Case studies / BESS, Off-Grid
Powering remote security with off-grid battery energy storage
Protecting remote estates with off-grid battery energy storage
Rural businesses and estates across the UK face growing challenges when it comes to securing large, isolated sites. With limited mains power and prohibitive cabling costs, installing reliable CCTV or automated gate systems can seem impossible.
According to NFU Mutual’s 2024 Crime Report, the cost of rural crime rose by 4.3% year-on-year in 2023, reaching £52.8 million. For the team at Ardverikie Estate in the Scottish Highlands, these figures reflected a reality they knew all too well.
Spread across 16,000 hectares on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, the estate needed a dependable way to power new security gates and CCTV systems in a remote, off-grid area exposed to harsh winter conditions.
“We have been experiencing security issues on a very remote part of the estate,” said Phil Lloyd, Estate Manager. “Existing padlocks and gates have proved vulnerable to damage. There is no power supply nearby, so an off-grid solution has been sought by the estate which will provide power for security gate operation and CCTV monitoring.”
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How Energy Solutions designed a robust off-grid battery energy storage system
Having already supplied the estate with EasyGrid hybrid units and components for smaller off-grid systems, Energy Solutions was the natural partner to help expand Ardverikie’s energy independence.
The company’s engineering team designed a tailored off-grid solution capable of performing reliably in sub-zero temperatures while delivering consistent power to the estate’s new security infrastructure.
The system includes:
- A Victron Multiplus inverter/charger and solar controller.
- 1.6kW of solar panels configured for optimal year-round generation.
- Cerbo GX and SmartShunt monitoring equipment for real-time remote visibility.
- A 200Ah lithium battery with built-in heater – essential for operating in temperatures as low as -15°C.
A 4G router was added to provide remote connectivity, allowing the estate to monitor the full setup via the Victron VRM app. The system powers electric gates with magnetic locks and a four-camera HD CCTV network, ensuring continuous operation regardless of weather or season.
Phil Lloyd added: “Energy Solutions has been first class. The advice from the sales team means that we can order Victron components in confidence, knowing that once implemented, the off-grid solution would work out of the box.
“On the rare occasions we have needed technical backup, it has been easy to obtain, or Energy Solutions have resolved configuration changes remotely.”
Results: reliable off-grid battery energy storage for remote operations
The new off-grid battery system has transformed how the estate manages its remote security needs. Despite extreme Scottish winter conditions, the installation continues to perform efficiently, with data from VRM monitoring confirming correct system sizing and stable operation.
Beyond powering gates and CCTV, the project demonstrates how reliable off-grid energy can enhance rural business operations – from forestry and estate management to guest accommodation.
With clean solar generation, intelligent storage and remote monitoring, the estate now enjoys energy resilience and peace of mind.
Energy Solutions is a UK-based leader in hybrid and battery energy systems, delivering innovative power solutions for commercial, marine and off-grid applications worldwide. With more than 20 years of engineering experience, the company provides full design, installation and after-sales support.
Through its Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS) division, Energy Solutions helps businesses, communities and estates transition to smarter, cleaner and more resilient energy systems – from on-grid commercial installations to bespoke off-grid configurations for remote and rural projects.
FAQs: Off-grid battery energy storage for rural security
Talk to our team about powering your remote site with a tailored off-grid battery energy storage solution. We’ll help you design a system that’s reliable, efficient and ready for the demands of rural environments.