Off-grid solar living has never been more flexible and affordable.
Since we wrote this article back in 2018, a lot has changed in the off-grid solar power world in New Zealand. This article has been updated for 2026.
First, the technology now means the longevity of your system has improved due to changes in battery chemistry (LiPo4) and solar panel efficiency.
Solar array and battery bank expandability now has been a huge advancement and changed the fortunes of many clients living with off grid solar.
We can now very easily and cost-effectively add more panels and more battery modules as your needs grow.
You can check out the following resources if you are researching, or you can get in touch for a free quote.
Here are some helpful resources to help you understand some of the basics of off-grid solar living:
- Our new solar off-grid systems page is showing updated pricing
- In-depth information for tiny house off-grid living
- Watch our video that explains our new ULTRA series of off-grid solar systems made by us
- Take a deep dive into the world of off-grid solar living with our Off-Grid Solar for Dummies article
- Financial viability is a big part of your decision to live grid-free. Our article Is off-grid solar worth it? may be helpful.
- If you are building a new home, our article about building an off-grid solar house could also be a good resource for you.
- If you are trying to understand the viability of connecting to mains grid-tied power versus going fully off the grid, this article could be a good place to start.
There’s a lot more that’s changed.
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Here are some useful ideas about living with off-grid solar in New Zealand.
Most Kiwis who make a decision to move to an off-grid solar set-up understand that they will need to make changes to their lifestyle. For the clients we have helped, this is not a difficult task.
Off-Grid Solar Living: Your Habits
Living with off-grid solar means creating some new habits and new ways of thinking. The first step to energy freedom from the traditional power grid is to understand that power to your off-grid home or building is variable in nature.
Energy will no longer be immediately available ‘on tap’ when you need it. This will require some planning and learning to live with the electricity supply that is available.
If you have ever been on tank water that is determined by local rainfall, you will know that the management of water resources is important. Regular checking and conservation measures are important from time to time. It’s the same thing with off-grid solar.
When the weather is bad and there is less or no sunshine, you’ll need to cut back on your power usage. Conversely, when the sun is out on fine sunny days, you can afford to use more energy.
Using Your Off-Grid Solar System
Your off-grid solar system will have a set size and capacity. It will supply your needs up to a maximum capacity. This is important, especially if you want to use or operate several appliances at once – especially if those appliances are high-draw.
For example, heat pumps, induction cooking and electric hot water require careful thought. Power Station will design and customise the right-sized system for you based on your needs.
Our single controller off-grid systems now supply provide 6kW of AC energy which will feed a maximum of 25Amps of constant power. Our double inverter off-grid systems provide 12kW which will feed a maximum of 50mps of constant power.
Living with off-grid solar means learning how much electricity is used for different appliances. When you are connected to mains power through your local power company, this is hardly ever considered. Off-grid is different.
An example of this is a 1.5kW toaster and 2kW electric jug which equates to less than 4kW (only 3.5kW) which you might think that’s OK. But all it takes is a microwave oven or a vacuum cleaner operating at the same time to exceed what a 6kW off-grid system can output. By checking the labels on your appliances you will be able to see how much electricity is drawn.
We’re here to help you with these calculations, so get in touch for free advice. YOu can also read more about sizing in our article about your off-grid solar ‘Load Evaluation’.
The Generator
When the battery bank of your solar system needs to be topped up, your generator will automatically start. But generators can be noisy. Consider the type of generator you select – we can give you advice. Cheaper generators can be noisy and can disrupt your family or neighbours. You’ll need to think about the location of the generator on your property to minimise noise.
To ensure that your generator will auto-start when required, you should manually start your generator once every few weeks and run it for an hour or so. This will ensure that the generator battery is sufficiently charged to allow auto starts. At the same time, check that there is sufficient fuel available in the generator.
The Batteries
Keep an eye on your battery voltages. Our 48V system’s operating voltage is normally 46V – 55V. Should the voltage drop to below 46V the auto-start generator will be triggered.
If for any reason, the generator is not available, you will lose power at this level because your system will shut down to protect your batteries from draining too low.
When you experience a period of poor solar weather or of higher than usual power use to pays to check the voltage level. If the battery level is low you may need to manually charge from your generator. Instructions to do this are in the manufacturer’s manual supplied with your system.
Please refer to our warranty terms in relation to the warranty of batteries.
In our next article we will discuss the sizes of off-grid solar systems and your off-grid solar mindset.
