Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating solar and battery technology can be confusing. We’ve answered the questions we hear most often — from how to get a quote to how the systems actually work. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, call us on 08 9206 5000.
About OffGrid WA
What areas of WA does OffGrid WA service?
OffGrid WA services all of Western Australia, from Perth and surrounding suburbs to the Southwest, Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and remote stations and farms. We’re based in Wangara, Perth, and regularly travel throughout the state for larger installations. Not sure if we cover your location? Call us on 08 9206 5000.
Is OffGrid WA SAA accredited and licensed?
Yes. OffGrid WA holds a Western Australian Electrical Contractor’s Licence (EC: 010556) and our installers are accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) — the national body that accredits solar designers and installers in Australia. SAA accreditation is required to claim Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebates and to legally install grid-connected and off-grid solar systems under Australian standards.
What solar and battery brands does OffGrid WA install?
We install a carefully selected range of premium brands suited to WA’s climate and remote-area conditions. Current panel brands include LONGi Solar. Inverter brands include Sigenergy, Victron Energy, Fronius, and GoodWe. Battery brands include Sigenergy, Pylontech, and LiFePO4 lithium systems. We also install iStore hot water heat pumps and Sigenergy EV chargers. We only recommend products we have confidence in — we’re not brand-agnostic purely for sales volume.
How do I get a quote from OffGrid WA?
Use our online quote form at offgridwa.com.au/get-a-quote, or call us on 08 9206 5000. We’ll ask a few questions about your property, energy usage, and goals, then arrange either a phone consultation or an on-site assessment. There’s no obligation and we won’t push you toward a larger system than you need
Does OffGrid WA offer a free site assessment?
Yes. For most installations we conduct a site assessment to evaluate your location, available roof or ground space, shading, load profile, and energy goals before providing a detailed quote. This ensures we design a system that’s right for your situation rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package.
How long does an installation take?
Most residential off-grid and hybrid solar installations are completed in one to two days. Larger commercial or complex remote-area systems may take longer depending on site conditions and system size. We’ll give you a clear timeframe when we provide your quote.
Do grid-tied systems work during power outages?
Grid-tied power systems are designed to automatically disconnect from the grid during power outages for safety reasons. This is to protect utility workers who may be repairing power lines. As a result, the system will not provide electricity to your home or business during an outage. However, by adding a battery with back-up functionality, your system can be configured to utilise power from your battery in grid outage scenarios, powering either essential loads, or your full property depending on the type and size of your battery system.
How much does an off-grid solar system cost in WA?
Costs vary depending on your energy needs, location, and system components. A small off-grid system for a cabin or shed typically starts from around $20,000–$35,000, while a full residential system generally ranges from $35,000–$100,000 or more for larger properties. For many rural and remote WA properties, an off-grid system costs significantly less than connecting to the Western Power grid, which can run $60,000–$100,000+ in remote areas. Contact us for a personalised quote.
What warranty does OffGrid WA provide?
We provide a workmanship warranty on all installations. The solar panels, inverters, and batteries we supply carry manufacturer warranties — typically 10–25 years on panels, 5–10 years on inverters, and 5–10 years on batteries depending on the brand and model. All warranties are clearly outlined in your system proposal.
Understanding Your System
What is the difference between off-grid and grid-tied solar?
An off-grid system operates completely independently from the Western Power grid — it generates and stores all its own electricity using solar panels and batteries, with an optional backup generator. Ideal for remote WA properties where grid connection is unavailable or prohibitively expensive. A grid-tied system stays connected to Western Power and draws from the grid when solar generation is insufficient. A hybrid system combines both — grid connection plus battery backup — giving you backup power and bill savings without fully disconnecting.
What happens during cloudy days or at night?
Your battery bank supplies power when solar panels aren’t producing. If batteries run low during an extended period of poor weather, a backup generator can automatically kick in to recharge the system and maintain supply. Systems are designed with enough battery capacity to handle typical WA weather patterns without interruption.
How long do batteries last?
The lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries we typically install are rated for 3,000–6,000 charge cycles, generally equating to 10–15 years under normal conditions. Older lead-acid technology typically lasts 5–10 years. Correct system design and a quality charge controller significantly extend battery life.
Can an off-grid system fully power a home?
Yes — provided the system is correctly sized for the property’s energy consumption. OffGrid WA designs systems based on a detailed load assessment of your specific home or business. Across WA, many homes, farms, and stations operate entirely off-grid and reliably power everything from air conditioning and refrigeration to workshops and irrigation pumps.
Can I expand my system later?
Yes. Most systems can be expanded by adding solar panels or battery capacity as your needs grow. We design systems with future expansion in mind wherever possible. If you anticipate adding an EV, workshop, or additional buildings, let us know at the design stage so we can size the core components accordingly.
Do grid-tied systems work during a power outage?
A standard grid-tied system without battery storage shuts down during a Western Power outage — a safety requirement to protect linesmen. A hybrid system with battery backup can be configured to continue supplying power to essential circuits or your full property during an outage, depending on battery size and system type.
Can I sell excess energy back to the grid in WA?
Yes, if you’re a residential customer connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and meet the eligibility criteria. Western Australia’s Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), administered through Synergy, pays eligible households a credit for surplus energy exported to the grid. As of July 2024, the rate is 10c/kWh for energy exported during peak hours (3pm–9pm) and 2c/kWh at all other times. Note: DEBS is available to residential customers, schools, and not-for-profit organisations — it is not generally available to commercial businesses. Rates are reviewed annually. We can advise on eligibility as part of your system design.
How do I maintain my system?
Off-grid solar systems require minimal maintenance. Key tasks include periodically cleaning solar panels (especially in dusty regional WA locations), monitoring battery health, and checking connections annually. OffGrid WA provides a thorough system handover so you know how to monitor your system. We’re also available for ongoing support — call us on 08 9206 5000.