Going Off Grid in the Heart of Queensland
Chris and Kath had a vision to live sustainably and independently in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland. Nestled away from the grid, their rural property required a robust off grid energy solution capable of powering their home, workshop, and small scale permaculture garden year round.
They approached us at Stand Alone Power Systems looking for a system that could handle seasonal weather patterns, variable usage demands, and minimal generator reliance. The key was finding a balance between reliability, performance, and long term value.
The System Designed for Performance and Independence
After analysing their energy consumption patterns including appliance usage, workshop tools, refrigeration, and irrigation we designed a custom off grid solar system tailored to the property’s needs. The key components included
- 6 kW solar array (east west facing) for maximised daily solar capture
- Victron Energy 5 kW Series 2 inverter/charger
- Midnite Solar MPPT charge controller
- 48 kWh battery bank (48V)
- Backup auto start diesel generator (7 kVA)
This configuration allowed for flexible expansion, precise battery charging, and minimal fossil fuel use. The Midnite solar controller supports oversized solar arrays and high voltage input, while the Victron Energy inverter provides surge capacity for workshop loads and future proof performance.
Living with Off Grid Power Reliable Quiet and Clean
Since installation, Chris and Kath have enjoyed a seamless off grid experience. The system provides consistent power even during cloudy periods, and thanks to the oversized solar array, the batteries are often fully charged by early afternoon.
The Victron inverter handles heavy appliance loads with ease, including
- Power tools in Chris’s shed
- Kath’s electric oven and induction cooktop
- Multiple fridges and freezers
- Bore pump for water supply
The auto start generator has only needed to run a few times during extended cloudy spells, and generator runtime has been only a few times a year during inclement weather.
Why This System Works in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Designing for off grid conditions in Queensland means accounting for high summer temperatures, short winter days, and periods of cloud cover. This system meets those challenges with
- Oversized array capacity via the CoolMax SRX
- High inverter efficiency with surge capability
- Smart generator integration
- Local support and warranties on all major components
By selecting good quality products, Chris and Kath also benefit from long term serviceability and technical support close to home.
The Takeaway Smart Off Grid Design Makes All the Difference
This project is a strong example of how the right combination of solar, batteries, and intelligent system design can empower homeowners to live comfortably off grid, even in the demanding conditions of regional Queensland.
If you’re planning to go off grid in the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, or anywhere in regional Queensland, we can help you design a system that delivers energy security, cost savings, and peace of mind.
Contact us today to explore your options with Victron, Selectronic, AERL, and other top tier off grid solar components.