What does Going 'Off-Grid' Mean? Unplugged & Disconnected

Going off-grid refers to a property not being connected to grid electricity in any way, being solely reliant on only what the stand-alone property generates through methods like solar, battery storage, and generators.

Off-grid solar systems are typically used in remote areas where connecting to an electrical grid is not feasible or cost-effective, and are also used when property owners want to be fully-self-sustainable in their electricity production.

Is Going Off-Grid Worth it?

If you're looking into whether going off-grid is worth it or not, it will depend on your unique situation and requirements.

We've installed off-grid solar and battery systems for a range of applications, including situations where remote homes didn't have access to grid electricity, so their only choice was to invest in a complete off-grid system.

With accessible solar and battery systems, off-grid is a perfect choice for those with limited or no supply of grid energy.

Depending on your situation, going off-grid for your electricity can be a game-changer to produce and store power 24/7.

Investment Costs

Investing in an off-grid system is generally a larger investment as the system needs higher capacity batteries, and possibly a battery generator backup. We can give you a free quote on custom systems.

Maintenance

As solar and battery systems are usually the primary source of electricity, ensuring your panels are as clean as possible helps maximise your systems' performance.

Energy Requirements

You and your property will have unique energy requirements which will determine the optimal solar and battery system size. We can work within these requirements with custom BESS and inverter systems.

When to Invest in a Complete Off-Grid System?

Fortunately, solar and battery systems are available for both on and off-grid systems for a range of properties across NSW.

If you live in suburbia with a sufficient electricity supply, going off-grid may not be the option for you. However, like an off-grid system, you can experience the benefits of a solar and battery system and use the grid as a backup source of energy. This is called a Microgrid.

As mentioned before, if you live in a remote place with limited access to a reliable electricity supply (this is called a constrained grid), then an off-grid solar and battery system may be the right choice to keep your property powered up.

With the rapid adoption of battery storage in addition to solar systems, we can see that properties throughout Australia are investing in becoming microgrids and joining Virtual Power Plants to help offset their energy usage and become more energy independent.

What Size Off-Grid Solar and Battery System Do you Need?

Determining your solar and battery system size and design ensures your property is always properly powered. Your optimal off-grid system size will depend on a few factors like your energy requirements and budget.

Calculating your key appliances, using past energy bills, and other factors can help determine your approximate electricity consumption which will indicate what system size you need.

Whilst most household systems average between 6.6kW-10kW of solar and around 10kWh of energy storage, off-grid properties will need greater capacity to sustain consumption over a few days if needed.

For context, the daily average usage from the Central Coast to Upper Hunter is around 14.5 kWh. With most homeowners opting for at least 2 days of backup, consuming 14.5kWh per day could be offset with a 7-8 kW off-grid solar system and a 34 kWh backup battery to achieve 2 days of backup.

What's the Cost of Off-Grid Systems?

Because each property will have its unique aspects, we can't give exact pricing on off-grid solar and battery systems. However, we provide free quoting and custom solutions, so if you are interested in going off-grid, send us through your requirements and our team can help you find the right system that suits your budget.

Another aspect to consider is your roof real-estate. If you need a certain size system, your roof may not be able to hold all the panels required depending on your system size. This is where ground mount systems come into play, where you can mount your solar system on the ground with the only limitation being the property space!

Your system's cost will be determined by elements like system components, and trenching etc.

Why Trust Elite Power Group?

We have many years of experience in the solar and battery industry, providing a broad range of energy solutions to various properties. Being professionals in on and off-grid systems, we know what works and what doesn't.

Our team works with customers to find the best solution that fits the requirements, from the quoting stage, to the final handover. We're customer focussed and genuinely want to provide you with the best system and experience possible.

Our team provide off-grid solar and battery solutions all over Newcastle, Scone, Port Macquarie, Grafton, and Coffs Harbour.