Case Study: 40 kWh Hybrid Off Grid System in Glen Martin, NSW
Overview
Customer: Ric R.
Location: Glen Martin, NSW
Goal: Reduce high quarterly bills, run air conditioning and heavy appliances all year, and stay powered during blackouts
System: Deye 10 kW hybrid inverter | 10.56 kW Jinko solar array | 40 kWh Pylontech storage | Power Hub XL IP55 air conditioned cabinet
Installer: Pasqual Lehmann, Newcastle Region
Design Lead: Klaiton Micaj, Commodore Australia
Introduction
Ric R. needed a reliable solution that could handle his high energy use and protect his home from frequent blackouts in regional NSW. He chose a 40 kWh hybrid off grid system because it allowed him to run all his appliances comfortably, cut back on grid dependence, and improve the resilience of his home. The system transformed his daily energy use and created long term stability.
The Challenge: High Energy Use and Grid Instability
Ric’s electricity bills were approaching one thousand dollars per quarter. This was before using air conditioning for extended periods. He wanted to cool his home throughout summer, operate the pool pump, and run multiple fridges and freezers without worrying about extra charges.
Living in Glen Martin also meant dealing with unreliable grid supply. Storms, fallen branches, and network faults often caused power cuts. Ric wanted protection from these outages, so the new system needed to run his home even when the grid failed. He also wanted a long term solution that would keep energy costs down.
Ric met the Commodore team at AgQuip and discussed his needs in detail. From there, we created a design that focused on performance, reliability, and independence.
The 40 kWh Hybrid Off Grid System: Built for Heavy Loads and Blackouts
To meet Ric’s goals, Commodore designed a system that prioritises solar and battery power. The grid remains connected, but only as a backup source.
System components include:
- Deye 10 kW Single Phase Hybrid Inverter
- 10.56 kW solar array using 24 Jinko 440 W N Type panels
- 40 kWh storage with eight Pylontech US5000B modules
- Power Hub XL cabinet rated at IP55 with integrated air conditioning
This combination ensures strong daytime generation and deep overnight storage. It also provides surge capacity for high draw appliances. The system gives Ric a full day of autonomy during blackouts. The inverter manages the transition between solar, battery, and grid power automatically.
Why This Hybrid Off Grid System Provides Strong Blackout Protection
Ric’s home sits in an area where blackouts are common. The system needed to keep every essential appliance running without interruption. The Deye hybrid inverter plays a critical role here. It switches to battery power instantly when the grid goes down. This changeover is fast and smooth, so the home continues to operate normally.
The large 40 kWh battery bank gives Ric enough stored energy to power his home through long outages. Once the sun returns, the inverter recharges the batteries quickly, keeping the home ready for the next blackout.
Designing for High Consumption and Daily Loads
Ric’s energy needs are well above average. Most NSW homes use about 20 to 25 kWh per day. Ric often exceeded 35 to 45 kWh before using air conditioning. With the pool pump, the hot water boost, and multiple cooling systems added, daily use could easily pass 50 kWh.
The 10 kW Deye hybrid inverter handles the heavy startup currents from pumps and compressors. It manages these loads without tripping or reducing performance. Oversizing the solar array helps the inverter operate close to its maximum output during the middle of the day. This improves energy production even when conditions are less than ideal.
Smart Solar Management for Daily Efficiency
Ric now schedules energy intensive tasks during the peak solar window. These include pool pumping, water heating, and laundry. This strategy uses free solar power at the right time of day. It also protects the battery from unnecessary discharge.
The 40 kWh battery bank stores surplus solar power for overnight use. This storage capacity helps Ric remain independent from the grid and gives him confidence during bad weather.
The Power Hub XL: Designed for Harsh Regional Conditions
All components are housed inside a Power Hub XL cabinet. This enclosure protects the system from dust, insects, moisture, and heat. It carries an IP55 weather rating and includes a dedicated 1000 W DC48 V air conditioning system.
The cooling system keeps the inverter and batteries at the correct temperature. Stable internal temperatures support battery longevity and reduce stress on sensitive electronics. The cabinet also keeps wiring neat and compliant. This makes maintenance and future upgrades easier.
Installer Pasqual Lehmann placed the cabinet under a lean to on the south side of the home. This position reduces heat load and supports efficient cooling inside the cabinet. He noted that the cabinet was heavy and required careful placement, but the final result was clean and secure.
Financial Benefits and Long Term Savings
Ric’s decision to upgrade aligned with the availability of government incentives. His system qualified for the 2025 Federal Battery Rebate as well as standard solar STC credits. These incentives reduced the upfront investment and improved overall value.
Before this upgrade, Ric was spending close to four thousand dollars per year on electricity. The new system cuts nearly all of these costs. Solar powers the home during the day and the battery supplies energy overnight, so the grid becomes a secondary source rather than a primary one.
Ric now expects to save several thousand dollars each year. These savings, combined with the rebate support, shorten the payback period and create a strong long term return. Using stored solar energy also delivers better value than exporting power for low feed in rates.
Performance and System Flexibility
The Deye hybrid inverter operates in off grid priority mode. Solar powers the home first. Excess energy then charges the battery. Only when those needs are met does the grid supply any power. This configuration keeps bills low and maintains independence from the wider network.
The system is also compatible with Virtual Power Plant programs. Ric can join a VPP in the future if he chooses. This gives him the option to earn credits by supporting the wider network during high demand events with his 40 kWh battery.
Installation and Commissioning
The installation followed a tight schedule. Components shipped on 10 October 2025. Pasqual completed the installation by 23 October.
The installation met all quality and compliance requirements. It included correct clearances, clean cable management, and a professional finish inside the cabinet.
Results: Reliable Power and Year Round Comfort
Ric reports a major shift in how he uses energy. The system delivered consistent performance from the start and his home now runs smoothly through outages.
Key results include:
- Full blackout protection from the 40 kWh battery
- Very low electricity bills due to high solar use and deep storage
- Air conditioning freedom without cost stress
- Lower maintenance thanks to the climate controlled cabinet
Conclusion: A Reliable Path to Energy Independence
Ric R.’s 40 kWh hybrid off grid system shows what is possible for regional homes with high energy needs. It provides resilient performance, long term savings, and reliable blackout protection. With strong design and support from government incentives, homeowners can achieve genuine energy independence and reduce their exposure to rising electricity costs.
