Hybrid Battery System Reduces Generator Runtime in Remote NT Installation
Delivering reliable three-phase power in remote environments presents significant challenges. High temperatures, humidity, dust, and limited grid capacity often force operators to rely heavily on diesel generation.
A recent installation completed by Northern Power Systems in remote Norther Teritory demonstrates how a hybrid system combining high-voltage battery storage, hybrid inverters and generator backup can deliver stable power while dramatically reducing generator runtime.
The project integrates Discover Energy Systems’ 210HV battery platform with Solis three-phase hybrid inverters, supported by a diesel generator used for controlled battery charging.
Installed in January 2026, the system now provides reliable power to infrastructure operating in NT’s demanding tropical conditions.
Other benefits include faster deployment, reduced reliance on diesel generation, and a cleaner, more efficient power solution.
Project Context
The system was designed to provide high-quality three-phase power for sensitive equipment used in critical infrastructure.
The existing grid connection at the site was unable to support the additional electrical loads required by the facility. A hybrid power architecture was therefore developed to ensure stable operation while minimising ongoing fuel and maintenance costs associated with diesel operation.
Northern Power Systems engineered a solution combining:
- high-voltage battery storage
- hybrid inverter technology
- generator backup
This configuration allows the batteries to handle the majority of the site load while the generator periodically recharges the system.
System Architecture
The installed system includes:
-
Battery Storage
2 × Discover 210HV high-voltage battery systems -
Hybrid Inverters
4 × Solis 50kW three-phase hybrid inverters -
Backup Generation
80kVA diesel generator
The generator is used primarily to charge the battery system when required, while the hybrid inverter platform manages energy flow between the generator, battery storage and site loads.
This architecture allows the system to deliver stable three-phase power while significantly reducing generator runtime and fuel consumption.
Installation Design for Tropical Conditions
Norther Teritory presents one of the most demanding environments for electrical systems in Australia. High ambient temperatures, humidity and airborne dust require careful planning when installing energy infrastructure.
To address these conditions, each Discover 210HV battery system was installed inside a 20-foot high-cube container, modified with side doors to maximise airflow and ventilation.
At the end of each container, an insulated and air-conditioned equipment room was constructed to house the Solis hybrid inverters.
Two identical container systems were deployed to provide power to separate infrastructure huts on the site.
This installation approach protects critical electronics while maintaining appropriate thermal management for both battery and inverter systems.
Early System Performance
Following installation in mid-January 2026, the system has been operating reliably despite NT’s tropical climate.
During a site visit in early February by representatives from Discover Energy Systems and DPA, the Northern Power Systems team reported encouraging early operating data.
Initial observations include:
- Battery temperature has not exceeded 29°C, despite hot and humid conditions
- The diesel generator currently runs approximately three hours every five days to recharge the batteries
- Site load remains relatively low as additional machinery is yet to be installed
This level of generator utilisation represents a significant reduction in fuel consumption and generator servicing requirements compared with conventional generator-only power systems.
System performance will continue to be monitored as site loads increase.
Aligned Expertise – From System Design to Commissioning
Successful hybrid installations require coordination between installers, component manufacturers and system advisors.
The Darwin project involved collaboration between Northern Power Systems, Discover Energy Systems, Solis and DPA, each contributing expertise across different aspects of system design and deployment.
Installer Perspective – Northern Power Systems
Joe Cunningham
Operations Manager, Northern Power Systems
“In remote installations like this, the biggest challenge isn’t just generating power – it’s making sure the system behaves predictably under changing loads and harsh environmental conditions. What’s worked well here is the way the battery and inverter system handle the day-to-day load so the generator is only used when it actually makes sense. That dramatically reduces runtime, fuel consumption and servicing, which is critical for sites where access and maintenance can be difficult.”
Battery Integration – Discover Energy Systems
Matt Campbell
Discover Energy Systems
“When you move into larger hybrid systems, high-voltage battery architecture becomes important because it allows the inverter platform to operate more efficiently while maintaining stable system performance. In this type of application, the battery isn’t just providing storage – it’s acting as the primary power source for the load, while the generator becomes a controlled charging resource. That shift in system behaviour is what enables meaningful reductions in fuel usage.”
Hybrid Inverter Control – Solis
Peter Swan
Solis Australasia Pty Ltd
“In hybrid installations like this, the inverter effectively becomes the control centre of the entire system. It manages the interaction between generation, storage and load in real time. When configured correctly, the inverter can maintain stable three-phase output while coordinating when the generator charges the batteries. That level of control is what allows hybrid systems to operate smoothly even as site loads and environmental conditions change.”
Technical Support & Distribution – DPA
Pedro Schwindt
DPA
“A lot of the success of systems like this comes down to getting the architecture right before anything is installed. Understanding how the battery, inverter and generator will interact under real operating conditions helps avoid surprises later on. When those components are aligned from the design stage, commissioning becomes far smoother and the system behaves much more predictably once it’s in operation.”
Key Takeaways for Installers
This project highlights several important considerations when designing hybrid systems for remote or challenging environments:
- High-voltage battery systems improve efficiency in larger installations
- Hybrid inverter platforms enable flexible control between generator, storage and load
- Proper installation design is essential in hot and humid environments
- Battery-generator hybrid systems can significantly reduce generator runtime and fuel consumption
For installers designing power systems in remote or grid-constrained locations, this architecture provides a practical example of integrating battery storage to improve reliability and operational efficiency.
System Summary
Installer
Northern Power Systems
Location
Remote Northern Territory
Installation Date
January 2026
System Components
2 × Discover 210HV battery systems
4 × Solis 50kW three-phase hybrid inverters
80kVA diesel generator