We are thrilled to announce that our company has won the 2019 CEC Solar Design and Installation Awards in the category of the stand-alone PV power systems. .

The Clean Energy Council Awards recognise excellence across Australia's renewable energy sector, celebrating projects that demonstrate outstanding design, engineering, installation quality, and industry leadership. Being recognised among some of the country's leading solar professionals highlights the growing role of advanced solar and battery storage solutions in meeting Australia's evolving energy needs.

Award-Winning Off-Grid Solar and Battery System

The award-winning project involved the design and installation of a 25kW three-phase off-grid solar system paired with an 86kWh battery storage system at a large rural property in New South Wales.

Working with Smart Commercial Solar, Scott Hanson and William Andersson delivered a solution that enabled the property to operate independently of the electricity grid while maintaining the comfort and functionality expected in a modern home environment.

At the time, the project represented an important case study for the Australian market as an early deployment of a three-phase off-grid solar system. While off-grid energy solutions had traditionally been associated with limited energy usage, this installation demonstrated that carefully designed solar and battery systems could support significant electrical loads while maintaining reliability and performance.

Delivering Real Financial Benefits

One of the key outcomes of the project was the substantial cost saving achieved by the client. By implementing an off-grid solar and battery solution, the property avoided more than $80,000 in grid connection costs that would otherwise have been required to access traditional electricity infrastructure.

For many rural and regional properties across Australia, grid connection costs can be a major financial challenge. In some cases, extending electricity infrastructure over long distances can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Off-grid solar systems combined with battery storage can provide an effective alternative, delivering reliable energy while reducing long-term operating costs.

The project also demonstrated the importance of remote monitoring and asset management capabilities. Despite very poor reception on site, the system maintained a reliable remote connection, allowing ongoing troubleshooting, monitoring, and maintenance support when required.

Exceeding Expectations

The success of the installation was perhaps best summarised by property owner Peter Sayer, who reflected on the impact the system had on his property and lifestyle.

"This system has gone above and beyond what we thought was possible. I thought off-grid meant we had to limit our luxuries, but Will and his team designed a system that could power all my creature comforts and then some."

"We were up for a big expense to connect to the grid, then all the bills that we'd receive ongoing. It gives me so much satisfaction to know that both my houses will never receive an energy bill and I'm self-sufficient." - Peter Slayer 

The award-winning project remains an excellent example of how innovative solar and battery storage solutions can provide reliable, cost-effective energy independence. It also highlights the role that high-quality system design and engineering play in delivering successful renewable energy outcomes for Australian property owners.