Total Energy Independence — No Grid Required
Whether you're on a remote rural property, a lifestyle block, or simply done with rising power bills, Makn Energy designs and installs complete off-grid solar systems built for South Australian conditions.
Life Beyond the Power Grid
Thousands of South Australian properties sit too far from the grid to connect economically — or have owners who simply want complete independence from rising electricity prices. An off-grid solar system replaces your grid connection entirely, generating and storing all the power your property needs from the sun. With modern lithium battery technology and smart hybrid inverters, today's off-grid systems are reliable, low-maintenance, and capable of powering everything from a modest rural cottage to a large working farm.
Complete Energy Independence
Never pay an electricity bill again. Your system generates and stores all the power you need from sunlight — completely free from the grid and its rising tariffs.
No Grid Connection Costs
Grid connection in rural SA can cost $15,000–$80,000+ depending on distance. An off-grid system is often cheaper upfront and eliminates ongoing network charges forever.
Reliable Year-Round Power
Properly sized off-grid systems include generator backup for extended cloudy periods, ensuring you always have power regardless of the weather or season.
Zero Emissions
Replace diesel generators and grid power with clean solar energy. Reduce your carbon footprint to near zero while cutting fuel costs and maintenance headaches.
Increase Property Value
A fully installed off-grid system adds significant value to rural properties, making them more attractive to buyers who want self-sufficient, low-running-cost homes.
Scalable & Expandable
Start with what you need today and expand as your property grows. Add more panels, batteries, or a second system for a shed or workshop without grid approval.
How an Off-Grid System Works
An off-grid system combines solar panels, a large battery bank, a hybrid inverter, and an optional backup generator into a self-contained power station for your property.
Solar Panels
High-efficiency monocrystalline panels generate DC power throughout the day. Off-grid systems typically require more panels than grid-connected systems to ensure adequate generation in winter and on cloudy days.
Hybrid Inverter / Charger
The brain of the system. Converts DC solar power to AC for your home, manages battery charging and discharging, and can automatically start a backup generator when battery levels are low.
Battery Bank
Large-capacity lithium battery banks store your solar energy for use at night and during cloudy periods. We use LFP chemistry for maximum safety, lifespan, and cycle life.
Backup Generator
A diesel or LPG generator provides a safety net during extended low-sun periods. Modern systems auto-start the generator when batteries reach a set threshold, then shut it off once charged.
Remote Monitoring
Monitor your system's performance, battery state, and energy flows from anywhere via smartphone app. Receive alerts if anything needs attention.
Who Is Off-Grid Solar For?
Rural & Remote Properties
Farms, stations, and rural homes too far from the grid to connect economically. Off-grid solar eliminates expensive grid extension costs and ongoing network charges.
Lifestyle Blocks & Hobby Farms
Small acreage properties that want energy independence and lower running costs. Perfect for properties with sheds, workshops, irrigation pumps, and residential loads.
Cabins & Holiday Homes
Remote cabins and holiday properties that need reliable power without the cost of grid connection. Systems can be sized for seasonal or year-round use.
Replacing Diesel Generators
Properties currently running on diesel generators can dramatically cut fuel costs and maintenance by switching to solar-primary with generator backup.
Off-Grid System Sizing Guide
Off-grid systems must be sized to cover your worst-case scenario — typically winter, when solar generation is lowest and usage is highest. Here's a practical guide:
| System Size | Solar Array | Battery Bank | Generator | Best For | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Property | 6–10 kW | 20–50 kWh | Optional | Cabin, small cottage, minimal loads | $25,000–$40,000 |
| Family Home | 10–20 kW | 40–80 kWh | Recommended | 3–4 bedroom home, standard appliances | $40,000–$70,000 |
| Farm / Large Property | 20–50 kW | 60+ kWh | Required | Working farm, irrigation, large loads | $70,000–$150,000+ |
All costs are indicative and vary significantly based on location, load profile, and site conditions. We conduct a full load assessment and site survey before providing a detailed quote.
Our Off-Grid Installation Process
Free Consultation & Load Assessment
We review your energy usage, property layout, and goals to understand exactly what your system needs to deliver.
Custom System Design
Our engineers design a system sized for your worst-case winter loads, with appropriate battery capacity and generator backup.
Equipment Supply & Delivery
We source and deliver all equipment — panels, inverter, batteries, mounting hardware, and cabling — directly to your property.
Professional Installation
Our CEC-accredited installers complete the full installation, including panel mounting, battery room setup, inverter commissioning, and generator integration.
Commissioning & Handover
We commission and test the complete system, set up remote monitoring, and walk you through everything you need to know to operate your system confidently.
Ongoing Support
Our SA-based team provides ongoing remote monitoring, annual maintenance visits, and fast response if anything needs attention.
SA-based team, rural-ready
We travel to remote properties across South Australia. No job is too far.
Government Rebates & Incentives
Off-grid solar and battery systems can qualify for federal STCs under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme — potentially saving thousands on your installation cost.
Solar STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
A new off-grid solar array of up to 100kW can qualify for STCs, provided panels and inverter are on the approved product lists and the system is designed and installed by an SAA-accredited installer. STCs must be created within 12 months of installation and are typically assigned to your installer, reducing your upfront cost.
Battery STCs
An off-grid battery may qualify if it supplies a genuine lived-in dwelling, is connected to a solar system of no more than 100kW, is new and between 5kWh and 100kWh nominal capacity, and is on the CEC-approved battery list. Only the first 50kWh of usable capacity receives STCs, and only one battery system can generally be claimed per off-grid dwelling.
Distance from the Grid
Properties more than 1km from the grid do not need to be VPP-capable to qualify. Properties within 1km of the grid must normally be VPP-capable, unless written evidence shows grid connection would cost more than $30,000.
Tiered Battery STC Rates (from May 2026)
As of August 2026, battery STCs use tiered rates introduced on 1 May 2026. The highest support applies to the first 14kWh of usable capacity, with lower support above 14kWh and again above 28kWh. Your Makn Energy installer will calculate the exact STC value for your system at the time of quote.
Note: STC values change with the deeming period and market price. Your Makn Energy quote will include the current STC discount applied upfront — no paperwork required on your end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Cut the Cord?
Our SA-based team specialises in off-grid system design for rural and remote properties. We'll assess your site, model your loads, and design a system that delivers reliable power for decades.