Everything You Need to Know About Going Off-Grid with Solar

Going off the grid is a commitment that requires complete solar power systems for your home or business, which is why the altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator was designed. From sizing your battery bank and calculating the number of watts of solar power you need, this calculator will help make sure you don’t needlessly spend money on equipment or supplies. Many people find that DIY solar is the ideal way to own a complete solar panel system.

Why Go Off-Grid with DIY Solar?

Going off the grid is a commitment that requires complete solar power systems for your home or business, which is why the altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator was designed. From sizing your battery bank and calculating the number of watts of solar power you need, this calculator will help make sure you don’t needlessly spend money on equipment or supplies. Many people find that DIY solar is the ideal way to own a complete solar panel system.

One of the first steps to designing a complete DIY off grid solar system is to understand the load you want to power. The altE kWh Load Calculator is a great starting point. Then, the altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator helps you correctly size the battery bank, watts of solar power, and charge controller you will need for a DIY off grid solar panel system. This calculator makes sizing recommendations based on sunlight received at your location and other factors. The first step to getting your own off-grid solar system is to use the altE kWh Load Calculator and the altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator on our website to determine what size system you need in order to meet your electricity needs at your home or business. Feel free to call our knowledgeable technical sales staff toll-free at 877-878-4060 for help sizing a system or request a free system design and custom quote.

What do I need for a complete solar power system off-grid?

The altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator helps you correctly size the battery bank, watts of solar power, and charge controller you will need for an off grid solar panel system in your location. Before using the The altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator, it’s wise to complete the altE kWh Load Calculator to understand your daily electricity consumption. The altE kWh Load Calculator will also help size the appropriate inverter your system will need. altE also sells a complete solar power system and you also request a custom quote.

How do I Size my Battery Bank?

The best way to size your battery bank is by using the altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator. This calculator makes recommendations based on sunlight received at your location, type of battery and the temperature of the battery bank. The altE calculator takes into account a battery bank size based on the watts of solar power you need and how many days you want your system to run without sun. altE stocks lithium ion batteries, flooded lead acid, sealed age and sealed gel cell batteries.

How do I Size my Solar?

The altE Off Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator helps you correctly size the battery bank, watts of solar power, and charge controller you will need for an off grid solar panel system in your location. This calculator makes sizing recommendations based on sunlight received at your location and the amount of energy you need. This will ensure that your system is appropriately sized for your needs and will produce the best results. altE stocks many sizes and brands of solar panels, so it will be important to find the one that is right for your project. You will also need solar panel mounts for roof mounted solar, ground mounted solar or top of pole mounted solar panels.

How do I Size my Solar Charge Controller?

Some consider the charge controller to be the brain of your solar panel system and it’s important to choose one that will match the power output of your solar panels. If you’re building a DIY complete solar panel system from scratch, the most commonly used charge controller is a 30 amp charger, but it’s critical to find out what size is right for your project. altE stocks many sizes and brands of solar charge controllers.

How do I Size my Inverter?

Inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use in your home. There are many different types of inverters, but you’ll want to select a stand alone off grid inverter. With a grid tie system, the inverter is connected to the power company’s electric lines, so it only produces power when the sun isn’t shining and feeds any extra energy back into the power grid. For an off grid system, there is no grid, and the inverter supplies all the energy for the home or business. You will want to accurately complete the altE kWh Load Calculator to determine the right size inverter for your complete DIY off grid solar system. After that, you can browse the large selection of inverters at the altE store.

What Else Should I Consider?

While off grid power is becoming more and more popular, it does have its disadvantages. It may be challenging to make your home truly off the grid if you have a very large load or limited budget. You can always look at taking a part of your home off grid, like an office, garage, shed or just some specific devices. You also may want to consider a hybrid system or backup power system. Of course, you can always give a call to the altE store to help figure out what system is best for you. Our friendly, knowledgeable technical sales staff toll-free at 877-878-4060.