There are two distinct types of solar energy systems with different functionalities; off-grid solar and grid-tied solar. We do both. Power Station Off Grid Solar is a division of SolarKing. This means we can provide a solution based on your situation, both off-grid and grid-tied. Part of our free design service involves helping you decide which option is the best option for you. If you need an off grid solar solution because it’s not physically possible to get power to your new build or property, then it’s just a matter of talking to us about sizing and pricing. Likewise, if you’ve had a quo ..read more

If you need an answer to the question “how does off grid solar work?” keep reading because this article will explain it in simple terms. If you have deeper technical questions that go beyond the basics, please talk to us directly. But first, before we dive in: Are you reading this because you are looking at owning (or upgrading) an off-grid solar system? If you are, and you want to understand it better, go ahead and download our free E-book which is jam-packed with all the goodies on this subject. It’s been updated for 2023. If you’re looking for the short answer, you’ll find it in the box b ..read more

If you are looking for a 10kW solar system price in NZ and want to know more about solar system pricing, we can help. But first: There’s a big difference in price between a 10kW grid-tied solar system compared to a 10kW off-grid solar system. And even then, the price of a 10kW grid-tied solar system varies considerably depending on whether it has battery storage included, or is simply ‘battery-ready’. Battery-ready simply means the inverter is a hybrid inverter that can operate both with and without a battery bank. In this article, we’ll explain the differences. Of course, this information i ..read more

I s off grid solar worth it? In this article we’ll explore the pros and cons of going fully off the grid with solar in NZ. If you are not from NZ, please talk to a reputable off-the-grid solar company in your country. The question “is off-grid solar worth it?” is really a matter of who you are, why you are considering off grid solar, and your particular situation. Ultimately, the value of off-grid solar is entirely dependent on your wants and needs. Everyone has different requirements. It’s up to you to decide if grid-free solar power is your best option. But first; the short answer: If you ..read more

 – By Rhys Coffin, Off Grid Solar Designer Y our off grid load evaluation tells us how much power you’ll typically use over a 24 hour period – particularly in winter. It’s the primary factor we use to to calculate the size of your off grid system, and is expressed as kilowatt hours (kWh). This number could be as as low as 3-5 kWh per day in winter in the case of a tiny home, or as high as 20, 50 or even 100 kWh in the case of some mega-sized off grid solar systems we have designed and installed, in very large homes. Most full-time family homes will use between 7 kWh and 15 kWh per day ..read more

This article about DIY off grid solar is long overdue. Doing it yourself makes sense doesn’t it? Kiwis are a nation of do-it-yourself people. We’ll give anything a go – even off grid solar. And why the hell not? But doing it yourself isn’t for everyone. This is because despite it looking as cheap as chips at the start, it can end up costing you a huge amount of time, inconvenience and money in the long term. It’s true because we see it all the time. DIY off grid solar can work Just to be clear, we’re not trying to discourage anyone from doing it yourself. This is not an anti DIY off grid sola ..read more

The sizing of your off grid system requires some thought. How will your power use change over the next 10-20 years? It can be hard to know, but this is an important question to ask, especially if you need an off grid system system that allows for expansion. Not all components allow for an increase in power use. We can explain when we speak during our phone consultation. As well as understanding your off grid solar mindset from the previous article, having an idea about your future power use will be important to consider. But for now, have a look below at where you may typically fit when it c ..read more

Off Grid Solar Mindset: Updated for 2023 Since we published the article below in 2020, there have been big advancements in off-grid solar technology. In short, it means that your off-grid mindset – while still relevant – can be accommodated by this new technology, even if you want to live like you’re grid-connected in Auckland city. Here’s how: It’s now possible, through inverter and battery technology, to add solar panels and additional battery modules, later. It has also led to greater overall efficiency. The move away from lead chemistry towards the ‘safe’ lithium (Lithium Ferrous Phosph ..read more

Living with off-grid solar has never been more flexible and affordable. Since we wrote this article back in 2018, a lot has changed in the off grid solar power world in New Zealand. This article has been updated for 2023. First, the technology now means your investment lasts longer because of more efficient solar panels. Also, the move to Lithium battery banks (LiPo4) adds years to the longevity of your system. Solar array and battery bank expandability now has been a huge advancement and changed the fortunes of many clients living with off grid solar. We can now very easily and cost-effecti ..read more