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Off-grid solar calculator.

Estimate the solar array and battery bank an off-grid home needs, using local sunshine for your postcode.

Build a load profile from the appliances you actually use, set reserve days and your postcode sunshine, then calculate an indicative solar array and battery bank — with the maths shown. When you're ready, our team will design the real thing. Planning a full off-grid build? See our off-grid solar systems.

Build your off-grid load profile.

Pick the appliances you use, set how long they run, then dial in reserve days and local sunshine. You’ll get an indicative solar array and battery size — with the maths shown — before you talk to an installer.

01 · AppliancesTap the loads you run at home, on the farm or in the shed.
02 · UsageSet quantity, watts and hours per day in the table.
03 · SettingsPostcode, reserve days, simultaneous use and design options.
04 · ResultsSee array kW, battery kWh and Ah — then download a PDF.
1

Select appliances

Choose from common loads. Search or browse by category — selected items appear in the usage table below.

2

Specify usage

Edit quantity, running watts and hours per day. kWh/day updates as you type. Remove anything you don’t need.

ItemQtyRunning WHours/daykWh/day
No appliances selected yet. Tap a few chips above to get started.
3

System settings

Postcode drives local peak sun hours. Reserve days and simultaneous use shape the battery and inverter load.

Share of connected load that may run at once — used for peak / potential load.

Daily energy from appliances0.0 kWh

Your indicative off-grid system

Select appliances, set your postcode and tap Calculate.

–kWPeak / potential load
–kWhDaily energy use
–kWRecommended solar array
–kWhBattery bank (nominal)
–AhCapacity at 48 V
–kWhWinter daily production
–kWhAverage daily production
–hEffective sun hours used
Request a quote → Call 1300 041 769

Indicative estimate only. This is a ballpark figure for planning, not a formal system design or quote. Real sizing depends on your load profile, surge loads, equipment, site shading, cable runs and local rules. A licensed electrician from Countryside Solar will assess your site before anything is installed. Phone 1300 041 769.

Off-grid sizing questions.

Still unsure? Ask us directly. There's no obligation.

Ask a question →

How accurate is this off-grid solar calculator?

It gives an indicative, ballpark size for planning. It uses regional sunshine averages and standard allowances for losses, so it is a good starting point but not a system design. Your actual load profile, surge loads, equipment choice and site conditions all change the final numbers.

Should I size for winter or the yearly average?

For a home that relies fully on off-grid power, we usually recommend winter sizing. Days are shorter and the sun is lower in June and July, so a system sized on the yearly average can fall short in winter and lean heavily on a generator.

How many days of battery storage do I need?

Most off-grid homes with a backup generator are designed around about two days of storage. Without a generator, three or more days gives more breathing room through cloudy spells. More storage costs more, so it is a balance between budget and independence.

Why does the calculator default to a 48 V battery?

Modern lithium (LiFePO4) home batteries and off-grid inverters are mostly 48 V systems. A higher voltage means lower current, thinner cables and less energy lost as heat. 12 V and 24 V suit small cabins and caravans more than full homes.

What is depth of discharge?

Depth of discharge (DoD) is how much of the battery's rated capacity you can use. Lithium batteries typically allow 80 to 90%, while lead-acid batteries are usually limited to about 50% to protect their lifespan. A lower DoD means a larger battery bank for the same usable energy.

Do I still need a generator with an off-grid system?

Most off-grid homes keep a backup generator for extended cloudy weather, unusually high use or maintenance. It lets you size the battery for one to two days rather than a week, which keeps costs sensible. Your installer can set it to start automatically when the battery runs low.

Does roof pitch and direction make a difference?

Yes. In Australia, north-facing panels produce the most energy, and a steeper pitch catches more of the low winter sun. East and west-facing panels still work well with a modest drop in output, while south-facing panels produce noticeably less.

Can Countryside Solar design and install my off-grid system?

Yes. Our SAA accredited installers design and install off-grid solar and battery systems for homes, farms and remote properties across our service areas, backed by our 25-year workmanship warranty. Request a quote and we will size the system around your property and how you use power.