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Mick O'Brien, OffGrid Masterplan author

By Mick O'Brien · carpenter & builder · sheds-to-homes, cabins and things that stay up in a storm

“I lost three days of work after a $2000 inverter fried in a Queensland storm, teaching me that off-grid needs more than just batteries.”

OffGrid Masterplan

— Mick. It'll still be standing in fifty years.

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Off-Grid Load Shedding: Cut the Power Without the Stress

Off-grid load shedding protects batteries by switching off non-essential circuits before stored power runs out. Prioritise food storage, lighting, communications and other critical loads, then consider automation or scheduling. The guide's QLD example follows a $2,000 inverter failure, showing why a clear circuit order matters during storms or low battery conditions.

Don't waste battery on non-essentials. Only keep these running:

Priority Circuits: What Stays On

Don't waste battery on non-essentials. Only keep these running:

Get an electrician to wire these into a dedicated circuit. DIY this and you'll fry your gear. Cost: $200-$400 for a pro. Bunnings sells basic circuit breakers but don't skimp on installation.

Automation: Let the System Do the Work

Stop manually switching things off. Install a smart controller that cuts non-essentials when battery hits 50%.

Set it once. Forget it. No more guessing when the lights go out. These systems pay for themselves in 6 months by stopping battery death.

Scheduling: Plan Your Power Use

Run power hogs when the sun's out. Not at night. Simple math:

Use a $15 timer switch (Bunnings) to automate this. No more "I forgot to run the washing machine" panic.

Practical Tips (No Fluff)

LEDs only: Replace all bulbs. Halogens suck 80% more power. $5 for a pack of 5 LEDs at Bunnings. Do it now.
Unplug everything: Phone chargers, coffee makers - they drain power even when not in use. Check your bill. It's real.
Battery health: Never let lead-acid batteries drop below 20%. It kills them fast. Set your controller to cut at 25% (not 50%).

Australian Suppliers & Pricing

Don't waste money on overseas junk. Get these locally:

Prices are current as of 2023. Check stock before buying. No point paying $500 for a controller that's $350 at Solar Wholesale.

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Working with electrical systems, structural modifications, or gas installations carries inherent risks. If you are not confident in your abilities, always engage a licensed professional.

Worth a watch: Load shedding solution in Grid tied solar system using Automatic transfer switch | PV switching · AJ Electric

It shows exactly how to wire an automatic transfer switch for a solar‑PV setup so you can keep your essential circuits running when the grid goes down, and the real‑time testing of the voltage thresholds gives you a clear picture of what actually happens under load. — Mick O'Brien

When to Call a Professional

While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:

Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.