Off Grid Solar Solutions Ultimate Guide  |  Rainbow Power Company

Off Grid Solar Solutions Ultimate Guide | Rainbow Power Company

Off Grid: Discover the future of energy

 

If you've just bought a new plot of land that's not currently connected to the grid or working on a remote development project and considering Off Grid as a way to generate your power, you've arrived at the right place. Rainbow Power have been in the solar industry in Australia since 1987 (one of the first ever registered solar businesses!) and we couldn't be more dedicated to sustainability, reliability and client satisfaction.

 

Why Choose An Off-Grid Solar Solution?

For remote or rural communities and businesses, Off-Grid Solar Systems are often the best solution to providing power stability and reducing costs. Innovative Off-Grid solar technology provides the opportunity for businesses, governments and individuals to harness energy from the abundant sunlight during the day to power their operations, 24/7.  John, one of our Off Grid Designers & Installers explains more in this article over here.

Rainbow Power Company's Off Grid solar solutions are:

  1. MODULAR: from 5Kw to 300Kw and built custom made.
  2. BUILT TO LAST: designed in Australia and made to withstand our climate.
  3. SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY: our robust systems are made using only the best tech.
  4. PRE-BUILT OPTIONS: Shop our pre-built systems that we can ship anywhere in Australia for a local electrician to install

Why Choose Rainbow Power over any other Off Grid Solar Company?

Our accredited Off-Grid solar technicians are experts at designing solar power systems across Australia & internationally. We've been around since 1987 and most of our staff are actually living Off Grid so we really do understand the challenges - truly we do!

From office buildings, manufacturing workshops, schools, farms & even small villages, our solar systems solutions are second to none. Check out some of our Case Studies.

Our proven track record in diverse environments ensures we can deliver tailored solutions to meet the unique challenges of your project. 

  1. LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: Rainbow Power Company has provided & set up solar systems in 8 countries since its inception in 1987.
  2. SMALL TO LARGE PROJECTS: Rainbow Power have installed over $50M worth of solar projects over the last 10 years with $10+M in the pipeline.
  3. HERE TO STAY: Collectively, the solar systems we've built generate more than 6,000 kWh per day and 2,000 MWh per year.

 

Getting started with Off Grid - 5 Easy Questions to ask yourself

 

When we're designing a system, there's essentially five questions that inform our system recommendations. If you don't know the answer to some of these, no worries! We've got custom made quoting tools and system design tools we use - give us a call and we can build your dream Off Grid solar system. Here they are:

Details Determines
Q1. WHAT IS YOUR MAXIMUM ELECTRICAL LOAD?
  • How many things do you want or need to run at the SAME TIME?
  • For example pool pump, dishwasher, fridge & aircon.
  • You can use our Online Energy Calculator to help.
The size of Inverter you'll need
Q2: WHAT IS YOUR TOTAL CONSUMPTION?
  • How much electricity do you use in a typical 24 hour period?
  • Include pumps, sheds, lights, heaters, air conditioning etc
The battery storage size and solar panel array requirements
Q3: WILL YOU NEED MORE POWER IN THE FUTURE?
  • Do you expect your needs to grow over time? By how much?
  • Consider electric vehicle charging etc
System flexibility
Q4: WILL THE SYSTEM BE OUTSIDE?
  • Some of our systems have high IP ratings (can be outside)
  • Some of our systems have lower IP ratings and need to be in cabinets
Board or cabinet
Q5: WILL WE BE INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM?
  • If you live on the East Coast between Grafton in NSW and the Sunshine Coast in QLD, we can install your system and claim your STCs on your behalf (reducing the upfront cost to you)
  • If you live outside these areas, we can send a pre-wired system for a licenced Electrician to install 
Pre-wired (dispatched to you) or installed by us

 

How do your pre-built systems work?

  • Our manufacturing team pre-wire and configure selected Off Grid Systems in our warehouse to streamline the installation process. They can be shipped anywhere in Australia for a Licensed Electrician to install. Each kit includes the following components:
  • Solar Panels: High-efficiency solar panels to convert energy from the sun!

  • Custom Solar Array Framing Kit: Tailored to fit your specific roof type, ensuring secure and optimal placement of the solar panels. NOTE: that standard racking is supplied for the portrait layout. Please contact us for landscape pricing.

  • Solar Cabling and Accessories: Includes all necessary wiring and accessories to connect the solar panels to the inverter.

