Taking Offgrid Ongrid with a new offgrid 3 phase system
In September 2026 we discussed the project we were midway through building, taking a site in Caithness from a limited grid tied supply to an offgrid 3 phase system.
This was commissioned in early October and we have now successfully integrated the existing hydro scheme with the supplies to the property. The new heat pumps are still being installed with two thirds of the usual operating capacity still live and power is being supplied by the offgrid system.
The advantages to the Client are:
- There is now 3 phase to the property, garages and workshops rather than the antiquated split phase system, found in remote areas. This is an enabler that allows modern 3 phase equipment to be installed and used.
- Regular grid tied power outages are no longer a problem. The Client has their own power supply.
- The legally required, but frustrating issue of the hydro having to shut down when the grid failed isn’t a “thing” anymore.
- The batteries even out supply and demand, meaning that the Client wasn’t selling power back to the grid for a low rate and buying it back later for a much higher rate. The batteries store and release the power as required.
- The Client is insured against energy price shocks.
- The Client owns the asset. Paying the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to develop their asset (bringing in offgrid 3 phase) doesn’t add direct value to the property. It may help if the Client ever sold the property, but unlikely to be to the value of what it would have cost to upgrade the grid supply.
Future developments may include the addition of solar power to even out year-round supply, and the potential to divert excess spare power into hot water, extending the storage capacity of the system.
We are continuing to monitor the system, and we’re working with the Client to make small operational tweaks as it all beds in, optimising the system in line with the energy use on site. The system will eventually be in an open sided agricultural plant shed tucked away next to the workshop.