Solar solution offers protection to remote properties’ power supply

A Base Power energy system and back-up generator overlook the solar array powering the remote property. Picture supplied

Severe weather events, including Cyclone Gabrielle, resulted in the Firstlight Network team working tirelessly throughout the summer.

At the same time, the Network (formerly Eastland Network) still had their planned programme of works to deliver for customers and communities throughout Tairāwhiti and Wairoa.

A key part of this programme was the region’s first installation of a Base Power stand-alone power system on a remote property beyond the Tarndale slip — one of the largest land movements in the remote Raukūmara Range.

Multiple weather events caused repeated damage over several years to the 16-kilometre power line that served just one property. It left the owners without power on multiple occasions and meant the Network had to make repeated and extensive repairs.

The Firstlight Network team, Base Power and the owner of the property came up with a robust and innovative off-grid solar solution to protect the property’s power supply.

“Base Power was developed by Powerco to give an off-grid option in areas where maintaining the line was having a real impact on our customers in challenging terrains,” Base Power business manager Kieran McNair said,

“Our standard system of a solar array paired with a smart energy management system and back-up generator adds a lot of security and value for both the customers and network operators.”

Taking a property off the grid is a big decision, so Firstlight Network’s general manager Jarred Moroney wanted to ensure any off-grid solution stacked up against what the network could provide.

“In these remote spots that are prone to storms, slips and trees causing havoc on our lines, we need to weigh up the best solution for the network and the customer at the end of the line,” he said.

“In this case, it made sense for us to set the property up with everything they need to have the same quality of power as when they were connected. But now they don’t have to worry about what’s happening down the valley — everything they need to get their power is right there out the back door.”

Base Power’s experience in designing and delivering utility scale off-grid solutions for lines companies in New Zealand and Australia — as well as their fleet of stand-alone power systems deployed on sites powering farm buildings, worksites, residences, communications towers, Department of Conservation huts and even a school — meant this rural property was all in a day’s work.

Base Power and the Firstlight team built a bespoke plan to meet the customer’s energy requirements, optimise the assets required and upskill the Network team’s knowledge in solar and battery storage installations.

Beyond the hardware, Base Power’s added smarts include solar forecasting to minimise generator runtime, embedded communication devices to share the system status in real time, and plenty of supporting resources for the customer and lines crews.

“We’ve seen the impact climate change is having on our electricity networks,” Mr McNair said.

“Tairāwhiti has already been hit hard this year and we know it’s not going to get any easier. We also know people want to take control of how and where they are sourcing their energy.

“The property near the Tarndale Slip is a perfect example of where off-grid and non-network solutions can help lines companies invest in maintenance and line upgrades in locations where it can have the greatest effect.”