Pioneering Agricultural Solar Investment with 100kW and Beyond
Initial Install: 100kW
Current Capacity: 500kW across 3 systems installs (100kW, 200kW, 200kW)
Location: Bundaberg, QLD
The GEM Energy team recently caught up with Ian from AustChilli to reflect on a partnership that’s spanned over a decade. What began as a bold first step into solar wasn’t just a milestone for AustChilli—it was also GEM Energy’s very first 100kW commercial installation. Since then, that initial leap has grown into a long-term partnership grounded in trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
A Business Ready for Smart Change
Before installing their first solar system, AustChilli had spent 3–4 years researching solar energy—carefully weighing up the benefits, the risks, and the right partner. As a regional, agriculture-focused business with tight production timelines and the pressures of perishable shipments, any investment had to make sense both operationally and financially.
Why GEM Energy?
When AustChilli pressed the green light on Solar – They were not just looking for panels on a roof. They needed a long-term energy partner.
“From the outset, GEM Energy approached the partnership with a genuine, face-to-face commitment. They made the effort to visit our site, engage with our team, and understand our operations first-hand. When AustChilli first engaged with GEM Energy, it was clear this wasn’t a typical sales-driven interaction. GEM brought a level of technical knowledge and industry experience that inspired confidence—and then backed it up with results that exceeded expectations.”
Why Solar Made Sense
Solar offered a way to reduce costs without increasing labour—a rare opportunity in food production.
“It was guaranteed savings without needing someone to ‘staff’ the investment.”
The First Install — 100kW Success Story
The initial 100kW installation performed above expectations, delivering a stronger return on investment than originally projected. GEM Energy’s project management was precise and well-coordinated – There was no downtime. They coordinated seamlessly with our operations and ensured everything ran as normal throughout the installation
“You need reliability and a willingness to back the product—and GEM did exactly that”
Scaling Up to 500kW
Fast forward to today, and AustChilli now has 500kW of solar installed across three systems installed – All with GEM energy plus a couple of personal installs. The growth was driven not just by the savings, but by the trust built between Ian and Jack (CEO and Founder of GEM Energy).
“Jack and I moved from a transactional relationship to a partnership. Jack’s now a resource in operational sustainability growth”
Whether discussing system upgrades, battery investments, or energy modelling, GEM has become AustChilli’s go-to energy advisor.
Beyond Installation: Grant Support, Carbon Strategy, and Government Compliance
AustChilli operates in both agriculture and retail, regularly bidding for tenders with multinational partners. Solar has become more than a cost-saving tool—it’s a strategic asset in sustainability reporting.
“We’ve had solar for over 10 years. It speaks to our credibility and carbon impact.”
GEM has helped AustChilli:
- Apply for grants
- Navigate industry bodies and authorities (like ERGON)
- Plan for carbon credit eligibility
- Optimise usage and return
- A Partner in the Battery Future
AustChilli is now actively exploring battery storage, guided again by GEM’s expertise.
“The market is heading toward daytime production, night-time consumption—batteries are the next step.”
Commercially, this investment is being assessed not just for savings, but as a way to future-proof the business and service demand sustainably.
Key Takeaways
Over more than a decade, AustChilli’s partnership with GEM Energy has evolved into a strategic relationship built on trust, technical expertise, and forward-thinking advice. Their solar rollout—now totalling 500kW across multiple staged installations—was executed seamlessly, with zero disruption to daily operations. When issues arose, GEM’s responsive service was evident, including a 48-hour turnaround on an inverter replacement. Beyond installation, GEM has provided valuable support with industry grants and regulatory compliance, helping AustChilli strengthen its carbon credentials—a key advantage in tenders with multinational clients. Now, with battery storage discussions underway, GEM continues to play a pivotal role in AustChilli’s long-term energy and sustainability strategy.
"GEM delivers. They’re accessible, responsive—good news or bad. They know the industry, they back their product, and they’re more than installers. I’d 100% recommend them."