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Off-grid systems for hinterland properties, plus the maintenance, inspections and repairs that keep them running.

The hills behind Byron, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah and Lismore have plenty of properties where the grid is a long way off or was never connected: places like Main Arm, Wilsons Creek, Federal, Goonengerry, Clunes and Uki. Off-grid power there has to work through a wet week in winter, not just a sunny day in spring.

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Designing for the worst week, not the best day

An off-grid system has no grid to fall back on, so we design for the hard times:

  • Winter sun. Shorter days and a lower sun mean less solar. We size the panels for winter, not summer.
  • Wet spells. The Northern Rivers can have long runs of cloud and rain. Battery capacity is sized to carry you through, with a generator as the back-up for the longest stretches.
  • Shading. Tall trees and valley sides shade many hinterland blocks for part of the day. Panel placement matters more off-grid than anywhere.
  • Your real loads. Water pumps, fridges and freezers, workshops and home offices. We work from what you actually run.

Off-grid systems are designed to the Australian standards for stand-alone power systems, and the battery location rules still apply.

Upgrading an older off-grid system

Many hinterland systems were put in years ago and have grown piece by piece. Common upgrades:

  • replacing ageing lead-acid batteries with modern lithium batteries
  • replacing an old inverter-charger
  • adding panels as the household’s needs grow
  • adding remote monitoring so you can see what the system is doing from your phone
  • tidying and re-certifying wiring that has been added to over the years

Maintenance and inspections

Off-grid systems work hard every day. We suggest a yearly check. On an inspection we look at:

  • battery health and how it’s charging and discharging
  • inverter-charger settings and fault logs
  • generator auto-start and charging, if fitted
  • panels, mounting, cabling and isolators, including any water getting in
  • earthing and protection devices

You get a plain-English report of what we found and what, if anything, needs doing.

Repairs

When an off-grid system plays up, you notice fast. We do fault-finding and repairs, and we’ll tell you honestly whether a part is worth repairing or replacing. See also solar repairs and inspections.

Rebates for off-grid

Off-grid solar panels can earn STCs, and off-grid batteries can be eligible for the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate. We check eligibility for your system and take any rebate off at point of sale. The battery rebate steps down on 1 January 2027: see battery rebate step-down.

Close to the grid and just want backup? See blackout backup. Our general page: Off-grid solar systems. More: solar and battery installation across the Northern Rivers.

Why hinterland locals choose us

  • Our own in-house team designs every system and does every install. 25 years in solar and large commercial electrical work.
  • Local. We are based in the Northern Rivers, not driving in from out of the region.
  • Maintenance, inspections and repairs, not just new installs.
  • No subcontractors. We do the work ourselves, backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty on our installation work.

Off-grid FAQs

Can you upgrade my old off-grid system to lithium batteries?

Usually, yes. We check your inverter-charger and wiring first, because an old inverter-charger may need replacing to suit a lithium battery.

Do I still need a generator off-grid?

For most homes we recommend one as back-up for long wet spells. The system can be set to start it automatically when the battery gets low.

Do rebates apply to off-grid systems?

Off-grid solar panels can earn STCs, and off-grid batteries can be eligible for the federal battery rebate. We check eligibility for your system.

How often should an off-grid system be inspected?

We suggest once a year, and after any major storm or flood.

What happens during a long rainy spell?

A well-designed system has enough battery capacity to carry you through, with a generator topping up the battery during the longest stretches.

Get your off-grid system designed or checked

Get a free energy assessment · Book a 15-minute call · 0483 903 020

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