Off-grid Solar Explained
Solving Commercial Power Challenges
Hybrid solar and battery systems combined with intelligent generator integration can solve many power supply problems, providing more reliable, efficient, and scalable power for commercial operations. We examine the five most common issues we can resolve through custom-engineered energy solutions.
200kWh Hybrid UPS solar battery system
Larger businesses, farms, and facilities located in rural or fringe-of-grid areas face a range of power supply issues that can seriously affect operations, growth potential, and energy costs. These problems often stem from limitations in the local electricity network, aging infrastructure, or growing energy demand that the grid simply can’t support. In other cases, businesses rely on diesel generators as their primary or backup power supply, which brings its own set of high costs and logistical challenges.
The good news is that hybrid solar and battery systems — often combined with intelligent generator integration — can solve many of these problems, providing more reliable, efficient, and scalable power for commercial operations. Below are the five most common issues we address through custom-engineered energy solutions.
Common Power Supply Issues We Solve:
Grid connection limitations – Local power supply restrictions.
Power quality issues – Blackouts and brownouts.
Peak demand charges and tariffs – High bills resulting from high peak demand rates.
Reliability issues – Voltage fluctuations, phase imbalance.
Energy security – Backup power to keep essential services running.
Grid Connection Limitations
Local network or transformer supply constraints
Many rural businesses are connected to the grid via Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) lines or undersized transformers. These systems can’t supply enough power for expanding operations, particularly if heavy machinery, refrigeration, or irrigation systems are involved. In some cases, businesses are quoted hundreds of thousands of dollars for grid upgrades just to increase capacity.
How a hybrid solar system can help
By installing a solar and battery system with peak demand support, businesses can effectively increase their on-site power availability without needing to upgrade their grid connection. Solar supplies a portion of the daytime load, while the battery covers peak periods or startup surges. This reduces grid dependence and enables operational growth without the need for costly network infrastructure upgrades.
22kW Hybrid grid-support solar & battery system
Power Quality Issues
Blackouts, brownouts, and voltage dips
Voltage drops, frequency instability, and periodic blackouts are common in fringe-of-grid areas or overloaded rural lines. These issues can cause sensitive equipment to shut down or be damaged, result in data loss, and disrupt automated processes or cold storage systems, especially during harvest or production peaks.
How a battery system can help
A properly designed inverter and battery system can act as a local voltage and frequency stabiliser. During voltage dips or short blackouts, the inverter automatically switches to battery power, providing an uninterrupted supply to critical loads. This acts as a local microgrid controller, improving power quality and protecting valuable equipment.
Peak Demand Charges and Time-of-Use Tariffs
Excessive energy costs from short bursts of high usage
Some businesses, particularly those connected to three-phase rural grids, are charged based on their peak demand — the highest 15-minute usage window each month. This can result in surprisingly high electricity bills, even if overall energy usage is modest. Additionally, time-of-use tariffs can significantly increase costs during afternoon or evening peaks.
How a hybrid solar or battery system helps:
Battery systems can be configured to discharge during peak demand periods, reducing the site’s maximum draw from the grid. This is known as peak shaving, and it can significantly reduce electricity bills without affecting operations. When paired with solar, the batteries can recharge during the day from excess PV energy, maximising savings.
Reliability Issues
Voltage fluctuations, phase imbalances, and network instability
Large pumps, motors, compressors, and cold storage systems are sensitive to phase imbalances and voltage fluctuations, which are common on overloaded rural lines. These problems can often result in frequent trips, equipment failures, or inefficient motor performance, especially during startup.
How a hybrid power system helps:
A commercial-grade inverter system with a three-phase battery backup can stabilise power output across all phases. It can provide the correct voltage and frequency even if the grid drops out or becomes unstable. In this case, the hybrid system acts as a voltage regulator and phase balancer, reducing downtime and extending equipment life.
Energy Security
Backup power for essential loads in emergencies
Businesses operating in remote areas or disaster-prone regions need a plan for maintaining essential services during grid outages — whether due to storms, bushfires, or equipment failures. Relying solely on diesel generators can be risky, particularly if fuel access becomes limited during emergencies.
How solar, battery or UPS systems can help
Modern hybrid systems can be configured to provide instant backup power to essential loads using the battery bank and inverter system. In the event of a blackout, the system automatically disconnects from the grid and operates in island mode, powering selected circuits without interruption. When paired with a generator, the system can coordinate generator start-up only when necessary, minimising runtime, reducing fuel use, and improving overall energy resilience.
Final Thoughts
Commercial solar and battery systems go far beyond simple energy savings — they’re increasingly used to solve real-world power challenges for businesses, farms, and remote facilities across Australia. Whether you're dealing with unreliable supply, expensive grid upgrades, or constant diesel costs, a custom hybrid or off-grid power system can be designed to meet your specific energy demands, growth goals, and budget.
At Transfer Solar, we specialise in designing and delivering commercial-grade power solutions — from large farms and campgrounds to alpine resorts and remote industrial operations. With over a decade of experience in off-grid and hybrid power, we understand the complexity and critical nature of commercial energy needs.
Example Projects We've Delivered
Dairy Farm, Western VIC – 75 kW solar + lithium battery system supporting daily operations and slashing diesel usage.
Remote Camp on SWER Line – 96 kWh 3-phase battery with solar, overcoming severe grid constraints without upgrades.
Alpine Resort UPS System – 200 kWh 3-phase battery for uninterrupted power and full site autonomy during outages.