Is Off-Grid Solar Right for My Farm or Rural Business? Four Common Questions Answered

As more farmers, cattle station owners, and rural enterprises explore energy independence, off-grid solar continues to rise as a practical, cost-saving, and environmentally responsible solution. Whether you’re managing irrigation, running machinery, or storing produce, solar energy can power your operations — even in the most remote corners of the country.

Here are four of the most frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to take their farms and rural properties off the grid — along with detailed, honest answers based on real-world experience.

1. Can off-grid solar power irrigation systems, pumps, or cold storage?

Absolutely. Off-grid solar systems are highly customisable and can be designed to power a wide range of agricultural applications. Here’s how:

• Irrigation systems and bore pumps: These often run on predictable schedules, making them ideal for solar. Solar pumping kits can operate surface or submersible pumps directly or through battery storage systems, depending on water demands.
• Cold storage and refrigeration: Solar-plus-battery setups are increasingly used for dairy and produce storage. Lithium batteries offer enough capacity to keep fridges and cold rooms running overnight or during cloudy days, protecting crops and livestock yields.
• Machinery sheds and workshops: Lighting, power tools, ventilation systems, and small-scale equipment can all be run from off-grid solar, especially when supported by a robust battery bank.
• Electric fencing and remote monitoring systems: These draw minimal power and are ideal candidates for continuous off-grid solar supply.

By matching solar generation and battery storage to your usage patterns and priorities, these systems can be tailored to support daily farm operations with minimal need for external energy sources.

2. Will it still work in remote or harsh environments?

Yes — in fact, that’s where off-grid solar shines. Australia’s remote and arid landscapes are ideal for solar energy systems, provided they're designed for resilience.

Here’s what makes them suitable for the outback:

• Rugged design: Off-grid solar systems are built to endure heatwaves, dust storms, and heavy rains. Panels are mounted securely to withstand high winds, and enclosures protect batteries and inverters from environmental exposure.
• Autonomy: With reliable battery storage and intelligent charge controllers, the system can operate day and night without needing to be checked or maintained constantly — critical when you're hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town.
• Minimal maintenance: Compared to diesel generators, solar systems require little upkeep. A quick visual inspection and an occasional panel clean is often all that’s needed.
• Remote monitoring options: Many modern systems include remote dashboards, allowing you to keep tabs on energy generation and consumption from your smartphone or laptop, even when you're away from the property.

Whether it’s a cattle station in Longreach or a cropping property near Roma, off-grid solar can be engineered to thrive in these demanding environments.

3. Can off-grid solar help me reduce reliance on diesel generators?

Yes — and significantly. While diesel generators have long been the default power source in remote areas, they come with rising fuel costs, ongoing maintenance, and a heavy carbon footprint.

Here’s how solar helps:

• Slash fuel costs: By using solar during the day and batteries at night, many of our customers have cut generator usage by up to 80–90%. Over time, this adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in fuel savings.
• Less maintenance downtime: Diesel engines require regular servicing, oil changes, and part replacements. Solar systems, in contrast, have fewer moving parts and can run reliably for decades.
• Cleaner operation: Reducing generator reliance lowers noise, emissions, and environmental impact — a growing priority for farms looking to future-proof their practices.
• Hybrid flexibility: You don’t have to abandon generators altogether. Many off-grid systems integrate backup generators that kick in only when needed, such as during extended periods of overcast weather or unusual energy spikes. This setup drastically reduces generator run-time while ensuring reliability.

By switching to solar as the primary power source and using generators only as a backup, you can save money and simplify your energy setup.

4. Can I run 100% on solar and batteries, without any backup?

Technically, yes — but it’s not always practical.

Designing a system that runs entirely on solar and batteries year-round, without any backup, is possible — but it comes with trade-offs:

• Overengineering required: To meet all energy needs even in the worst-case scenarios (long cloudy spells, winter loads), your system needs to be oversized with extra panels and a much larger battery bank. This increases upfront costs significantly.
• Cost vs. peace of mind: For most rural customers, including a backup generator that only runs a few times a year provides greater value and resilience than over-investing in solar hardware.
• Customisation is key: If you have very predictable, low power consumption and are in a high-sunshine zone, a 100% solar/battery setup may be viable. But for most farms — where seasonal demands and equipment use fluctuate — a hybrid system is more balanced and budget-friendly.

We always work closely with property owners to model their usage patterns and climate conditions, designing systems that strike the right balance between sustainability, autonomy, and cost-efficiency.

See here a case study from our latest Off-Grid Solar installation:

Final Thoughts

Off-grid solar is no longer just a novelty — it’s a practical and proven solution for powering Australia’s farms, cattle stations, and rural businesses. Whether you're looking to ditch diesel, secure stable energy in remote areas, or take full control of your power costs, there's likely a solar solution that fits your goals.

If you're curious about how an off-grid solar setup could work for your property, get in touch. We’ll help you explore your options, understand the costs and benefits, and design a system built for your land, climate, and energy needs.

‍