James Elston
Published June 12, 2024
On average, it costs between £14,000 and £80,000 to install an off-grid solar system in the UK. However, this price will vary as every household has unique energy needs.
With ever-increasing energy costs, you may be looking for ways to reduce your monthly energy bills or go completely off-grid. Installing an off-grid solar system is a great way to achieve complete energy independence.
Let’s look at what it costs to go completely off-grid with solar power, factors that affect the costs, and alternative solutions.
Contents
What Is The Cost Of An Off-Grid Solar System?
The cost of a simple off-grid solar system varies based on system size, with prices from around £14,000 to £80,000 or more. This includes the costs of purchasing and installing solar panels, batteries, and an inverter.
You are looking at basic costs of between £3,000 and £8,000 for every kilowatt required. This is a breakdown of costs for solar panels based solely on energy needs:
| Solar power system size | Approximate starting cost | Approximate top cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small system (3 kW) | £9,000 | £24,000 |
| Medium system (5 kW) | £15,000 | £40,000 |
| Large system (8 kW) | £24,000 | £64,000 |
Off-grid solar power components and costs
The size of a solar power system plays a huge role in the overall costs, as well as any additional solar power system components.
| Solar power component (per unit) | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panel | £150 – £350 | Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels. They are pricier, but they have better energy output. |
| Solar battery | £4,000 (lithium-ion) or £62 (lead acid) | Lithium-ion batteries are pricier, but they have better overall features and a longer lifespan, making them a better option than acid-lead batteries. |
| Inverter | £2,400 – £11,000 | An inverter converts the current from DC to AC power to be used in your home. |
| Solar charge controller | £20 for Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers. £160 for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controllers. | Solar charge controllers manage and regulate the electricity between your solar panels, batteries, and appliances. |
What Factors Impact The Cost Of Going Off-Grid?
Various factors would affect the cost of going off-grid, including your property’s energy requirements and the amount of sunlight available in your area.
Your energy consumption
The size of your off-grid solar system would largely depend on your property’s energy usage. Larger systems cost more than smaller, simpler ones.
Number of solar panels needed
The number of solar panels you need for your system will impact the overall cost, depending on your average energy consumption and the solar panel wattage. An average UK household requires around 30 solar panels for a completely off-grid system.
Sunlight
Your system needs to have access to a lot of sunlight. For example, if your property is in a valley shaded by trees or mountains, the system won’t get the sunlight it needs. As a result, you may need a larger system to catch more sunlight or specialised panel placement, which will increase the costs involved.
Battery size
You will need a battery to store energy for times when it is cloudy or at night. If you have a larger solar panel system and higher energy needs, you will require a bigger battery, raising the overall costs.
Brand of the equipment
Different brands have different prices, but they also have varying quality. You would need to decide whether you want a cheaper brand that may not provide the same quality or results as a costlier one.
Location
Installation costs can differ depending on your region. More remote locations may pay more for the installation labour costs due to the availability of professional solar panel installers in the area.
Existing energy setup and new connections
The solar energy will need to be transferred to your home or business and connected to your existing system. You may be required to rewire some of your connections or upgrade your boiler, for example, to ensure it’s compatible with your off-grid system.
What Alternatives Are There To Off-Grid Solar Systems?
There are solar systems that remain connected to the national power grid. These systems generate electricity but allow you to fall back on energy from a utility company in the event of a shortfall. While you will still pay for some electricity, these systems help reduce your overall reliance on the grid and your monthly energy bills.
Net metered systems (grid-tied)
Cost: £5,000 – 8,000
Net-metered solar systems generate energy for your home and are also attached to the national grid. Additionally, any excess energy that your panels produce can be sold back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This means that you’ll be able to use electricity from the national grid when your panels can’t generate energy at night or on cloudy days.
Hybrid systems
Cost: Around £10,000
Hybrid solar systems have solar panels as well as battery storage. It can provide power on sunny days, cloudy days, and at night. However, when your stored energy runs out, you can fall back on the national grid.
Get A Free Off-Grid Solar System Quote Today
Whether you’re ready to step off the grid or just want to explore your options, contact us at Eco Happy for a free quote.
Our qualified solar system installers can assist you with any queries and help you make an informed decision about an off-grid system suited to your needs.
FAQs
How can I determine the viability of getting an off-grid system?
To determine whether it is viable to install an off-grid solar system for your property, it is best to have a solar installation company like Eco Happy give you a full analysis and quotation to determine your exact needs. However, there are long-term benefits that can outweigh the initial costs and make it viable to go off the grid.
How do labour costs factor into the installation of off-grid systems?
Solar companies will charge you for installing and setting up your off-grid solar systems. These costs involve the time it takes and the complexity of the project. They will add the costs of the solar panels and components, additional mountings, and labour to the quote. Companies can charge anywhere between 7% and 20% for labour.
Is it worth getting an off-grid solar system?
When you weigh up the pros and cons of getting an off-grid solar system installed, the benefits far outweigh the initial setup costs, making off-grid solar panels worth it. Using solar power helps reduce your carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability. You will also save significantly on your monthly energy bills.
Conclusion
Going off-grid is a worthy consideration. Solar power is a great alternative energy source to relying on fossil fuels and the national grid. Additionally, it’s a great way to save on your energy bills and contribute to a greener future.
When doing your calculations, remember to factor in costs for labour, parts, installation, and battery backup. Consider your electricity usage, the solar panel output, the removal of your grid connection, and any solar incentives available where you live.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.