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Power cuts are a fact of life in much of PNG, and plenty of homes are off-grid entirely. Solar, batteries and a generator each solve a different part of the problem. Understanding what each does — and getting the wiring done safely — is the key to reliable power.

What you'll need

Everything here is stocked across our branches.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Work out what you need to run

    List what must keep running in an outage — lights, phone charging, a fan, a fridge — and roughly how long. Powering a few lights and phones is small and cheap; running a fridge or air-conditioner all night needs a lot more panel and battery. Sizing starts with this list.

  2. 2

    Understand what each part does

    Solar panels make power in daylight; a battery stores it for night and outages; an inverter turns battery power into normal mains-style power for your appliances; a generator makes power on demand from fuel. A portable power station combines battery and inverter in one box for small loads.

  3. 3

    Match the pieces to each other

    The panels, battery, inverter and charge controller have to be sized to work together and to your load. An undersized battery runs flat overnight; an inverter too small for the appliance will not start it. This is where advice pays off — tell the branch your load list.

  4. 4

    Choose a generator that fits — and run it safely

    For back-up, size the generator to the load you must run. Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space — the exhaust can kill; keep it outside, ventilated, and away from windows. Keep fuel stored safely.

  5. 5

    Get it wired and connected by a licensed electrician

    Anything that connects to your house wiring — a solar system, an inverter, a generator changeover — must be installed by a licensed electrician. Wrong wiring is a fire and electrocution risk, and a generator connected wrongly can endanger line workers. Buy the gear, but leave the connection to a professional.

Tips for the PNG climate

  • Start from your load list, not from a panel size. What you need to run and for how long decides everything else.
  • Never run a generator indoors or in a closed room — exhaust fumes are deadly. Outside, ventilated, away from windows, always.
  • House wiring, solar and generator changeovers are a licensed-electrician job — not a DIY guess. It is a safety and a legal matter.
  • For most homes a simple set-up — some panels, a battery, an inverter, and a small generator or power station for backup — covers lights, phones and a fan through an outage affordably.

Common questions

What do I need to keep lights and phones on during outages?
A small solar-plus-battery set-up or a portable power station will run lights and phone charging easily. Running a fridge or air-conditioner needs much more; start from a list of what you must power.
Solar, generator or both?
They complement each other: solar and a battery for quiet daily/night power, a generator for heavier loads or long cloudy spells. Many homes use both. Tell the branch your needs and staff can help you choose.
Can I install it myself?
You can buy the equipment, but anything connecting to house wiring — solar, inverters, generator changeovers — must be installed by a licensed electrician for safety and legal reasons.

Ready to start?

Add what you need to an enquiry and choose your nearest branch. We confirm the price and what is in stock before you travel — fourteen branches in ten locations.

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