Before the tips: the case for choosing off-grid solar.
With New Zealanders increasingly seeking weekend escapes and international visitors returning in greater numbers, setting up an Airbnb or short-term holiday rental on your land is a rewarding way to generate passive income and make the most of your property. But before you start pitching yurts or installing cabins, it’s crucial to make smart, future-proof decisions and make your setup reliable, comfortable and guest-ready. Especially when it comes to power.
GridFree’s solar systems offer complete energy independence, allowing you to own your power supply outright with no monthly bills or contracts. Unlike grid connections, which can often cost tens of thousands of dollars to get connected (plus ongoing power charges), a GridFree package is an investment that pays off.
Even more importantly, going off-grid gives you freedom over where and how you build. Without needing to factor in proximity to power lines or trenching cable across paddocks, you can place your accommodation anywhere on your land. Whether it’s a tucked-away hilltop with sweeping views or a private bush clearing ideal for a glamping escape.
Reliable, low-maintenance, and scalable to match your goals, GridFree’s off-grid packages are designed to support your Airbnb/holiday rental business from day one and well into the future. If you're considering starting an accommodation venture, off-grid solar is the smartest foundation you can build on.
Below is a case study is based on one of our customers who purchased the Tui Solar Nest in 2024. They purchased land in Raglan with a beautiful view on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean.
Now that you know that off-grid solar is the way to go, here are 9 top things to consider to get the absolute the best out of this investment. We Recommend:
1.Set Up All Heating to Woodfire or Gas for Water Heating.
Electric heating draws a lot of power and isn’t practical off-grid. Instead, go for gas water heating or wood fire heating, both are efficient and reliable. Wood burners add a cosy, rustic feel guests love and don’t use any electricity. Gas water heaters are perfect for hot water, or outdoor spas, and LPG is easy to source across NZ.
The Bushranger Portable Gas Hot Water Shower Kit
If you need something bigger in terms of water heating we highly recommend Spiroloc for a range of NZ-made woodfire solutions.
Similarly, gas stovetops and ovens are a much more power-efficient option than their electric counterparts. They heat quickly, are easy to use, and won't drain your solar battery during a cloudy week when guests are baking sourdough and boiling kettles.
2. Have a Backup Generator.
Even the best solar system can benefit from a safety net. We recommend investing in a backup pure sine wave inverter generator to keep things running smoothly when the weather doesn’t cooperate. GridFree’s Pro & Solar Nest Series inverters include an auto-start function, so you can programme the generator to kick in when needed, no guest intervention required.
Check out our Generator options.
3. Size Your Kit to Match the Experience.
Think carefully about the kind of stay you’re offering:
- If you’re advertising a luxury escape, guests will expect all the comforts of home, that means a more robust system with plenty of solar capacity.
- If you’re offering a more "back-to-basics" unplugged retreat, your system can be smaller, and guests will be more understanding of reasonable power limits.
Talk to the GridFree team to make sure your solar setup matches your vision.
4. Use a System With Monitoring.
Solar monitoring gives you and your guests insight into real-time power usage. Both the PRO Series and Solar Nest packages come with monitoring features, allowing you to monitor it remotely helping you stay ahead of potential issues.
5. Educate Your Guests About Power Use.
Be proactive: add signage, digital guides, or a welcome note that briefly explains solar constraints (e.g. “Hairdryers and toasters are best used during the day when the sun’s out”). When guests know what to expect, they’re more likely to respect your setup and have a better overall experience. We have designed a free tailored printout for you to suit the package you purchase.
6. Choose Lithium Batteries.
All GridFree packages in the Pro and Solar Nest Series now have the option to go with lithium batteries - we highly recommend this for your business, and for good reason. They handle deep discharges far better than lead-acid batteries, are more efficient, and can last roughly 10 years with proper care. This significantly lowers long-term costs and reduces maintenance.
While lead-acid Gel batteries are cheaper, we don’t recommend these for a holiday rental set-up because they are prone to damage for accidental over discharge, which can end up costing a lot in battery replacements. Considering you don’t know how respectful each of your guest will be toward your solar system, this is another way to future proof your system.
7. Ensure Optimal Panel Installation.
Where and how you install your panels makes a huge difference in performance. Make sure they are:
- Facing north (in the southern hemisphere).
- Tilted correctly for your location’s latitude.
- Free of shadows from trees, buildings, or poles.
GridFree’s install guides and our support team can help ensure you get it right.
8. Ensure you purchase energy-efficient appliances.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is key to making your off-grid system go further. Look for low-draw options like DC fridges, efficient LED lighting, and low-wattage kitchen appliances. These choices help reduce strain on your batteries and improve overall system performance, especially during cloudy days or high-use periods.
For example:
- Kettle designed for gas stove top.
- Fridge under 250kWh per year if possible.
- LED lights.
9. Maintenance.
Solar systems are low maintenance, but regular checks are necessary. You'll want to check the battery storage level between guests and be prepared to run a generator for a few hours to top them up before the next guests if necessary. Keep the panels clean and free from debris, with a proper wash every 6-12 months, and periodically check the components and wiring to ensure it's all still in good condition and functioning correctly.
Why Off-Grid Solar is a Smart Business Move.
Going off-grid isn’t just good for the soul, it’s good for your bottom line:
- No ongoing monthly power bills: Your system pays for itself over time, especially if you have a steady stream of guests.
- You could be eligible for the Investment Boost: If your Airbnb qualifies as a business, you can deduct 20% of the purchase price of your solar kit upfront, plus depreciate the rest over time, a huge help for cash flow. (More info here.)
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Longevity of lithium batteries: With a life expectancy of around 10 years, lithium battery replacements are far cheaper in the long run than paying for electricity year after year.
Which Solar Kit Is Right for You?
The PRO Series The Solar Nest Series are perfect for larger cabins or multiple structures. They offer robust capacity, full monitoring, and the option for auto-start generators, ideal for a range of guest experiences.
There are 7 different sized packages so we can find the perfect solution for your desired experience.
Starting your off-grid Airbnb journey in NZ is an exciting step, and with a little planning, it can be very financially rewarding. Talk to the team at GridFree to find the right system for your land and your goals.