A significant shift is occurring in Australia and New Zealand as more households and businesses seek to disconnect from the traditional electricity grid.
This trend is driven by rising power costs, frequent outages, and a growing desire for sustainability. Recent data from SolarPlus highlights a substantial increase in requests for off-grid energy systems.
Laurie Kane, Managing Director of SolarPlus, reported that between 2020 and 2024, there was a 1547 per cent increase in quotes for completely off-grid systems, totalling over 3,400 inquiries.
This surge is attributed to the rising costs of electricity tariffs and grid connection fees, particularly in regional areas.
Many are finding grid-connected power less attractive due to the inability to export surplus renewable energy back to the grid effectively.
Electricity prices in regions such as south-east Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia have risen by an average of 20-25 per cent over the past 12-18 months.
This increase, coupled with the expansion of capital city suburbs and rising commercial rents, has prompted businesses to consider off-grid solutions as a viable alternative.
In fact, SolarPlus recorded a 441 per cent increase in commercial off-grid quotes by Australian installers over the past four years.
Luke Shavak, a resident of Castlemaine, Victoria, exemplifies this shift. Driven by sustainability and a desire for energy independence, Shavak opted for a solar and battery system with a backup generator, rather than connecting to the grid.
“During the upheaval of the COVID-19 period, we sought ways to live more independently, including in our electricity supply,” Shavak explained.
The move towards off-grid systems reflects a broader trend of decentralisation in energy production, as households and businesses take control of their energy needs to achieve cost savings and sustainability.
