might be the best solution for you. Whether you’re dealing with unreliable power, remote locations or looking to reduce costs, Powerguard’s bespoke power systems provide a reliable, scalable solution to keep you powered up, no matter the challenges.

Let’s take a look…

Scenario 1: The Rural Self-Builder Who Can’t Get Grid Power

Problem: You’ve finally found the perfect plot of land for your dream home. There’s just one issue – there’s no mains electricity and the National Grid needs an eye-watering amount to connect you.

Reality: Many rural self-builders and barn conversions struggle to get grid power at a reasonable cost. Depending on the lie of the land, you may not be able to get grid power at all.

Powerguard’s Solution: A bespoke power system will allow you to produce your own electricity and grant you full energy independence using solar, battery storage and generator backup, designed specifically for your needs.

Unlike standard off-the-shelf solar kits, Powerguard’s systems are built and installed by us to handle high energy demands while ensuring uninterrupted power year-round.

Scenario 2: The Business that Needs More Power than the Grid can Provide

Problem: You’ve expanded your business – a farm, a workshop or a rural wedding venue – but you’ve hit a roadblock. The grid simply can’t supply enough power for your new equipment, lighting or heating.

Reality: This is increasingly common. Many growing businesses can’t expand their energy use, limiting their operations.

Powerguard’s Solution: A bespoke power system that supplements – or replaces – your grid supply with a solar array, battery storage and generator backup. This allows businesses to scale up energy use without relying on the grid, ensuring consistent, uninterrupted power for day-to-day operations.

Scenario 3: You want More Solar Panels – But the Grid Won’t Allow It

Problem: You’ve already invested in solar, but now you want to expand – maybe to power an EV, heat pumps or additional outbuildings. The problem? The grid won’t let you.

Reality: Many solar owners hit a cap on how much energy they can feed into the grid. Your local DNO (Distribution Network Operator) can restrict solar expansion if it believes the infrastructure can’t handle the extra power you will be feeding into the grid.

Powerguard’s Solution: Go beyond grid restrictions and produce your own electricity. A standalone power system lets you install as many solar panels as you need. Excess power can be stored in batteries, ensuring you make the most of the solar energy you produce.

Scenario 4: The Homeowner or Business Tired of Power Cuts

Problem: Your lights flicker, your internet drops and, sometimes, the power goes out entirely. Whether it’s storms, network failures or just bad infrastructure, your grid reliability simply isn’t what you need it to be.

Reality: Power cuts are disruptive and expensive – especially for businesses that need to provide 24/7 services where downtime is not an option.

Powerguard’s Solution: A reliable backup power system helps to ensure you receive predictable, uninterrupted electricity. With solar panels feeding into battery storage, plus a back-up generator that ensures your batteries stay charged and your lights stay on.

Solar Power: The Foundation of Energy Independence

Solar panels remain the most effective way to produce your own electricity at home. And despite what some people think, solar absolutely works in the UK – even on cloudy days.

How it works: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Even diffuse daylight can generate a significant amount of power.

The challenge: Solar generation varies – long summer days produce surplus energy, while winter days produce less. And, of course, they don’t produce anything at night.

The solution: To make solar work day and night and all-year-round, it needs to be combined with battery storage and a backup power source.

This is where many homeowners run out of juice. Installing solar alone can cut grid reliance, but without a way to store or supplement it, you’ll still be reliant on mains power.

That’s why a Powerguard system – a combination of solar, batteries and a backup generator – gives you true energy independence.

A battery bank stores excess solar energy produced during the day, allowing you to use it when the sun isn’t shining.

Battery Storage & Backup Generators: Keeping the Lights On After Dark

Since solar panels don’t work at night. That’s where battery storage comes in. 

Powerguard systems use batteries designed for longevity – we’ve seen properly maintained batteries last 18-20 years. But battery systems alone aren’t always enough to cover extended periods of low solar generation.

If you’re completely disconnected from the grid, you’ll need to combine your battery storage with a reliable backup generator.

This will ensure complete energy security, particularly for properties that need reliable power at all times.

Can You Disconnect from the Grid Completely?

Yes – but deciding if that’s the best option for you depends on your energy usage, property location and the size of your system.

Some homeowners prefer to remain connected to the grid (if they can) as a backup, using it only as a last resort. Others go fully off-grid, relying solely on their own power generation.

Either way, the goal isn’t just about getting off the grid – it’s about ensuring you always have power you need when you need it. That’s why every Powerguard system is built to match your specific needs.

Why Choose Powerguard?

Unlike generic solar kits, Powerguard systems are designed and built from scratch and specifically tailored to your needs. Nothing is off-the-shelf. In fact, we build the shelf first.

Our team both fabricate and install the system – meaning that we take pride in our work. That also ensures that our systems are British-made! Indeed, we design and manufacture everything in-house. Then we install your system ourselves, ensuring you can rely on the expertise of the Powerguard team at every stage.

We offer:

Bespoke solutions: No two systems are the same, because no two customers are the same.

Proven reliability: We have 25 years’ experience and our systems are used by homes and farms and commercial sites like hotels, holiday lets and caravan parks.

Expert support: We guide you through the process, from design to installation and long-term maintenance.

Take Control of Your Power Supply

If you’re considering taking control of your power supply, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with Powerguard, and let’s design the perfect system for you.