Could generating your own electricity make sense?
On-site generation can reduce grid purchases, but the right option depends on when you use power, local resources, export arrangements and installed costs. Solar, batteries and biogas CHP serve different needs.
Four possible ways to supply electricity
- Solar panels: generate when sunlight is available; on-site consumption matters.
- Battery: stores electricity for later use, subject to losses and cost.
- Biogas generator or CHP: fuel-dependent dispatchable power; useful heat recovery needs real demand.
- Grid purchase or hybrid: may remain preferable for reliability or specific loads.
Use your own numbers before comparing technology
The quick screen uses annual imports, estimated generation, on-site share and your avoidable variable AUD/kWh rate. Export revenue remains unknown unless you enter a documented rate.
A generator is not a complete plant
Fuel preparation, controls, safety, emissions, heat management, maintenance, grid connection and approvals can determine whether a concept is practical.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go off-grid?
Possibly, but reliability, storage, backup, safety and total cost require site-specific design.
What if I generate more power than I use?
Export value depends on a documented tariff, connection approval and export limits; it is not assumed.
Is biogas generation better than solar?
They serve different operating patterns. Compare load timing, fuel evidence, useful heat demand, costs and approvals.
Sources & References
- energy.gov.au, Australian Government: business energy management
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- Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Australia’s Bioenergy Roadmap Report
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