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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Living off the grid no longer means giving up comfort or convenience. With the right mix of renewable energy, efficient systems, and smart planning, you can enjoy a self-sufficient lifestyle without ...

The pros and cons of taking responsibility for your own energy and water aren't what I expected before making the move to living an off-grid lifestyle. Eric Mack has been a CNET contributor since 2011 ...

Clean energy sources such as solar power help consumers nationwide save money on energy bills. In the long run, solar panels can cut energy costs by up to $1,500 annually and, according to the ...

Solar panels can only generate electricity; they can’t store it, so you must pair them with a stand-alone battery bank or a power station. For home emergency power (for a few hours of power), we ...