Independent Power - Off-grid Power Supply Motukiekie Island

Challenge

• Remote 30 hectare private island with no mains power available
• Existing off-grid system had been out grown and was starting to fail
• Batteries were at the end of service life with some failed cells.
• 3 x solar arrays of various ages
• Numerous generator failures

Solution

• Removal of old arrays and installation of new PV arrays.
• Installation of new Outback FPA3, 48volt 9kW system
• Install new Juice Lithium battery bank
• Install new generator
• General tidy up of existing AC distribution board and cabling

Outcome

• New fully compliant system
• System reliability
• Increased capacity of both storage and output
• The upgraded PV array with greater generation was well suited to the high charging current of the lithium batteries
• Remote monitoring now available

“When asked to upgrade the power system on a remote off grid island, the Outback products were an easy choice for this project as they offered proven reliability, and when coupled with the Outback OpticsRE remote monitoring feature, they are the obvious choice for a remote location.

The timing of the project meant we had the option of the new Outback FPA prewired system. We selected the FPA3. The installation was simple and quick, and knowing you are installing a fully compliant NZ system with the correct isolation and protection devices, was important to us, not to mention the time saved onsite.

The FPA system’s design allowed ample room for our incoming and outgoing cables and the option for future expansion should it be needed. From the property owners perspective, the system is very neat and the Mate 3 home screen offers the owner the information they want at a glance. Also, the intuitive function of the Mate3 allows for easy navigation should it be needed.”

Shane Pratley

KIWI ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD