Organic and biodynamic winemaker, Lowe Family Wine Co., has installed a landmark $850,000 solar and battery system, developed by SPS Solar + Water. With this project, the company has become one of the first wineries in Australia to operate entirely off-grid.
The Mudgee-based estate now powers its entire operation, including its vineyard, winery, cellar door, and restaurant, with the project, expected to serve as a working prototype to lead the way for other regional businesses that wish to achieve energy independence.
Designed and installed between February and September 2025, the system consists of 414 solar panels (265kW) and 1.2MWh of battery storage to provide three-phase power across the property.
Source: Lowe Family Wine Co.
The SPS Solar + Water engineering aims to tackle the energy loads of cold storage, refrigeration, and cooking required for both the winemaking facilities and the restaurant, ensuring reliability during critical periods like harvest.
The system is projected to reduce annual emissions by approximately 255-325 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of taking up to 70 cars off the road annually, and deliver an estimated $85,000 in annual electricity savings.
Lowe Family Wine owner and winemaker, David Lowe, said the company is constantly working to become more sustainable.
“Kim and I have a list of sustainability projects and goals that covers a whole wall, however this particular milestone was particularly big for us,” said Lowe.
“The project has taken almost a year from inception, but the fact that we are now reliant only on the sun is a monumental win for our organic and biodynamic business.”
The company stated the $850,000 project was made possible through a financial structure by Smart Ease, which reduced upfront costs. It has an expected payback period of seven years on an asset with a 25-year lifespan.
