• Charles Sturt to use PHNXX’s Solar-in-a-Box Installation on projects in Wagga Wagga
• The technology will be trialled at the University on research projects, Vineyard of the Future and covered cropping work
• The technology allows renewable energy to be deployed where grid power is unavailable

Charles Sturt University is trialling new technology that will allow equipment and infrastructure to be operated in remote areas where grid power is unavailable.

PHNXX Solar-in-a-Box Installation is the latest project for Charles Sturt’s Agrisciences Research and Business Park’s (AgriPark) Renewables in Agriculture Centre of Excellence.

Solar-in-a-box is a relocatable microgrid that can be deployed to provide renewable electricity where grid power is unavailable, constrained or expensive to extend.

The installation at Charles Sturt is the first of the project’s next generation of its production series. Two prototypes units have been trialled previously. The system generates energy from solar panels during the day, stores surplus energy in batteries and supplies power when needed. It has a 125 kWh battery capacity and a 50 Hz output.

AgriPark has partnered with PHNXX to use their technology for deployment at the Dhulara farm precinct, which is one of the Charles Sturt farms located to the north of the campus. The installation will support off-grid research and demonstration sites, including research and innovation paddocks, covered cropping work and for irrigation, and to charge the electric tractors/sprayers for the Vineyard of the Future project.

The technology can support field equipment, monitor systems, pumps, trial infrastructure and other farm-based research activities without relying on diesel generators or new grid connections.

Director of AgriPark’s Cool Soil and Sustainability Mr Matthew Muller said this project is valuable for industry, researchers and community stakeholders interested in the future of farming.

“This project update showcases AgriPark’s commitment and contribution to sustainability through renewable energy adoption and agricultural innovation,” he said.

“It highlights practical applications of off-grid energy solutions in farming systems and demonstrates how new technologies can improve energy security, reduce operating costs and support lower-emissions agriculture.

“The PHNXX solar-in-a-box gives Charles Sturt a mobile renewable energy platform that can take clean power to the paddock — and potentially beyond — supporting agricultural research, regional innovation, remote education, health applications and community resilience.”

Mr Muller said the technology allows for flexibility as projects are not limited to where fixed power infrastructure already exists.

“We can take energy to where the research or industry demonstration needs to happen,” he said.

“That is particularly important across large farm environments where extending grid power can be expensive, slow or impractical.

“A mobile, off-grid renewable energy system could also support Charles Sturt's education and research in areas such as regional and remote health, remote learning, emergency response, community resilience and First Nations empowerment.”

Mr Muller said the benefits for farms and regional industries are significant, offering a cost-effective and readily available solution for irrigation operations (orchards, horticulture, etc), pumps, shearing sheds, temporary field trials, remote monitoring, covered cropping, livestock systems, feedlots, dairy operations or season operations. It can also be used for facilities that require cold room storage after sunlight hours.

PHNXX Chief Operating Officer Mr Wei-Chi Lee said Charles Sturt is the ideal test environment for PHNXX.

“Agriculture is one of the most underserved sectors when it comes to energy innovation, despite being highly exposed to rising costs and grid constraints,” he said.

“Partnering with Charles Sturt and the Renewables in Agriculture program allows us to demonstrate that these systems aren’t theoretical — they’re practical, deployable today, and ready to scale across farms, regional industries and remote communities.

“It is so encouraging to see one of Australia’s largest and best regional universities take such a strong proactive step towards educating the next generation of farmers on sustainable agricultural practices.”

Charles Sturt will be able to test and demonstrate this technology in practical farm conditions to help growers, suppliers, energy companies and researchers.