What the Guru says
Hi Solar Guru, I want to go off grid because I hate the electricity company. What do you think?
We all hate energy companies, but at the end of the day, we all need energy.
So the key is find a good energy company. Now you can go off grid no matter where you are, but you'll need a lot of space and a lot of money.
Personally, I think using the grid like a giant battery is a great way to share the benefits of solar, not just for yourself, but for everybody in Australia.
Disconnecting from the grid – a major step#
Deciding to disconnect from the electricity grid, maybe because you had poor energy retailer service or a large electricity bill, is a major decision. Especially if you reside in an area with a strong electricity grid, like a city. So before you explore this option, please consider the following:
Your daily energy requirements
Assess your energy needs and consumption patterns. Living off-grid requires careful planning of your future electricity consumption needs and often involves implementing energy-efficient measures. So, for example, you would not consider going off-grid if you have not organised sufficient insulation in your home or have created an efficient way to generate hot water. The less energy efficient your home is, the bigger the off-grid solar & battery system has to be, and the more significant the cost will be.
Be prepared to spend a decent amount
While going off-grid means the end of expensive electricity bills. It also means a high upfront cost. While solar and batteries have reduced in cost over the past 2 decades, one can still expect to spend $30,000 40,000 or more for a large enough off-grid solar and battery system to support an average home and a family of 4. So consider the financial implications of this initiative. Evaluating whether the long-term savings on energy bills can offset the significant initial investment.
Used to reliable power supply
The Australian electricity grid is reliable and stable compared to many other areas worldwide. I am not sure how your family would feel if you have exhausted your battery power on a cold night and suddenly are without lights, a working fridge and no electric heating. Going off-grid means relying solely on your own solar and battery systems. Which must be designed and sized to service your family all year round. This is especially true for the winter months when solar production is reduced. But electricity consumption can increase due to a higher need for lighting and heating. So the key question is, can your roof space support a large enough solar system to go off-grid in your area?
Backup a must
Ensure you install a reliable backup system, especially in urban areas where space constraints or shading from buildings can impact renewable energy generation. It is essential to have robust and reliable backup systems. To ensure uninterrupted power supply during periods of low energy production or system maintenance. A diesel generator or a very large battery bank could be one of the solutions. As well as an extension lead strung across the fence from your neighbour (just kidding).
In summary
Going off-grid means the initial PV system will have to be sized correctly. This involved a long-term audit of the current consumption patterns. Allowing for future household changes, such as grandpa moving in or teenagers turning into energy-zapping vampires. So consider if your lifestyle has enough discipline to change and watch out for your energy consumption patterns. Because the family will go from an abundance, never-ending electricity supply to a situation where the available electricity at any given time has a specific limit.
So I’d like you to evaluate your long-term plans for your home. If you plan to move in 3 or 5 years or sell the property. Consider how an off-grid system may impact the resell value. Not everyone is the camping type. So before you go down this path, consult a solar off-grid professional.
