This off grid solar system was installed on a rural property in Tara, Queensland, where connecting to the electricity grid was not a practical option.
Located in the Darling Downs region, the property needed a reliable stand alone power system capable of supporting everyday household loads, water pumping and workshop equipment throughout the year.
System Overview
- Solar array 5.28 kW using 12 x 440 watt Suntech solar panels
- Inverter charger 5 kW Victron inverter charger
- Battery storage 15 kWh of Pylontech lithium batteries
- System type Fully off grid stand alone power system
The system was designed around the actual energy requirements of the property rather than using a standard package.
Why Tara Suits Off Grid Solar
Rural properties across the Darling Downs can face limited grid access, substantial connection costs or an unreliable electricity supply. In these situations, investing in a properly designed off grid solar system can provide a practical alternative to extending the network.
Tara also receives strong solar exposure throughout the year. Long summer days support higher solar production, while the system’s battery storage helps maintain power overnight and through periods of reduced sunlight.
Designed Around Real Energy Demands
The system was designed to support the everyday needs of a medium sized rural home.
- Whole home lighting
- Refrigeration
- Water pumps
- Television and entertainment equipment
- Computers and home office equipment
- Workshop tools and equipment
Accurate load assessment was essential to ensure the solar array, inverter and battery bank could support these appliances during the day, overnight and through overcast conditions.
5.28 kW Suntech Solar Array
The solar array uses 12 x 440 watt Suntech solar panels, providing a total generation capacity of 5.28 kW.
During favourable summer conditions, a system of this size can generate enough energy to support daily household use while directing surplus power into the battery bank.
The panels were positioned to make effective use of the available sunlight and maintain useful production across changing seasons.
Learn more about Suntech solar panels.
5 kW Victron Inverter Charger
The Victron inverter charger manages energy moving between the solar array, battery bank and electrical loads throughout the property.
Its 5 kW continuous output is suited to a medium sized home operating several appliances at once, including workshop equipment with higher starting loads.
The system can also be monitored remotely, which is useful for a rural property where an on site service visit may require significant travel.
Read more about Victron inverters for off grid solar systems.
15 kWh Pylontech Battery Storage
The Pylontech lithium battery bank provides 15 kWh of storage for use overnight and during periods of reduced solar production.
The battery system supports essential household loads including refrigeration, lighting, water pumps and general electronics after the sun goes down.
Pylontech batteries include an integrated battery management system and are designed to communicate with compatible Victron equipment.
Learn more about Pylontech battery storage.
What the System Powers
- Lighting Whole home lighting for everyday use
- Refrigeration Continuous power for fridges and freezers
- Water pumps Support for essential rural property water systems
- Entertainment equipment Televisions, streaming devices and computers
- Workshop equipment Power tools and other variable workshop loads
The inverter was selected to manage both normal household demand and the temporary surge loads created when pumps, refrigeration equipment and power tools start operating.
Expected System Performance
In the Tara region, a 5.28 kW solar array can provide strong daily generation, with higher production during summer and a moderate reduction through winter.
The 15 kWh battery bank stores surplus daytime energy for use overnight and provides additional support during overcast weather.
A compatible backup generator can also be integrated into the Victron system later if the owners require additional support during prolonged periods of poor solar production.
A Practical Long Term Power Solution
For rural property owners, off grid solar is often as much about practicality as sustainability. Where grid connection is unavailable, expensive or unreliable, a well designed stand alone system can provide dependable everyday power.
This Tara installation combines solar generation, battery storage and a capable inverter to support the property’s actual energy requirements without relying on the electricity network.
Talk To Us About Your Off Grid System
Every rural property has different energy requirements. We can help design an off grid solar system around your household loads, workshop equipment, battery storage needs, available solar access and budget.