Vitivoltaics Pilot Project with Paxton Wines

System Specifications

• 9.18 kW solar PV array (18 × 510 W panels)
• 20 kWh ZYC lithium battery storage
• Victron 10 kW inverter/charger and Fronius solar inverter
• Integrated system monitoring and electrical infrastructure
• 7 kW EV charger powered by on-site solar generation

Delivering Off-Grid Solar Infrastructure for Australian Viticulture

Apex Energy Australia was engaged to design, supply, install and commission an off-grid solar and battery system in partnership with Paxton Wines, McLaren Vale and Adelaide University as part of a pilot vitivoltaics research project to exploring how renewable energy systems could be integrated directly within a working vineyard environment.

The installation provides a dedicated off-grid renewable energy system designed to power research infrastructure for the vitivoltaics project, supporting research into how solar technology can be integrated within vineyard environments to enable more sustainable viticulture and winery production.

The Challenge

Integrating solar infrastructure within an operational vineyard presents several practical challenges.

Vineyards rely on carefully managed row spacing, irrigation systems, canopy management and machinery access. Any infrastructure installed within the vineyard must work within these systems without disrupting day-to-day vineyard operations.

For Paxton Wines, a key question was whether solar panels could be integrated into the vineyard without negatively impacting vine health, grape quality or vineyard management practices.

“Paxton has embraced solar for years now and discussions led to the question of whether we could place solar within the vineyard. If we did this, then what would the effect be on the vines and grape quality?

The practicality of running a commercial vineyard and incorporating solar without compromising management systems has been the biggest hurdle.” Ben Paxton, Operations Manager, Paxton Wines

Delivering the system required careful integration of renewable energy infrastructure within a working vineyard while supporting the research objectives of the project.

Apex Energy Australia’s Role and Technical Delivery

Apex Energy Australia led the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the system, to ensure reliability in an off-grid configuration while supporting the infrastructure on site.

The installation included a fully integrated renewable energy system comprising:

• A 9.2 kW solar PV array (18 × 510 W panels)
• 20 kWh ZYC lithium battery storage
• A Victron 10 kW inverter/charger paired with a Fronius solar inverter
• Electrical switchboards, outdoor electrical cabinet and system monitoring infrastructure
• A 7 kW EV charger powered entirely by the off-grid solar system

The off-grid configuration ensures consistent power supply while demonstrating how renewable systems can be successfully integrated into agricultural operations.

“Projects like this demonstrate what’s possible when industry and research collaborate. Our role was to design and deliver a renewable energy system that works within the vineyard environment while supporting the research objectives of the project.” Lionel Markwort, General Manager, Apex Energy Australia

As a pilot project rather than a commercial deployment, the initiative required close collaboration between industry and research partners.

“Apex and Adelaide University have made this project possible on our site. This is a pilot project and not a commercial endeavour, and the expertise, time and materials contributed by all involved has enabled the concept to come to life.” Ben Paxton, Operations Manager, Paxton Wines

Sustainability Context

As producers look to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and lower their environmental footprint, renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in supporting Australia’s agricultural industries. Projects like the vitivoltaics pilot provide an opportunity to explore how solar generation can be integrated into productive landscapes without compromising agricultural operations.

For Apex Energy Australia, the project demonstrates the practical application of off-grid renewable energy systems in complex environments. By designing and delivering a system capable of operating independently of the grid while integrating seamlessly into an active vineyard, Apex is helping to showcase how renewable infrastructure can support both research and real-world agricultural operations.

The installation also highlights the potential of agrivoltaics, where land can be used simultaneously for solar generation and agricultural production. Through projects like this, Apex Energy Australia continues to support innovative energy solutions that enable industries to transition toward more sustainable operations while maintaining productivity.

“Every individual and business should be working to make the world a better place, minimise their waste and their carbon footprint. Climate change is real and regardless of what causes it, we have not done a good job of looking after our planet.

Sustainability is on trend, however if we can generate power, improve the quality of our offering and reduce water use, the result will be a more sustainable business.” Ben Paxton, Operations Manager, Paxton Wines

The project provides valuable insights into how renewable energy systems can support long-term agricultural sustainability while demonstrating Apex Energy Australia’s capability in delivering practical renewable infrastructure solutions for regional industries.

Looking Ahead

The vitivoltaics installation will continue to be monitored to better understand how solar infrastructure interacts with vineyard ecosystems and influences vine growth, grape quality and vineyard management practices.

Insights from the pilot may help inform future renewable energy solutions for agricultural environments, demonstrating how solar generation and food production can coexist within the same landscape.

For Apex Energy Australia, the project highlights the company’s capability in designing and delivering integrated off-grid renewable energy systems in complex operational environments. Working collaboratively with research institutions and industry Apex Energy Australia continues to support innovative approaches to renewable energy that deliver practical outcomes for regional industries.

Planning a Renewable or Off-Grid Energy Project?

Talk to the team at Apex Energy Australia about how we can design and deliver a solution tailored to your site, operations and long-term energy goals.

Contact us to discuss your project.

• (08) 8374 4500
• enquiries@apexenergyaustralia.com.au

Contact Us