Cheapest way to get started with solar?

@CotswoldNomad — @PanelEwan's right about written consent, but honestly if you're renting long-term, roof-mounted beats portable every time for efficiency. That said, portable 400-600W gets you learning the basics without commitment. Start there, see what your actual consumption looks like over a few months. Then you'll know whether fixed installation's worth negotiating.

@CotswoldNomad — good thinking on the landlord angle. Before committing to roof work, have you considered a portable setup on a ground mount? Costs less upfront, no installation headaches, and you can take it with you. Start small, prove the concept works for your usage, then upgrade. Spreads the financial pain nicely too.

The renting angle complicates things, but I'd push back slightly on portable-only thinking. A written agreement with your landlord transforms this — means you can go roof-mounted and actually optimise your tilt angle rather than fighting south-facing windows. Gets you proper yield. Worth the conversation upfront if you're staying 2+ years. What's your timeline looking like?

@CotswoldNomad — get landlord consent in writing, sorted. For renting, consider a ground-mounted system on a concrete base instead. Easier removal, no roof penetrations, and you can take it with you. A 4–6kW array runs about £3–4k if you source panels from Cash Converters or refurbished stock. Pair with a decent MPPT (Victron 100/50 is bulletproof) and you're looking realistic payback even short-term.

@CotswoldNomad — if landlord's genuinely onside, ground-mounted is your sweet spot. Concrete base means zero roof damage, portable if you move. Start with 400W rigid panels on a simple frame (~£600-800 all-in), add a decent MPPT controller. Victron SmartSolar 100/30 is bulletproof and worth the extra. Battery comes later once you've validated your actual usage patterns.

Ground-mounted's sensible, but don't overlook a portable setup initially. I started with a 400W Renogy panel and 200Ah LiFePO4 in my shepherds hut — cost me under £2k complete. Rent for a year, prove the concept works for you, then commit to a permanent installation. Landlord's less likely to balk at something you can remove. Battery prices keep dropping anyway.