Off-Grid Spirits – Envy Distilling

PROJECT DETAIL

Objectives & Site Considerations

Envy Distilling is a boutique craft distillery located in Heathcote, VIC, producing premium small-batch spirits inspired by the region’s agricultural heritage. The owners sought an energy solution that would allow them to operate sustainably, independently, and reliably in a rural area with limited grid infrastructure.

Their key objectives were:

• Achieve full energy independence to avoid costly grid connection works and long-term electricity expenses.
• Run distillation equipment, refrigeration, pumps, and general loads without interruption.
• Minimise environmental footprint and align the energy system with the distillery’s brand values of sustainability and craftsmanship.
• Provide safe, compliant, commercial-grade power suitable for a food-production facility.

Distillation involves significant energy swings – heating cycles, cooling demands, and long run times. The system needed to comfortably manage both high peak loads and overnight or low-demand periods.

The system design had to integrate into a developing production site, ensuring electrical infrastructure, switchboards, and inverter placement were optimised for safety, ventilation, and Australian Standards requirements.

Load Analysis

Ave Summer Demand: 47kWh/day ave
Ave Winter Demand: 30kWh/day ave
Demand Surge: 13.2kVA

System Design

Visitor numbers and production volumes vary throughout the year, which meant the solution required excellent load management flexibility and the ability to maintain stability during both high-activity and quiet periods.

• Selectronic inverter/chargers (10kW cont.)
• BYD Battery stack (24kWh)
• Trina Solar modules (17.43kW)
• Fronius solar inverters (14.2kW)
• Remote system monitoring

Project Outcome

The off-grid solar and battery system installation at Envy Distilling stands as a successful example of how renewable energy solutions can transform the operational and environmental footprint of a remote, energy-intensive business.

The new off-grid energy system provides Envy Distilling with:

• Reliable, independent power supporting both current and projected production requirements.
• Significant long-term operating savings by avoiding grid extension costs and high commercial electricity tariffs.
• Improved sustainability credentials, a strong alignment with their brand identity, and reduced carbon footprint.
• Confidence in power quality, with smooth operation of sensitive distilling equipment, cold storage, bottling machines, lighting, and customer-facing areas.

Envy Distilling can now focus on crafting exceptional gin – knowing their operations are backed by a robust, low-impact, and future-ready off-grid power solution.

To read more about Envy’s energy story, check out their website here:
https://www.envydistilling.com.au/blogs/news/our-energy-story-distilling-with-the-sun-water-cooling-in-a-drought-zone

Photos courtesy of Envy Distilling Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/envydistilling
https://www.envydistilling.com.au/