Off-Grid Photovoltaics – Legal Framework & Guide for Greece 2026
19/04/2026
"Can I install photovoltaics without connecting to PPC (Public Power Corporation)?" - This is the most frequent question we receive. The answer is simple: Yes, it is perfectly legal - and in many cases, it is also the best option.
Legal Framework in Greece
| System Type | Permit | PPC Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Off-grid (autonomous) | ❌ Not required | ❌ None |
| Hybrid | ✅ Required | ✅ With PPC/ADMIE |
| Net Metering | ✅ Required | ✅ With DEDDIE |
| Net Billing (businesses) | ✅ Required by RAE | ✅ With DEDDIE |
When is off-grid profitable?
- Holiday homes in Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, or mountainous areas
- Agricultural plots and irrigation pumps without grid access
- Caravans, boats, isolated installations
- When connection fixed charges are higher than the system cost
Cost of an off-grid system
| Size | Cost | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|
| 2kW + 5kWh battery | €4,000 – €6,000 | 4–6 years |
| 5kW + 10kWh battery | €9,000 – €14,000 | 4–5 years |
| 10kW + 20kWh battery | €18,000 – €25,000 | 5–6 years |
Equipment we recommend
- Panels: Longi Photovoltaics — high efficiency even in cloudy conditions
- Inverter: Victron MultiPlus-II — ideal for off-grid and hybrid
- MPPT Controller: Victron SmartSolar MPPT — maximizes efficiency in cloudy conditions and winter
- Batteries: Pytes V5 LiFePO4 — withstands extreme conditions and high temperatures
💡 Tip: If you have a holiday home on an island or in a mountainous area without a stable power connection, off-grid is almost always the best option in terms of cost and simplicity.
FAQ
Do I need a permit for an off-grid system?
No! For systems without a grid connection, no permit from PPC or ADMIE is required.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes! You can start with a smaller battery and expand later without changing the equipment.
What happens during cloudy months?
Batteries store energy even in cloudy conditions and winter. Nothing is lost.