Max Distance from inverter/ batteries to consumer unit

Hi, I have had a solar panel system connected to a common inverter and two 5.2 kw batteries for around a year and it has worked extremely well. We are thinking of moving house and so would like to install a similar system to the new property. However it does not lend itself to the same installation as the south facing roof is on the opposite side to where the meter is and there is no internal location where the inverter and batteries can be located.
Can anyone tell me if the inverter and batteries can be located outside, and also what is the max distance allowed from the inverter to the consumer unit / meter position. Thanks graham

I can't advise on the max distance between the inverter and meters. However, our inverter is on the opposite side of the house than the meters. The cable goes up from the inverter, into the attic, across the attic, then back down the other side of the house and into the meter. Probably a distance of 16 metres.

I have a vague memory of the installer survey saying something about 20m being the limit for standard cabling, and any further would require an upsized cable, which would add to the cost.

miffy thanks for that, are your inverters and batteries outside?

GY Yes, they are in a lean-to shed on the opposite side of the house to the meters.
Over winter, the batteries need to be kept warm, so I wrap up the batteries with fire-resistant blankets, cover them with a foil insulating sheet, then close up the shed. Some people make covers out of house insulation for the batteries, but I'm not a DIY-er like that.
In summer, when I need to keep the inverter cool, I open up the shed during the day, and have fans under and over the inverter that kick in if the inverter temperature is over 40'C.
See the discussion 'Thermal solution for indoor inverters' for more about cooling if wanted.

The only limit for the distance between the inverter and incoming connection is the potential voltage drop for a long run of cable. Even then sizing the cable up will enable longer distances. This applies also if the panels are not close to the inverter, although with DC the distances tollerated are more restrictive. There are plenty of solar intallations in the UK which are ground arrays some distance from the dwelling.

Larger cables will push up your instaltion costs through. This is why most standard installation quotes will state a limit for the distance - allowing them to add to the cost not only for the larger cable but the extra work installing it.

We have consumer unit and gateway almost adjacent, with our AIO installed in a detached garage - which is approx a 25m cable run between AIO and Gateway.