Like all solar energy systems, off-grid systems use solar panels to harness the sun’s energy for residential or commercial buildings. However, unlike more common grid-tied systems, they store some of ...

Interest in renewable energy continues to rise as more solar panel arrays are mounted on roofs and the ground nationwide. Not all of these solar panel systems operate in the same ways, however. Some ...

Battery backup will keep your off-grid or grid-tied home powered up when the grid goes down. Grid-tied vs. off-grid solar: decide whether a grid-tied solar system with battery backup or an off-grid ...

Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and ...

Are you tired of skyrocketing electricity bills and ready to take control of your energy independence? Solar power might be the answer, but should you go on grid or off grid? It's a big decision that ...

Real energy independence can be tricky to accomplish, but during the past few years, I've accumulated some insights that aren't so obvious. The main misconceptions about life off-grid are that it's a ...

LAINDEHA, Indonesia — As Tamar Ana Jawa wove a red sarong in the fading sunlight, her neighbor switched on a light bulb dangling from the sloping tin roof. It was just one bulb powered by a small ...

Welcome to our series answering reader questions and concerns about how to cut the utility company cord. I currently use wood to heat my off-grid home but would like to figure out my options for using ...