Warrawindi Farms is a family-owned, 3,000-acre operation located 14 km southeast of Penola in South Australia's picturesque Coonawarra wine region. Known for its steer trading program and diverse livestock sales, the farm also offers Warrawindi Escapes, a high-end off-grid accommodation experience. With no connection to the power grid, the farm faces unique challenges in managing its energy needs.
Why Go Off-Grid?
For Warrawindi Farms, being off-grid isn’t just a preference, it’s a necessity. Located in a remote area, connecting to the grid would be cost-prohibitive and logistically challenging. The farm’s energy demands have grown steadily due to expanding agricultural operations and the addition of guest accommodations. Increased reliance on diesel generators was no longer practical or cost-effective, prompting the need for a long-term, reliable energy solution.
The Challenge
The farm needed an energy system capable of supporting its diverse operations, from running essential equipment to powering the off-grid accommodation. The system had to be scalable to accommodate future growth, while also providing backup power to ensure uninterrupted operations during high-demand periods or extended cloudy weather.
The Solution
Warrawindi Farms partnered with MyEnergy to design and install a customised off-grid power system. The solution balances the farm’s current energy requirements with its long-term goals. Key features of the system include:
Solar Energy Generation: 36 ground-mounted Jinko Tiger solar panels provide 15.84kW of power.
Energy Storage: Seven Pylontech batteries (33.6kWh total capacity) store excess solar energy for use during the night or on cloudy days, with room for future expansion.
Backup Power: A diesel generator ensures continuous power supply during extended periods of low solar generation.
Integrated Power Management: Housed in a protective AL12 cabinet, the system uses Victron and Fronius components, including:
How the System Meets Their Needs
The installed system has transformed how Warrawindi Farms manages energy:
Cost Savings: Reduced reliance on diesel fuel has lowered operating costs.
Scalability: The system is designed to grow with the farm’s needs, ensuring it remains future-proof.
Reliability: With solar energy as the primary power source and a generator for backup, the farm has a dependable energy supply year-round.
Environmental Benefits: While not the primary driver, the switch from diesel to solar has reduced emissions associated with energy use.
A Power System for the Future
By investing in a tailored off-grid power system, Warrawindi Farms has secured a reliable, efficient energy solution that supports both its agricultural operations and guest accommodations. This project highlights how off-grid solar energy solutions can provide practical and scalable alternatives to traditional power sources, even in remote locations.
If you're considering an off-grid power system for your property, whether for farming, hospitality, or residential use, contact MyEnergy to learn how we can create a solution tailored to your needs.