  • Distribution Board: Fully equipped with AC circuit breakers and bus bars for 240V connection of inverters, generators, and site loads. Built to comply with all Australian standards.

  • Batteries and Weatherproof Battery Box: Durable batteries housed in a protective box to ensure longevity and performance.

 

What happens with Frieght & Logistics for your pre-built systems?

 

To ensure safe and efficient delivery throughout Australia, our systems are typically dispatched in 3-4 pallets. Below are the dimensions for an example system with 18 solar panels and 4 battery modules:

  • Pallet 1: Contains solar panels and the distribution board, this pallet measures 1.8 x 1.2 x 1.5m and weighs 500kg.

  • Pallet 2: Contains batteries and inverters, typically measuring 1200 x 1200 x 1500mm and weighing 400kg.

  • Pallet 3: Contains the rails for the solar frame, which are at least 3.6m long and weigh approximately 30kg.

Freight costs are dependent on where you live in Australia and we will provide a freight quote once your system design is finalised. Our dispatch team will inform you of your final delivery dimensions and weights once we complete the packing of your equipment. Our freight partner will deliver to your closest depot for collection. Please consider these sizes when arranging the collection of equipment from the depot.

 

What different options and sizes are there already pre-built?

Over the years of building Off Grid Solar Systems, we've found that a lot of people have similar requirements so we've pre-built a range of 6 systems starting at small through to large. Here's a quick comparison overview of each system below:

 

CABINPOWER  

Perfect for powering sheds, beach huts, tiny homes or weekenders. This compact, pre-wired power system is suitable for low-consumption or infrequent electricity users. Let the sun do the work (so you can relax). Enjoy easy connection of up to 4 PV Solar Panels for a powerful charge. With a pre-wired distribution box, MPPT solar regulator, inverter, and charger included, this kit has everything you need to power up. This Off Grid Solar System kit arrives pre-wired, pre-commissioned and pre-tested ready to be installed.

  • Suitable for: 1 - 2 person low energy consumption space
  • 2 or 4 Solar Panels (900W or 1.8kW)
  • Battery storage (2.4kW or 4.8kW)
  • Will power: lights, computer, efficient fridge  
SOLARNEST 3kW

Perfect for powering energy conscious 1-3 person households, sheds or weekenders. This Off Grid small pre-wired power system is suitable for most small houses. This Off Grid Solar System Kit arrives pre-wired, pre-commissioned and pre-tested ready to be installed. Stay powered up at your place.

  • Suitable for: 1 - 3 energy conscious person household (no pool or heating)
  • 6 or 10 Solar Panels (2.6kW or 4.4kW)
  • Battery storage (5.12kW)
  • Load kWh Per Day: up to 10 kWh 
  • Will power: most modern appliances (no pool or aircon). Consult your designer for Load Sheets as these can depend on total load.
SOLARNEST 5kW

Ideal for powering a mid-sized 2-4 person household. This Off Grid medium sized pre-wired power system is suitable for most small houses including cooling. Stay powered up at your place. This Off Grid Solar System Kit arrives pre-wired, pre-commissioned and pre-tested ready to be installed.

  • Suitable for: 2 - 4 person household
  • 10 or 14 Solar Panels (4.4kW or 6.2kW)
  • Battery storage (10.24kW)
  • Load kWh Per Day: up to 14kWh 
  • Will power: most modern appliances (including pool or aircon). Consult your designer for Load Sheets as these can depend on total load.
SOLARPRO 6kW

Ideal for powering a mid-sized 3-5 person household. This Off Grid medium sized pre-wired power system is suitable for most small houses including water and space cooling. Stay powered up at your place with a premium IP Rated SMA System. This Off Grid Solar System Kit arrives pre-wired, pre-commissioned and pre-tested ready to be installed.

  • Suitable for: 3-5 person household
  • 10 or 18 Solar Panels (4kW or 7.9kW)
  • Battery storage (10.24kW)
  • Load kWh Per Day: up to 14kWh 
  • Will power: most modern appliances (including pool or aircon). Consult your designer for Load Sheets as these can depend on total load.
SOLARPRO 12kW

Ideal for powering a large modern 4+ person household. This Off Grid large sized pre-wired power system is suitable for most large houses including water heating and space cooling & cooking. Stay powered up at your place with a premium IP Rated 65 SMA System - built to last. This Off Grid Solar System Kit arrives pre-wired, pre-commissioned and pre-tested ready to be installed.

