Blue Mountains Wellness Retreat

Objectives & Site Considerations

Wellness Retreat Centre looking for electricity security and power reliability.

The client’s RFQ stipulated 75kWp solar mounted across existing buildings and 50 kWh of battery storage to reduce electricity costs through solar self-consumption and to provide backup during blackouts. The RFQ also requested an aesthetic design that didn’t impact visitors or facilities.

Incorporating the new solar and battery system with aging and complex existing electrical infrastructure on site posed a challenge. As well as the Distributor stipulating additional mandatory switchboard requirements at the time of approval to allow successful and compliant integration with the mains network.

Load Analysis

Average summer demand: 253kWh
Average winter demand: 465kWh
Design surge: 26.6kW

System Design

• Selectronic SPMC482 Inverter/Chargers
• BYD Premium Flex Batteries (50kWh)
• Trina Solar modules (75.2kWp)
• 20kW Fronius Symo 3 Phase solar inverters
• Custom EnergyBox BESS Enclosure
• Custom Switchboard, Metering & Network Integration
• Utility Network Protection

Project Outcome

The manufacture of a custom switchboard in network protection to meet DNSP requirements meant the installation date was scheduled later than initially anticipated. After installation, a follow-up site visit was required to resolve client objectives for backup loads during a blackout.

Despite the challenges and complications that arose during this project, ultimately the client’s objectives were met, and the installation was commissioned in aligning with DNSP’s requirements.

Client Feedback

“Please pass on our thank you to everyone who worked here on site for their professionalism and attention to detail and to everyone behind the scenes. We are very happy with the system and appreciate the fine tunings you have been doing.”

The client has since invited Off-Grid Energy to tender in a second project “because of the quality of service provided for the Blue Mountains project.”