Common Off Grid Mistakes to Avoid
Thinking about going off-grid in Queensland? Whether you’re building a new home, moving to a rural property, or upgrading an old solar setup, off-grid solar power systems can be life-changing, but only if done right.
At Stand-Alone Power Systems, we’ve designed and installed hundreds of off-grid solar and battery systems across regional Queensland, from South Burnett and Wide Bay to Gympie, Lockyer Valley, and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Over 20 years, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when going off-grid and how to avoid them.
1. Underestimating Your Power Usage
“We don’t use much power” are famous last words. One of the most common mistakes we see is homeowners underestimating how much electricity they’ll actually use. Things like pumps, fridges, air-conditioning, electric cooking, and even Wi-Fi modems add up fast.
Tip: Get a realistic estimate of your daily energy usage. We can help you with a load profile based on your appliances and lifestyle. This ensures your off-grid solar system is sized properly from day one.
2. Choosing the Wrong Battery Size
Off-grid systems live or die by their battery banks. Too small, and you’ll be running a generator far more than you expected. Too large, and you may have paid for storage you don’t fully use.
Tip: Choose the right-sized lithium battery bank based on your actual overnight usage and desired autonomy, such as one to two days without sun. At Stand-Alone Power Systems, we use reliable Pylontech lithium-iron batteries, expandable up to 80 kWh with 72 kWh usable.
3. Going Cheap on Inverters and Installers
Your inverter is the heart of the system. It controls power flows, protects your batteries, and manages the entire load. A cheap inverter or a bad installer can turn your investment into a headache.
Tip: Use trusted, proven brands like Victron Energy or Selectronic SP PRO, which is Australian-made. We’ve installed both on off-grid properties from Kingaroy to Kenilworth with rock-solid performance.
4. Forgetting About Future Expansion
Many off-grid customers grow into their systems. They build a shed, add irrigation pumps, or switch to electric vehicles, and suddenly their original solar system isn’t enough.
Tip: Make sure your system is designed to expand. We size our systems with growth in mind. Most of our setups allow you to add up to 7 kW more solar or more than double your battery capacity later.
5. Skipping the Generator or Choosing the Wrong One
A backup generator isn’t cheating; it’s smart. Even with a great solar and battery setup, cloud cover or multiple rainy days can push your system to its limits.
Tip: We recommend including an auto-start generator in all off-grid solar systems. We can help you select a quiet, fuel-efficient model that integrates seamlessly with your inverter. Most of our customers only use theirs occasionally, but it’s peace of mind worth having.
Bonus Mistake: Not Asking for Local Advice
Not all off-grid systems are equal, and what works in one climate or location may not suit yours. That’s why local experience matters.
At Stand-Alone Power Systems, we’ve helped customers all over rural Queensland avoid costly mistakes because we’ve already solved them before.
Thinking About Going Off-Grid in Queensland?
We design reliable, expandable, and rebate-eligible off-grid solar power systems for rural homes, farms, and sheds throughout Queensland.