How We Installed an Off-Grid System
for a Cattle Station in Western Queensland

Off Grid Power for Remote Cattle Stations in Western Queensland

For remote cattle stations in Western Queensland, reliable electricity isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline. We were once approached by the owners of a large station west of Cunnamulla who were struggling with the cost and unreliability of diesel generation. The grid was over 100 kilometres away and a grid connection was not an option. The property’s operations relied heavily on power including bore pumps, workshop machinery, workers’ quarters and refrigeration for meat and supplies.

The client was ready to ditch the genset and go solar but only if the system could be built to last and support their peak usage during muster and shearing seasons. At Stand Alone Power Systems we specialise in designing off grid solutions for remote Queensland so we got to work.

After a thorough energy audit we designed a system built around a 5 kW roof mounted solar array optimised for the harsh Western Queensland sun. The panels were cyclone rated and mounted on certified frames to withstand both strong winds and the dust storms that occasionally roll through. We paired the array with a 48 kWh battery bank housed in an enclosure to cope with the region’s extreme heat.

To ensure the system could handle larger loads particularly in the workshop and when running the coolroom compressors we installed a 5 kVA Selectronic SP Pro inverter charger. The inverter not only delivers seamless single phase power but it also allows full generator backup integration. In this case the customer supplied a generator set to auto start only if needed.

One of the main challenges with this install was logistics. All gear had to be freighted more than 1,000 km from Brisbane and final delivery to the site was via a 4WD. Because of the region’s unpredictable wet season we timed the installation during a dry spell and completed it in just four days with pre fabrication done in our workshop beforehand.

Twelve years on the results speak for themselves. The generator which once ran most days now runs less than 20 hours a year. Diesel usage has dropped dramatically saving the station around 15,000 dollars per year. More importantly the refrigeration now runs consistently the staff quarters have proper air conditioning and the bore pumps are more reliable than ever. The station manager mentioned that even during a fortnight of overcast weather the system held up without missing a beat.

This job is a great example of what’s possible with well designed off grid solar in even the most remote parts of Queensland.

If you’re running a rural property in Western Queensland and looking to escape the costs and headaches of diesel we can help. With SAA accreditation and deep experience in the bush we design systems that are tough reliable and built for the realities of life off the grid.

Want to learn more Visit standalonepower.com.au/contact to get started on your own off grid journey.