Off-grid solar North Queensland

Off-grid solar for North Queensland properties, designed and installed properly

An off-grid solar system is more complex than a standard grid-connect install. Every component needs to be correctly sized and matched, the design needs to account for your load profile across all seasons, and the people who install it need to be around long after commissioning day. We have been designing and installing off-grid systems across North Queensland since 2005.

Off-grid solar

A fully self-sufficient power system, built for where you actually live

An off-grid solar system generates, stores and manages all the power your property needs without any connection to the electricity grid. For rural and remote properties across North Queensland, it is often a more practical and cost-effective solution than the alternative of extending the grid to your location, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per kilometre.

Getting the design right is what separates a system that works reliably for 20 years from one that gives you constant headaches. Every component needs to be correctly sized and matched to your load profile. The system needs enough solar generation and battery storage to carry you through periods of lower sun and higher demand. And you need a backup generator that integrates correctly with the rest of the system.

No power bills, ever

A properly designed off-grid system eliminates your electricity costs entirely. No connection fees, no usage charges, no supply charges.

Energy independence

Your power supply is not affected by grid outages, network issues or price rises. You generate and manage your own power.

Often cheaper than grid extension

For properties more than a few kilometres from the grid, extending the network is expensive. A quality off-grid system is often the more cost-effective long-term solution.

Federal battery rebate available

Eligible off-grid battery installations can access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Ask us how it applies to your property and setup.

What is included in every off-grid installation

Full load profile assessment and future requirements discussion
Solar panels, hybrid inverter, battery storage and system controller sized and matched for your property
Generator integration and automatic switchover configuration
Full installation by our own accredited electricians and solar technicians
Commissioning and system handover completed on site by Kash Partridge personally
Monitoring setup and system walkthrough before we leave
Ongoing support and maintenance from our local team

How it works

How we approach off-grid system design

Off-grid solar adds several layers of complexity to a standard solar installation. Getting it right starts with communication. We need to understand your current load profile, how it varies across seasons, and what you might need in five or ten years time. An off-grid system that is too small creates constant frustration. One that is too large wastes significant money upfront.

1
Load profile assessment
We work through every appliance and usage pattern on your property to calculate your daily, seasonal and peak energy requirements. This is the foundation the entire system design is built on.
2
System design and component selection
We size and specify the solar array, battery bank, inverter, controller and backup generator to work together correctly. Every component is matched to the others. Pre-configured or online off-grid kits rarely achieve this and we do not use them.
3
Installation and commissioning
Our own accredited electricians and solar technicians carry out the full installation. Kash Partridge is personally on site for commissioning and handover of every off-grid system we install.
4
Ongoing support
Off-grid systems need a long-term service relationship. We are still here after installation and can provide ongoing maintenance, monitoring and support for the life of your system.

How it all fits together

The components of an off-grid system

Solar panels

The generation source for the whole system. Panels need to be sized not just for your average daily load but for your worst-case period, which in North Queensland is typically overcast wet season days when demand from air conditioning is also high.

Battery storage

Modern lithium batteries are the preferred choice for off-grid storage. They offer high depth of discharge, long cycle life and low maintenance. Australian brands PowerPlus and GenZ are two quality lithium options we use for off-grid installations. Both are modular, expandable and carry warranties of up to 10 years.

Backup generator

Most off-grid systems include a generator for periods of sustained low solar production or unusually high demand. The system controller manages the generator automatically, starting and stopping it as needed without any manual intervention required.

Off-grid controller

The controller is the brain of the system. It manages battery charging, generator start and stop, load management and system monitoring. We use the Selectronic SP PRO, an Australian-made off-grid controller that is a world leader in this technology and is used on installations across North Queensland and beyond.

Inverter

Converts the DC power from your solar panels and battery into 240V AC power your appliances can use. For larger off-grid systems we use AC coupled solar, where a grid-type solar inverter works in combination with the Selectronic controller to manage charging and load supply.

Monitoring

The Selectronic controller provides detailed data on generation, storage, consumption and system status. You can monitor your system remotely and we can access the data to diagnose any issues without needing to attend site in most cases.

Who this suits

Who we design off-grid systems for

We have installed off-grid systems across a wide range of properties and applications throughout North Queensland, from Townsville and Charters Towers west to Croydon, Hughenden, Richmond and Mount Isa, and special projects on mining sites where unique requirements apply.

Rural and remote homes

Homesteads, farm houses and rural residential properties where grid connection is impractical or cost-prohibitive.

Cattle and agricultural properties

Large properties with substantial power needs including pumping, refrigeration and accommodation. We have installed large ground-mount systems on cattle properties across western Queensland.

Sheds, cabins and small off-grid buildings

Smaller systems for workshops, container offices, tiny homes and worker accommodation where a modest but reliable power supply is needed.

