Fully off‑grid energy system for a winery and restaurant operation
Waterloo
Large-scale hybrid solar irrigation reducing fuel use by up to 50%
Client
Waterloo
Project
Hybrid Solar Irrigation System
Location
Narromine, NSW
Background
Waterloo required a large-scale irrigation solution capable of delivering substantial daily water volumes while reducing reliance on diesel.
At the time of installation in late 2015, this off-grid solar diesel hybrid system was one of the first of its kind globally, integrating high-capacity pumping, solar generation, diesel backup, and advanced monitoring into a single coordinated system.
The scale and complexity demanded significant research and technical integration across multiple components.
“The research needed… about the integration of pumps, solar, diesel generators and controlling and monitoring of all of these inputs was enormous.”
The Solution
SPS Solar + Water designed and installed a 100kW off-grid solar array integrated with a hybrid diesel backup system to support high-volume irrigation pumping, delivering up to 5 megalitres per day at 80 metres head.
SPS coordinated all subcontractors and suppliers, managing the project end-to-end to ensure seamless delivery. The system was engineered for performance, ease of use, and long-term efficiency, with ongoing fine-tuning to optimise output and user control.
“Solar Pumping Solutions coordinated the project so we only had to deal with a one stop solar pump shop.”
Key Result
The hybrid system has exceeded expectations, significantly reducing diesel reliance while maintaining reliable irrigation performance during peak demand periods. Three years after installation, the system had experienced no major issues and required minimal maintenance, reinforcing the strength of its engineering and integration.
“Three years after installation and not a single problem… an outstanding result in combination with the savings we have experienced.”
40–50%
Fuel Reduction
Hybrid solar irrigation system reducing diesel consumption during heavy irrigation periods.
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