Across the UK, more households and businesses are turning to renewable energy and storage to combat rising energy bills and cut carbon emissions. At one exceptional property in Aylesbury, this has been taken to a new level. The site hosts eight different solar systems, three battery systems, three heat pumps, multiple EV charge points, and even a wind turbine. Recently, the installation expanded further with the addition of 12 Tesla Powerwall 3 expansion packs, bringing the total battery capacity at the property to a remarkable 305 kWh.
This scale of installation raises an important question: how do all these systems work together to reduce grid reliance and keep up with substantial energy demand?
The basement of the manor house already contained four Tesla Powerwall 3 units. To boost capacity, 12 expansion packs are being added in two phases. In phase one, three expansion packs were installed behind one of the Powerwalls. The remaining nine will be fitted once Tesla releases a software update enabling multiple expansion packs across the same supply.
Each Powerwall 3 can be paired with up to three expansion packs, greatly increasing total storage without requiring new wall space. At this property, stacking was chosen due to space constraints, though expansion packs can also be mounted adjacent. The combined capacity of the main house system now stands at 216 kWh with over 38 kW of inverter throughput.
The hay barn hosts 30 JA Solar 440 W bifacial panels expected to generate around 11,550 kWh annually, paired with three Tesla Powerwall 3 units providing 40.5 kWh of storage and a Tesla Wall Connector capable of 22 kW three-phase EV charging. Meanwhile, the manor house consumes between 90,000 and 100,000 kWh a year due to heat pumps and a swimming pool, contributing to an estate-wide demand that requires 216 kWh of storage in the main house and 305 kWh across the site. To complement the eight solar arrays, a 15 kW wind turbine installed in 2008 helps balance generation, producing most energy in winter when solar output is low. While wind turbines are impractical for most homes due to planning and space constraints, they can still add real value on large open sites like this, ensuring a diversified supply of renewable energy.
Tesla expansion packs can be installed either adjacent to or stacked behind the main Powerwall. Retrofitting in a stacked format requires the Powerwall to be removed and floor-mounted to support the extra weight. All packs connect using a single expansion harness, simplifying wiring. However, stacking increases installation time and cost compared to mounting side by side.
Another consideration is grid approval. Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) usually require Powerwall installations on three-phase supplies to be balanced with one unit per phase. In this case, approval was granted for two Powerwalls on one phase, but installations remain limited to four Powerwalls per supply.
On a typical spring day, the property may consume over 175 kWh. Solar and wind cover part of this demand, while the batteries discharge stored off-peak power. Over the course of the year, the household is expected to reach around 70–80% grid independence, a figure achievable for many UK homes with a sensibly sized solar and battery system. Here, the larger capacity ensures meaningful savings even when renewable generation is low.
This property illustrates the potential of combining multiple renewable technologies with large-scale battery storage. From solar and wind generation to Tesla’s scalable Powerwall 3 with expansion packs, the site shows how households with high energy demands can dramatically cut reliance on the grid. While few homes require 305 kWh of storage, the principles apply at all scales: integrate generation, add storage, and use smart tariffs to maximise savings.
For homeowners and businesses across the UK, the lesson is clear. Renewable technologies are most effective when deployed together, tailored to the site’s unique energy demands. With the right mix of solar, batteries, and—where possible—wind, significant progress towards grid independence is achievable.