Mining and remote commercial sites

Special-purpose installations for remote operations with specific load profiles and reliability requirements. Talk to us about your project.

Common questions

Off-grid solar questions, answered

How do I know if off-grid is right for my property?

The main factors are how far your property is from the grid and what it would cost to connect. If you are several kilometres from the nearest grid connection point, the cost of extending the network is often significant. An off-grid system with a 20-plus year lifespan frequently works out cheaper over time. We can help you work through the comparison.

Do I still need a generator with an off-grid solar system?

For most properties, yes. North Queensland’s wet season brings extended overcast periods that reduce solar generation. A generator integrated with the system controller provides automatic backup during those times without any manual intervention. For some small or light-use installations, a large enough battery bank can handle these periods, but most systems benefit from having a generator as a safety net.

Does the federal battery rebate apply to off-grid systems?

Yes, eligible off-grid battery installations can access the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Eligibility conditions for off-grid systems differ slightly from grid-connected ones. Ask us about your specific situation and we will confirm what applies before we quote.

Can I get an off-grid system installed and not be on site?

Off-grid systems require a detailed site assessment, load profile discussion and in most cases a site visit before we can design and quote accurately. Remote properties can be challenging to design for without proper information. Good communication from the start is the most important factor in getting the design right.

Why should I avoid pre-configured off-grid kits from online suppliers?

Pre-configured or pre-wired off-grid kits are designed around generic assumptions rather than your specific property, load profile and location. Off-grid systems need to be correctly sized and matched to work reliably. An undersized system will fail to meet your needs. An incorrectly configured one can damage components. You must work with a CEC-accredited off-grid designer and installer.

How long does an off-grid system last?

A well-designed and properly maintained off-grid system can run for 20 years or more. Battery replacement is typically required after 10 to 15 years depending on the technology and usage patterns. Solar panels and the Selectronic controller have very long service lives when installed correctly and maintained.

OUR REVIEWS

What Our Customers Say

4.9Based on 185 reviews

Bob Tomeia week ago

Excellent, from Rob coming to quote the job to installation I couldn’t be happier. Great local company and highly recommend.

Keith Christiea week ago

The installation of the solar system was carried out with true excellence. The system has performed well and has helped in the cost of our power . We have since the first installation in 2023 have just had more panels installed to help reduce the cost of power even more . I have used True North Solar on both supplies and installation. May I say try hey have shown excellence in the product and install. It would be great for others from their example . Top Job and thanks again .

Jennifer Mortensena week ago

I am extremely happy with the work these gentlemen did .we did have a slight hiccup ,True North Solar got onto it straight away very much appreciated the quick response from them .Very happy customer.

Bryan Glancya week ago

TNS were very professional from the beginning providing technical advice, recommendations/options with reasons why, and followed up with their commitment of a timely installation. The installation being retrofitted into an existing home was neat and tidy and their workforce very considerate. TNS provided their support post installation when we changed our internet provider with a new modem.

Kevin Hawkea week ago

We are very pleased with our solar and are nearly back to our normal energy situation ,we can only thank True North Solar for that result ,their prompt and efficient service was a result of our now great result .

Johna month ago

We had the pleasure of having Rob from True North Solar review our home for additional solar panels, as well as adding a battery system. Rob acted in both an efficient and professional manner throughout the whole process, leaving us with no doubts that the recommended system would suit our needs. Nick and the installation team not only did a great job with the installation, but left the premises spotless. Any questions were answered in both a professional and friendly manner. We could not rate True North Solar any more highly, they deliver a high quality product and exceptional service. Thank you John and Kayleen Grasso.

Jerry and the Tilemakersa month ago

Excellent service from the True North Solar team. Professional, reliable, and easy to work with. The installation was completed efficiently, and everything was explained clearly. Very happy with our new solar system and highly recommend them.

Tim Whelan2 months ago

I used True North Solar 12 years ago, I did a search and found them still going, a good sign this day and age. Kash was still there too. Kash looked at the job, quoted and got the installation done. The installation boys did an excellent job, very neat and all good to get on with. Over all I could not rate the crew from True North Solar high enough. I recommend them to all who ask about our solar system. Cheers Tim.

Simone Iturriaga3 months ago

True North Solar have completed fitting solar to our house and we couldn’t be happier with the all round service. Administration staff were polite, helpful and prompt with any request and technical staff were professional and knowledgeable with their installation. Nick and Jordan worked together seamlessly and stepped us through everything we needed to know. Their work was neat and efficient and we would highly recommend True North Solar to anyone with solar needs.

Rodney Ambrose7 months ago

True North Solar put our solar system on 2 1/2 years ago and we have just had them add batteries to it. With both installations we had lots questions that were quickly answered because of their extensive knowledge of solar systems. The employees that were on site doing the installations were very approachable regarding any questions on the day and were very respectful. We highly recommend them to anyone thinking about installing solar.