If you live remotely and connecting to the electricity grid isn’t feasible or it’s too expensive, off-grid solar energy may be a good option. This makes it an ideal solution to meet your power needs in the most isolated New Zealand locations, like remote homes or baches. It’s also suitable for agricultural and horticultural operations.

Alternatively, if you have access to the grid but have reasonably low energy consumption and want independence from utility companies, off-grid solar energy can give you self-sufficiency and the ability to generate and store your own electricity.

With an off-grid solar energy system, solar panels generate electricity for use where you’re not connected to the electricity grid. In this setup, the solar energy generated by the panels is stored in batteries, which gives you continuous access to electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. 

Besides solar panels, an off-grid system also includes batteries for energy storage, a charge controller to regulate the flow of energy between the panels and batteries, and an inverter to convert the stored DC energy into AC electricity for household use.

While grid-tied solar energy systems can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and help reduce carbon emissions, off-grid solar energy systems offer the advantage of complete energy independence, which can further minimise your environmental impact.

Benefits of off-grid solar energy
  • Independence from the electricity grid
  • Avoid power outages
  • Live and work remotely
  • Eliminate electricity costs
  • Environmentally friendly
  • 10-year warranty on complete solar systems