How an off-grid system works
Panels charge a battery bank through the day. The battery runs the home overnight and through cloudy spells. When the battery runs low after several dull days, a generator starts and recharges it. Everything has to be sized so the generator runs rarely.
Designing and installing stand-alone power systems is a separate accreditation category with Solar Accreditation Australia. Check your designer holds it.
Off-grid or grid-connected with a battery?
Off-grid
No connection- No supply charge or bills from a retailer
- Makes sense where the grid is far away
- Large battery and generator needed
- You manage faults and fuel yourself
- Usage has to be managed in long cloudy spells
Grid plus battery
Connected- Grid covers shortfalls, so a smaller battery works
- Export earns a feed-in tariff
- Daily supply charge continues
- Backup in blackouts needs the right hardware
For a home already on the grid, going fully off-grid rarely pays. A battery with blackout backup gives most of the independence at a fraction of the cost. On average across Australia, a 10 kWh battery installed costs about $8,284 after the federal discount, and an off-grid home often needs several times that capacity plus a generator.
Network stand-alone systems
Some networks now replace long rural lines with stand-alone power systems they own and maintain. The household stays a normal customer with a retailer, but its power comes from solar, batteries and a generator on site. See network stand-alone power systems.
Get a connection quote first
Before choosing off-grid for a new build, ask your network for a connection quote. See getting a new connection. Compare that cost with an off-grid design sized for your winter use.
Common questions
Yes, but the system must handle long cloudy spells, so it needs a large battery and usually a generator. For homes already connected, a grid-connected battery is usually far cheaper.
Off-grid solar panels can create STCs if they meet the scheme rules, including an accredited designer and installer and approved products.
Mostly for remote properties where a new grid connection would be very costly. Get a connection quote from the network before deciding.
Sources
Rules and program details come from government sources. Prices are industry averages, named and dated where used. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.