By Rhys Coffin, Off-Grid Solar Designer
The IES has recently been certified to be installed with a grid connection as an import function to top up the batteries from the grid, if needed.
It has true off-grid capability and is designed to give homeowners connected to the grid the freedom to generate, store, and use their own electricity—while still keeping the grid or a backup generator in reserve.
With the flexibility to start more affordably and add more batteries and solar panels later, you’re in control of how much savings you want to achieve and how much money you want to spend to achieve it.
At any time, the IES can be transitioned into a full off-grid solar system and dump the power bill entirely! It’s simply a matter of adding more solar panels and battery modules.
It’s smart, flexible, and built right here in New Zealand.
What Is The Independent Energy System?
The IES is a solar + battery system that lets your home run primarily on clean, renewable power. Instead of selling solar energy back to the grid at a low rate, you store it in batteries and use it when you need it. That means you stay powered during the day, after dark, and even during outages.
The best part? It’s modular. You can start small and add more solar panels and batteries over time, expanding your independence step by step. Whether you want to slash your bill by 60% or go fully off‑grid, the system can grow with you.
How It Works In A Grid-Tied Home
- Daytime – Solar panels generate power, running your home and charging the batteries.
- Night or Cloudy Days – Your home switches to battery power.
- Backup Options – If the batteries run low, you can:
- Top up from the grid (handy in areas with cheaper night rates).
- Or use a generator for complete independence. If 100% independence is your goal, your IES system will require additional solar panels and batteries to run as a full off-grid solar system.
Benefits For Homeowners
The benefits of a Power Station IES include:
- Pathway to Full Off-Grid Living – If you’re dream is 100% power independence, the IES is the perfect way to achieve it one step at a time.
- Slash Your Bills – Use your own solar power day and night, cutting energy costs by thousands over time.
- Resilience During Outages – Keep your lights, fridge, and heating running even if the grid goes down. Just live normally.
- Expandable – Start with a smaller setup and add more as your budget allows.
- Made for NZ – Designed, manufactured and tested in Auckland, built to suit our conditions and power standards.
System Sizes & Costs
Sizing and prices depend on your home, goals and budget. The following sizes are for our ‘base’ systems, which can be expanded based on your needs:
- Small Home or Townhouse – From $14,995 (inc GST). Great if you don’t use electricity for heating or hot water.
- Average Family Home – From $29,500 (inc GST). Covers cooking, hot water, and everyday appliances.
- Large Home – From $64,995 (inc GST). For homes with high energy demand (heating, spa, pool, etc.).
(Installation cost not included. Systems can expand later if your needs grow.)
The Future of Residential Solar Energy
For grid-connected homeowners, the Independent Energy System is a bridge between today’s grid dependency and tomorrow’s clean, self‑reliant future. You don’t need to live off‑grid in the bush to enjoy the benefits of solar independence.
With IES, you can stay connected for backup while powering your home mostly on your own terms.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Power Station NZ offers a free system design based on your home’s electricity use. Please get in touch to learn more. Whether you want to cut bills, prepare for outages, or move toward full independence, the IES gives you the flexibility to get there.
