Located more than 1,400 kilometres east of mainland Australia, Norfolk Island has historically relied entirely on diesel-fired generation to power homes and businesses. The island’s electricity network is supplied by six large diesel generators, consuming between 5,000 and 7,000 litres of diesel every day. With fuel delivered by sea and generation costs closely tied to global energy markets, electricity prices on the island have risen steadily and continue to increase as diesel prices rise. The reliance on imported fuel has created both economic and environmental challenges for the island community.
As demand for electricity grows and network capacity becomes increasingly constrained, many Norfolk Island residents and businesses are turning to solar and battery systems to improve energy security, increase available supply and reduce operating costs.
This project addressed the island’s reliance on expensive and environmentally damaging diesel generation by transitioning to a sustainable solar and battery storage solution.
Norfolk Island Solar and Battery Project Overview
In February 2022, a fully off-grid, three-phase AC-coupled solar and battery micro-grid was commissioned on Norfolk Island, delivering reliable and resilient power independent of the island’s diesel network.
The system was designed around a robust energy storage platform and a large rooftop solar array, providing long-term energy autonomy and exceptional power quality.
Micro-Grid System Specifications
Solar Generation
- 23.7kW roof-mounted solar array
- 64 x Longi 370W solar modules
- 28 modules connected to an 8kW SMA Sunny Tripower inverter
- 36 modules connected to a 10kW SMA Sunny Tripower inverter
Battery Storage
- 88kWh PowerPlus Energy battery system
- 22 x 4kWh ECO4840P battery modules
- Installed across two battery cabinets, each housing eleven modules
Microgrid Formation
- 3 x SMA Sunny Island 8.0H-13 inverter-chargers
- Three-phase AC-coupled architecture
- Provision for future generator integration and additional sub-mains
The Sunny Island inverter cluster forms the micro-grid, while the Sunny Tripower inverters provide efficient solar generation and battery charging capability.
Installation and Engineering
A major focus of the project was achieving a neat, serviceable and highly integrated installation.
The battery cabinets were installed first, with power and earth cabling carefully routed from the bottom right of each cabinet and positioned behind the equipment board to maintain a clean appearance.
The equipment board itself was constructed in two sections, aligned to create the appearance of a single assembly. The lower section was fabricated on-site and houses three SMA Sunny Island inverter-chargers, heavy-duty DC cabling, and the associated battery links and protection equipment.
The upper section was pre-assembled in a nearby workshop before being transported to site, incorporating two SMA Sunny Tripower inverters, solar array protection equipment and the main three-phase AC switchboard. Together, the completed arrangement delivered a compact, highly organised system with concealed cable runs and straightforward access for ongoing maintenance.
Load circuits were supplied via:
- A 16mm² sub-main feeding an existing switchboard that distributes power throughout the facility.
- A dedicated final sub-circuit supplying four GPO outlets located directly on the equipment board.
Additional provisions were incorporated for:
- Future generator connection.
- Expansion through a second sub-main.
Commissioning the Off-Grid Micro-grid
Since commissioning in 2022 the off-grid solar and battery system has operated successfully as a reliable source of off-grid, three-phase power. The completed micro-grid provides:
- Reliable three-phase power.
- High-quality electricity supply.
- Long-duration battery storage.
- Reduced dependence on diesel generation.
- Lower operating costs.
- Improved energy resilience and self-sufficiency.
Supporting Norfolk Island’s Energy Transition
Norfolk Island is actively pursuing a transition away from diesel-fired generation, supported by both local initiatives and Australian Government funding. The increasing deployment of solar and battery systems across the island is helping reduce fuel consumption, improve energy security and lower carbon emissions. Recent programs have demonstrated significant reductions in diesel use, highlighting the growing role that distributed renewable energy systems can play in shaping the island’s future.
This installation demonstrates how carefully designed solar and battery micro-grids can provide dependable, high-quality power in remote communities where traditional generation is costly and network capacity is limited.
A Renewable Future for Remote Energy Systems
For remote businesses, communities and critical infrastructure, an off-grid solar and battery system can reduce reliance on imported fuel while improving long-term energy resilience. This project represents another step towards a more sustainable and independent energy future for Norfolk Island.
