Tips and Tools

Why It Matters for Inverter Selection Introduction Besides considering voltage changes during customer upgrades, such as moving from a 12-volt to a 24- or 48-volt battery bank, another critical factor is understanding power surges from appliances and pumps. These short bursts of high startup demand can significantly affect how a system performs. This is one…
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Smaller Cables, Lower Losses, & More Efficient Inverters Introduction I’ve designed many off-grid solar systems over the years, ranging from simple summer months setups to highly complex, year-round installations. One thing they all have in common is hidden energy losses, some systems suffer from them more than others. For cabins used only in the summer,…
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Smaller Cables, Lower Losses, & More Efficient Inverters Introduction I recently sat down with a new customer to talk about designing a solar system for his shop. This isn’t just any shop, it’s larger than most homes. It has three sections: two smaller sides and one massive middle bay where he can park a 45-foot…
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How Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries Charge Differently Than Lead-Acid Introduction Over the past few years, we’ve seen a big shift from lead-acid to lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. With that switch comes a learning curve, not just in the technology itself, but in how these batteries charge. Many existing inverters were designed with lead-acid in…
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What You Need to Know Introduction When I discuss new battery options with customers whose old lead-acid batteries are no longer performing, there are always important questions to ask: Are we staying with a 12-volt system? How old is the inverter? What are your solar panel outputs like? These questions help ensure we design a…
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I have my vision, but is it even possible? Introduction Every solar journey starts with a vision. Some people picture powering a remote cabin, others dream of running their business without fuel. Some want to light up a remote location or power a small shop. Others go much deeper, like telecom equipment on a mountaintop…
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Lead-Acid vs. Lithium Introduction We are currently, and have been for years, taking out many old batteries in off-grid systems, mostly flooded lead-acid but also some sealed lead-acid, and replacing them with lithium. That raises an important question: what happens to all these old lead-acid batteries, and what can be done when lithium batteries eventually…
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Protecting Your Off-Grid Solar System in a Wildfire Evacuation Introduction As an off-grid solar installer, I work on many systems tucked away in remote areas, often surrounded by dense trees. Like much of the world, we’re seeing a growing risk of wildfires every year. Right now, there are fires burning nearby, evacuation orders looming, and…
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Are 12V and 24V DC Refrigerators Worth It for Off-Grid Living? SunStar 10CU Solar DC/AC Refrigerator – Black And Stainless Steel Introduction When you’re running an off-grid cabin, RV, or boat, every watt of energy counts. One appliance that can make a huge difference in energy efficiency is the DC refrigerator. Unlike standard household fridges…
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Solar-Powered Cameras vs. Wired Systems Introduction When it comes to protecting your property, the choice between a wireless solar-powered camera and a traditional wired security system has never been more relevant. Advances in solar panels, battery life, and Wi-Fi technology, especially the growing support for 5 GHz networks, have made today’s wireless outdoor cameras smarter,…
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