Project Overview
AA Solar installed a robust off-grid solar system NZ on a Bay of Islands kiwifruit orchard to support irrigation and other critical loads without grid reliance. The system features a 7.2 kW solar array using 16 JA Solar 450W commercial solar panels, paired with a Deye SUN-10K-SG04LP3-AU 10kW hybrid inverter and 15.4 kWh Deye battery storage (3x AI-W5.1-B modules, 13.8 kWh usable).
Daily energy consumption averages 18kWh, with the system producing 25.7kWh solar potential per day. The system operates entirely on solar renewable energy system, using battery storage to maintain continuous power supply and ensure reliable operation during peak summer demand.
System Design and Components
The ground-mounted array faces north at a 35° tilt for optimal yield, generating 9.367 kWh annually with 50% solar utilisation. Commercial solar panels from JA Solar (Deep Blue 4.0 Pro series) deliver high efficiency and a 30-year linear warranty, ideal for harsh agricultural environments.
The Deye three-phase hybrid inverter manages battery charging/discharging (up to 240A), supports generator integration, and provides 279 charge cycles in year one for sustained performance. Battery autonomy exceeds 24 hours in summer, dropping minimally in winter thanks to Northland's solar conditions. IP65-rated components ensure durability against humidity and dust on the orchard site.
Performance and Reliability
Summer profiles show solar directly covering daytime irrigation peaks, with batteries handling evening/night loads seamlessly. Winter modelling confirms full coverage with generator support. Annual CO₂ savings support sustainable kiwifruit production and align with export standards.
The system's modular design allows future expansion up to 16 batteries (184 kWh), scaling with orchard growth or additional pumps. AA Solar's simulation used site-specific irradiance and load data for precise sizing.
Delivery and Support
AA Solar provides 5-year whole-system warranty, plus manufacturer coverage on Deye inverter/battery and JA Solar panels with a 30-year power warranty.
Ongoing support includes remote monitoring setup and maintenance advice tailored to agricultural use.
FAQs
Why choose an off-grid solar system NZ for kiwifruit irrigation?
Remote orchards such as this Bay of Islands Orchard face high grid extension costs; installing a renewable energy system with commercial solar panels delivers compelling ROI through fuel savings and 24/7 reliability. Northland's solar resource minimises generator use, maximising clean energy.
How does the battery storage work in this off-grid setup?
The 15.4 kWh Deye battery (13.8 kWh usable at 90% DoD) stores excess solar for night irrigation, providing over 24 hours of autonomy in summer. The Deye inverter optimises charge/discharge across 279 cycles yearly.
What commercial solar panels were used?
16x JA Solar JAM54D40-450/LB/1500V panels form the 7.2 kW array, with n-type bifacial tech, 22.5% efficiency, and 30-year power warranty for long-term agricultural reliability.
Is generator backup still needed with this off-grid solar system NZ?
No. This system is designed to operate entirely on solar energy with battery storage and does not rely on a generator or grid connection. System modelling shows 0 kWh of generator supply and 0 generator runtime annually, confirming the system’s ability to meet site energy demands through renewable solar generation alone, even during peak operating periods.
Can this renewable energy system scale with the orchard's growth?
Yes, the Deye inverter supports parallel batteries up to 184kWh and multiple units, ideal for expanding irrigation or adding packhouses. AA Solar customises for Northland agribusiness needs.
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