Fully off‑grid energy system for a winery and restaurant operation
James Manners
Fully off-grid family home with zero compromise
Client
James Manners
Project
Domestic Off-Grid Solar
Location
Background
James and his family of four were building a modern four-bedroom home in a remote location with no access to grid power. Quotes to connect to the network were prohibitively expensive, making off-grid solar the only practical option.
What initially felt like unfamiliar territory quickly became a clear decision, they wanted a high-quality system, installed by a trusted local team with proven off-grid experience.
“We wanted a modern house on a challenging block… the only power option was off-grid. The grid connection quotes were astronomical.”
The Solution
SPS Solar + Water designed a 6.16kW roof-mounted solar array, producing an average of 28kWh per day. The system includes an SMA Sunny Boy inverter, SMA Sunny Island inverter, and a substantial 96kWh Outback gel battery bank, delivering just over 50kWh of usable energy daily.
The system was engineered with three days of autonomy, meaning the household could operate for three consecutive cloudy days without solar input. Although a backup generator was discussed during planning, it has never been required.
“SPS said it would be ‘set and forget’ — and it is.”
Key Result
Two years after installation, the battery has never dropped below 82%. The family has lived comfortably off-grid without compromise, interruption, or reliance on a generator. What began as a necessity became a confident lifestyle choice — powered entirely by renewable energy.
“Living off grid is not a compromise at all.”
82%
Minimum Battery Level
Over two years of operation without generator backup delivering reliable, autonomous energy for a modern family home.
SOLAR + WATER SOLUTIONS
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