Case Study: 10 Years Off-Grid in Mt. Pleasant
James’ Family Powers Their Home Without a Grid Connection

For James and his family the answer to all of these is simple.

Yes it works — and it has for more than 10 years.

Living in Mt Pleasant Queensland James decided over a decade ago to leave behind rising power bills unreliable infrastructure and a massive grid connection cost. Today his family enjoys modern comfort completely powered by the sun with no blackouts and no fuel runs.

Here’s how Stand Alone Power Systems helped make it happen.

🏠 The Property Rural Living at Its Best

James and his partner bought a rural property in Mt Pleasant about an hour north of Brisbane in the hills behind Dayboro. Peaceful scenic and private it was the perfect place to raise their young family.

There was just one issue

No access to the grid.

Instead of throwing good money at a connection that still wouldn’t guarantee reliability James reached out to us to design a custom off grid solar power system that would last.

The Off Grid Solar System

We designed a robust expandable off grid solar system built specifically for full time rural living.

The system powers

• A fridge a deep freezer and a full kitchen
• Ceiling fans washing machine and LED lighting
• Pressure pumps and rainwater system
• Small workshop with tools and welders
• A home office and internet equipment

Long Term Performance with No Surprises

Now after more than 10 years off the grid James says the system still performs like new.

We’ve never been without power. The batteries charge even on cloudy days and we have only touched the generator once in a year.

Their setup includes 3.5 days of battery autonomy meaning even in poor weather the family stays powered up — no stress no scrambling for fuel.

Maintenance has been minimal

• Cleaning the panels twice a year
• One firmware update to the inverter
• Generator service even though it’s rarely used

That’s it. No downtime. No battery failures. No dramas.

Designed for Mt Pleasant’s Climate

Mt Pleasant sees humid summers storm season blackouts and long dry spells. That’s why we designed James’ system to

• Charge batteries even during overcast weeks
• Handle heat efficiently with LiFePO4 battery tech
• Power heavy tools and appliances without surging
• Expand later panels added in year 5

With Midnite and Victron hardware everything is locally supported remotely monitorable and built to withstand real world Aussie conditions.

Lessons from a Decade Off the Grid

We asked James what advice he’d give to others considering an off grid lifestyle.

Don’t undersize the system — that’s where people go wrong. We didn’t go cheap and it’s paid off.

His top tips

1. Choose a designer installer with real world experience
2. Invest in quality gear once
3. Build in room for your family to grow

His only regret Not doing it sooner.

A Life of Independence Without Compromise

For James and his family off grid living isn’t about roughing it — it’s about freedom self reliance and security.

• No monthly power bills
• No worry about price hikes or outages
• Total control over their energy use and future plans

They’ve since added solar panels upgraded appliances and may plan to install an EV charger — all without touching the grid.

Why This Case Matters

In a sea of one size fits all solar kits and under designed systems James’ story proves what we’ve always said

Off grid solar works — if it’s done right.

A decade of proof

• No battery failures
• No power interruptions
• No costly generator dependence
• No compromises in daily comfort

This is the kind of long term reliability we deliver every day across Queensland.

📞 Want a System Like James’

If you’re building living or retiring off the grid in Queensland — and want a system that works the first time every time — let’s talk.

• 📱 0428 678 513
• 📧 mark@standalonepower.com.au
• 🌐 www.standalonepower.com.au