  • Suitable for: 4+ person household
  • 18 or 36 Solar Panels (7.9kW or 15.8kW)
  • Battery storage (15.36kW)
  • Load kWh Per Day: up to 30kWh 
  • Will power: all modern appliances (including pool or aircon & induction cooking). Consult your designer for Load Sheets as these can depend on total load.
TRIPOWER 15kW

Optimize your commercial operations with the Tripower 15kW three-phase off-grid power system, featuring 3 x 4.4 kW inverters configured for balanced, reliable performance. Capable of handling up to 19.8 kW of solar energy, this system is ideal for medium-sized businesses looking to maintain seamless operations. Whether you’re powering lighting, HVAC, or essential machinery, the Tripower 15kW ensures your business stays energized and efficient. Our premium IP Rated SMA System arrives pre-wired, pre-commissioned, and pre-tested, making installation straightforward and allowing you to concentrate on expanding your enterprise.

  • Suitable for: Commercial 3 Phase
  • 36 or 54 Solar Panels (15.8kW or 23.8kW)
  • Battery storage (30.72kW)
  • Will power: lighting & office needs, HVAC or essential machinery

 

What suppliers do you work with?

We've carefully selected and vetted all of our chosen suppliers to ensure their products are reliable & robust. We've worked with some suppliers like SMA, Trina and Victron for over 20+ years.

SOLAR PANEL SUPPLIER: TRINA

  • High efficiency

  • Durable construction

  • Positive power tolerance

  • Innovative technology

  • Comprehensive warranty

 

 

INVERTERS & REGULATORS:

SMA

  • Working partnership of 20+ years

  • German made

  • High efficiency

  • Proven reliability

  • Versatile applications

  • Advanced monitoring

 

VICTRON

  • Working partnership of 20+ years

  • High efficiency
  • Proven reliability

  • Versatile applications

  • Advanced monitoring

 

BATTERIES: BYD / PYLONTECH / ZYC

  • High cycle life

  • Modular design

  • Efficient performance

  • Compact and lightweight

  • Reliable warranty

 

SOLAR FRAMING: CLENERGY

  • Easy installation

  • Corrosion resistant

  • Versatile applications

  • Adjustable configurations

  • Certified quality


What do IP ratings mean for Off Grid systems in Australia?

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are two-digit numbers associated with an electrical or mechanical enclosure, which indicate the item's resistance to various types of unwanted intrusion - from weather and insects to snakes! The higher the rating, the higher the resistance. 

The systems we sell range from IP 21 to IP 65. What type of box or mounting we recommend depends on the setting for your system. Where will it be housed? In a shed? Under shelter etc. 

The reality is that Solar Inverters are lovely and warm in winter and its common to get snakes moving into an IP 21 rated system during winter. In summer, wasps and ants like to find their way into the inner workings of Off Grid solar systems. This can result in the need to replace inverters or in some cases, entire systems.

For lower IP ratings that require housing, the type of housing is deeply considered by our team. Solar Inverters generate a lot of heat (especially on hot summer days when you're running your aircon) and usually require a temperature below 40 degrees to function optimally. A lot of our competitors house systems in cheap fan-cooled boxes. At Rainbow Power, we don't believe a robust power system for the future should rely on a 15c low-cost fan as its point of failure. Instead, we build systems that can take on the conditions we put them into, whether that's in Koziosco or the Whitsundays. You want your system to be set and forget for decades not just on fair weather days.


What sort of timframe can I expect for my Off Grid System?

The timeframe for each Off Grid System will depend on the type of system you choose and if we're installing it. If you're within a 2 hour radius of Nimbin, we're happy to install your Off Grid System. If you're located outside of this area, we'll ship your system to you for installation by a licenced electrician. If your system requirements require a bespoke design, this will generally take at least 4 weeks (from payment) to build and then one week to ship (depending on your location).

Once your system is designed, your Off Grid Designer will work with you on timeframes. Some Off Grid porjects are designed and scoped prior to the development even starting but rest assured we take all this into consideration when we're building the plan.

 

What if I wanted something custom made or my project is different?

We'd love to hear from you! Building custom made Off Grid solar systems really is our jam. It gives us a genuine kick to design, build and install Off Grid systems that allows our customers to Power On - sustainably.

 

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