Live Off the Grid with Solar Energy

Solar energy is quickly becoming one of the most used renewable energy sources in the world. You can live off the grid with solar energy by installing a system of solar panels in your home, which will provide all of the energy that your home needs with little or no maintenance from you.

What You Need

Since solar energy is found all over the planet, people around the world can use solar energy to live off the grid for at least part of the year. If you live in an area where solar power is not a viable option for part of the year, then you can also consider using a traditional energy source for those months.

The main part of your solar power system is the solar panels that will be installed, usually on your roof. If you live in an apartment, then you may also install solar panels anywhere there is direct sunlight for a larger portion of the day. You can buy prepared solar panels, or you can learn how to make your own. The main difference is the cost of the solar panels, which is slightly more for commercially sold panels than hand made panels.

Solar Invertors

You will also need invertors for your solar energy, so that it can be converted into energy that can be used in your home. You will also want to install a solar hot water heater, so that you will be able to live off the grid comfortably. Solar hot water heaters will be able to provide quite a bit of hot water, so that you won’t have to rely on traditional energy for your hot water needs.

Batteries

You will also need batteries that will store your solar power until you are ready to use it. Batteries for home use are typically sold from four to eight volts, and the cost will vary depending on the volt that you choose. Eight volt batteries can cost up to $1,500 and will last for many years.  You can live off the grid with solar energy as long as you have the right tools, and your solar batteries are one of the most important.

Installation of Solar Panels

If you are building your own solar energy system, then you may wonder how you are to connect your solar panels into your main energy source. You will use power invertors to transform the electricity you collect from AC to DC, or from solar energy to useable energy for your home. If you have chosen to build your own solar panels, then you will need to set up you collection system yourself.