Going Off-Grid with the Sigenergy Battery
Thinking about ditching the energy retailers and going fully off-grid with solar and a battery? That’s exactly what one Campbelltown homeowner set out to do—with a 35kW solar system and the Sigenergy battery.
The goal?
Say goodbye to power bills, rising access fees, and unreliable feed-in tariffs.
The reality?
It’s not as simple as you might think.
The Setup: 35kW Solar + Sigenergy Battery
With feed-in tariffs crashing from 15 cents to 3, and daily access fees jumping from 70 cents to $1.30, the decision to break free from the grid made perfect sense. The plan was to install:
A 32kWh Sigenergy battery
A fully electric home setup
Optional vehicle-to-home EV charging backup
But like any solar setup, performance comes down to the details.
First Lesson: Size Your Battery Right
The original 32kWh battery wasn’t enough. After a few weeks off-grid, it became clear: more storage was needed to handle evening loads and cloudy days.
“We added two more modules. I should have done that from the start. Rebates don’t apply the second time—it cost more.”
The final setup ended up with 48kWh of usable storage, which made daily off-grid operation viable… most of the time.
Can You Really Go Off-Grid in the Suburbs?
The short answer: sometimes.
On clear days, the system worked well. Solar filled the battery by midday, and it comfortably powered the home overnight. But after two or three rainy days in a row?
“I was stuffed. The battery hit 10% and couldn’t recover.”
Without a backup generator (and let’s be honest—who wants one running in suburbia?), extended cloudy weather remains a weak point. If you’re serious about cutting ties with the grid, you’ll need backup—or start using less during those stretches.
Sigenergy Battery: Features That Matter
Despite being a newer brand, Sigenergy came with some impressive features:
Modular 8kWh battery blocks (expandable to 48kWh per inverter)
Built-in DC-to-DC converters
Smart home backup with generator input
Compatible with bi-directional EV charging
And yes, you can plug in a compatible EV like the Ford F-150 Lightning and use the battery in your car to run your house. That’s not just handy—that’s forward-thinking.
EV Charging with Solar: A Personal Fuel Station
Adding the DC charger to the system meant charging the EV with solar during the day, then using the car battery as an extra backup if needed.
“No more trips to the servo. That’s my fuel station right on the roof.”
And for anyone wondering—yes, with the right setup, you can send power back from the car to the home. That’s a game-changer when paired with solar.
The Final Verdict: Was It Worth It?
Yes – If you’re after more control, real savings, and want to future-proof your home.
No – If you expect to go fully off-grid without compromise or a backup generator.
Maybe – If you’re not ready to spend more upfront for long-term peace of mind.
Going off-grid is possible—but it’s not foolproof. Rainy days are your enemy unless you’ve got a serious battery or generator ready.
Thinking of a Sigenergy Battery for Your Home?
Before you go all-in:
Get your solar system checked—many aren’t performing at full capacity
Size your battery properly from the start
Consider how weather and usage patterns affect your energy needs
Don’t shop on price alone—go with a reputable installer who’ll stick around
Going off-grid isn’t just about tech. It’s about trust—in your system, your installer, and your decisions.
