WORDS BY RICHARD RENNIE, IMAGES BY INDI ROBERTS & SUPPLIED
Getting off the grid and onto a power supply that can still meet his relatively high-power needs has long been a goal for Ashburton lifestyle block farmer and Ruralco member Basil Ivey.
It was a need that Platinum Energy as partner supplier to Ruralco was able to meet for him, installing a photovoltaic solar system capable of doing far more than just keep the lights on for Basil.
His power needs extend across three 22cubic foot deep freezers, a blast freezer, a spa pool, and a workshop, complete with welder. While dryland farming now, he also has a three phase deep well pump for supplying the house and livestock with water.
“But despite all that, during the day when the sun is out, I am still putting electricity back onto the grid and getting paid for it,” he says.
“Meantime, my power bill which had got up to $500 a month is now more than halved.”
He is also about to drop his gas bill by putting in an electric stove and a solar heated hot water cylinder.
Platinum Energy director and founder Nick Donkers says given Basil’s energy demand he sits closer to a light commercial user than a standard household, but the system install Platinum has done ensures he has more than enough energy for his needs.
“Basil has quite a bit of gear that uses a bit of power, and we have wired his system as a hybrid system that is ‘battery ready’ and has a generator input as well.
“He did not want to go off the grid entirely, but enjoys considerable savings compared to when he was fully reliant upon it.”
Adding in a hot water cylinder heated using solar energy will also mean further reduction on grid reliance and require less energy to keep it up to temperature.
While Basil’s system is larger than most residential projects, Nick says it provides a good example of what can be achieved for users who fall between conventional residential needs and fully fledged farm operations.
In the meantime, Basil is keeping an eye on battery technology as it evolves and believes it may only be later this year before he gets to plug in the latest battery types in this rapidly evolving area.
“We also have the option of adding another four panels on top of my boatshed where they receive full sunlight all year around.”
His friends and neighbours have been interested to see how the system goes, all sharing his belief that the price of electricity seems to be only going one way.
“And I also have one eye on the Alpine Fault—I know that at least if it went, I have enough power to handle whatever comes along.”
He said Platinum had done a great job in advising him on the best install to do, with a very high standard of workmanship and taking time to follow up with him after a few days of operation.
“Between them and the Ruralco team, they have all done an excellent job—and I would not be saying that if I did not mean it, anyone who knows me will tell you that.”
To learn more contact Ruralco Energy on 0800 787 256
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