Secured electricity costs off the grid

In late 2014, Mike Bland decided to build his dream home in Foster, near Wilsons Promontory. But the property was located over 1 km from the grid, and his initial contact with the electricity distributor resulted in grid connection quotes over $50,000.

Bland contacted the local Yingli Solar partner, Gippsland Solar, whose off-grid team designed a tailored solution that is an equivalent of the cost of mains electricity. According to Bland, the decision to go with Gippsland Solar, Yingli Solar and an off-grid system was a “no-brainer”.

The system comprises 32 YGE high-efficiency panels (installed on a ground-mounted frame for flexible positioning of the array); a SMA Sunny Island system with automatic generator backup; and a bank of 48 V, 600 Ah gel deep cycle batteries. It was installed in a purpose-built shed with ventilation, and the electricity was then trenched 80 m up to the property.

Now completely off the grid, Bland has secured his ongoing electricity costs — even with constant electricity use and variable South Gippsland weather. Additionally, he is set to achieve annual CO₂ savings of 13 tonnes.

“We are thrilled with our new off-grid solar system,” said Bland. “Clean energy and no ongoing costs for connection and supply from the grid. The off-grid system pricing was even cheaper than connecting the mains, and no aerial cables, poles and transformer to put up.”