There are many benefits to solar power including that there’s flexibility for those who want to stay on the grid or off the grid while using it. You can have a company install panels on the roof of your home (and there might even be some grants out there in your area for it) or you can do it yourself off grid. Some people will add solar power to their RVs and others to their home in the rural country. The benefits of an off grid solar system are well worth the challenges of an initial, steep learning curve: no monthly electric bill, full control of who is coming onto your land, and it’s more sustainable and eco-friendly than the alternative.
Off Grid Solar System Components
Understanding how solar power works and the different components needed for an off-grid solar system kit is easy. The challenging part is all of the knowledge for troubleshooting. Definitely do a lot of research and talk to knowledgeable individuals before committing to this transition.
Charger
If you have a generator assisting with the charging of the batteries, you will need a charger. The charger takes energy from the generator and it charges the batteries with it.
Charger Controller
The charge controller takes the sporadic and unusable electricity from the solar panels and turns it into usable electricity that it uses to charge the batteries.
Inverter
The inverter will convert dc electricity from the batteries into ac electricity that can be used in your home from your electrical panel.
Most times you can get an all-in-one system that has the inverter, charge controller, and charger all included.
Batteries
Batteries will store the excess energy from the sun that is collected throughout the day.
Solar Panels
Solar panels will absorb energy from the sun and turn it into electricity.
Other Items You'll Need
- Battery Cable Ends
The battery cable ends will allow you connect the wire to the batteries. - 10 ft Battery Cable
This cable will go from the inverter box to the batteries. - 4 Guage Romex (footage depends on your how far you need to go)
The Romex will go from the inverter box to your electrical panel and also the inverter box to your generator. - 10 Guage Extension Cord or more Romex (footage depends on your how far you need to go)
The extension cord ends can be cut off and the sleeve of the extension cord can endure the elements much better than Romex which is made for internal use and is more expensive. The extension cord will connect your solar panels to the inverter box.
Recommended Brands for an Off Grid Solar System
We went through multiple of these components from a variety of brands and had panels that caught on fire and inverters that died. It’s very evident in this industry that you get what you pay for.
If you’re not already an expert in solar, you’re going to want to find a system that has customer support that works for you both in their responsiveness, communication options, and one that you can understand the language of clearly.
These were all factors that impacted where we landed on the following components which is about a mid-tier quality and price range.
All-In-One System
Signature Solar EG4 6K Split Phase All In One Inverter
- 6000EX-48HV
- 6000W Output
- 7500W PV Input
- 500V VOC Input
- Split Phase 120/240VAC
Cost Breakdown for an Off Grid Solar System
This cost breakdown is based on our personal needs and middle-tier brands. As with most things, price can vary depending on your needs. This breakdown is an average for a family of four.
All-In-One System
Signature Solar EG4 6K Split Phase All In One Inverter
- 6000EX-48HV
- 6000W Output
- 7500W PV Input
- 500V VOC Input
- Split Phase 120/240VAC
Battery Cable
- 2/0 AWG
- 2/0 Guage
Battery Cable Ends
Extension Cord
- 10 Guage
- 100 ft
- You can use Romex as an alternative, but it will be more expensive – closer to $100
Total Cost for Our Setup
*prices are approximations based on the time of publication and there may be some discrepancy between the prices listed here and the video prices due to changes in price over time.
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