Tossing up whether to connect to the electricity grid or not?

With the significant rise of grid connection and electricity costs, Junee farmers Steve and Felicity Harris decided to investigate off-grid solar power solutions for their new home and workshop.

Their desire was to build their new home and workshop in a spot to take advantage of the best views on their farm despite being some distance from the existing electricity network.

After receiving a quote to connect to the existing electricity network, Steve and Felicity decided to contact local solar company SolarWise, Wagga Wagga, to help with the design and costing for an off-grid solar and battery energy system.

The design and consultation process involved analysing the forecasted current and future energy needs, to ensure they had sufficient energy generated to power a modern home and have the capacity to run workshop power tools and welder when needed.

The proposed machinery shed had sufficient roof space to accommodate the number of solar panels required and would be an ideal location to install a backup generator.

Steve and Felicity went ahead with the off-grid option as it offered more independence and control over their future energy needs. Being financially cost effective in both the short and long term as well as being more sustainable with around 90 per cent of their forecast energy requirements being met by solar energy, made off-grid the obvious choice.

Recently Steve and Felicity hosted a farm open day in conjunction with some members of the Riverina Co-op where they took the opportunity to show first-hand how the system operates.

Alex Manley, SolarWise Wagga Wagga managing director, indicated there was increased interest by farmers looking to use solar energy batteries for a variety of purposes other than just powering homes or granny flats.

Workshops, tractor GPS stations, surveillance cameras, satellite internet stations, and solar pumps all feature in their thinking, particularly as the cost of technology is markedly reduced and proving to be reliable and productive. 

SolarWise will be at the Henty Machinery Field Days to answer any questions on becoming part of the solar revolution.