Energy Storage Done Right
One of the biggest hurdles for Off-Gridders is accurately sizing their system. Here’s a primer to help you size and pick the correct energy storage solution.
DIY Solar Workshop for Off-Grid Solar Applications
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1.1 Watch: Which Battery Type is Right for Your Application?
1.2 Watch: How-To Accurately Size Your Off-Grid Solar System
1.3 Read Solar Battery Storage Guide & Additional Content:
Additional Videos
1.4 Quiz: Energy Storage
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How-To Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your Off-Grid System
Picking your solar panels can be exciting but also daunting. If you don’t know the difference between panel types and placement angles, you could be impacting your solar array’s effectiveness (and not in a good way). This section tackles these questions and more to ensure you get the most out of your solar array investment.
2.1 Watch: Best Solar Panels & Their Pros and Cons
Key Take Aways
- Most solar panels have a 20-30 year warranty guarantee
- 72-cell panels take up more space than 60-cell panels, but the cell efficiency is the same, which means the cost-per-watt is comparable for both options.
- SunPower offers a flexible solar panel solution that works best with RV’s and boats.
2.2 Read Solar Panel Guide & Additional Content:
2.3 Quiz: Solar Panels
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Understanding The Power Center
Pre-assembled power centers bundle all the necessary components you need into one single easy-to-install unit. DIYers also find them convenient because they’re easily accessible with labeled connection points.
Simply put, Power Centers make going Off-Grid easier.
3.1 Power Center Components
Intro
Inverter
Charge Controller
Remote Control & Network Hub
Circuit Breakers
Battery Monitor
Surge Protector
Automatic Generator Start Accessory
Recap
3.2 Installation & Programming
Setting Up Your Power Center
Generator Auto Start
3.3 Read Solar Inverter Guide & Additional Content:
3.4 Quiz: Power Centers
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What’s the best mounting hardware and how do you install it?
In this section, we’ll discuss the different mounting applications and the hardware we recommend for DIYers.
4.1 Watch: Roof vs Ground Mount Mounting Options?
Key Take Aways
- Roof mounts cost less upfront than ground mounts
- Ground mounts are easier to access for cleaning and maintenance
- Solar trackers are not ideal for residential applications
4.2 Read Mounting Hardware Guide & Additional Content:
4.3 Racking Installation
Roof Mount
IronRidge FlashFoot2 Installation
IronRidge Ballasted Roof Mount
IronRidge Tilt Roof Mount
IronRidge Ground Mount Intro
IronRidge Ground Mount Advanced
4.4 Quiz: Solar Mounting Hardware
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Making the Permitting Process Easier
Permitting can become a snag, even for Off-Grid Solar applications. Let our guide be your cheat sheet to the permitting process, so you can avoid unforeseen delays and start benefiting from solar faster.
5.1 Read Permitting Guide & Additional Content:
Additional Articles
Additional Videos
5.2 Quiz: Solar Permitting
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Our DIY Solar Heroes Show & Tell
Our customer’s love breaking down how they Power Their Own Way with DIY Solar. Check out these customer projects for ideas, inspiration, and motivation.
Will you be the next Install of the Month?
6.1 Customer Showcase Videos
Ryder’s Installation Walk-Through
Michael’s Timelapse
Another Timelapse
Stacy’s Off-Grid Barn in Washington
Our June install of the month comes from Stacy M. He built a beastly off-grid system with 24 panels and 16 batteries to power his barn in Washington.
"Solar After the Storm" with Cyril Richardson
Come face-to-face with the wind and the rain as it blows at you with twice the speed of a car on the freeway? It’s one of the most powerful, terrifying experiences on Earth—and Cyril Richardson and his family went through it twice.
Solar in a Freezing Cold Climate
Editor’s note: Dave and his wife Sher worked with Unbound Solar to build their 6 kW solar system back in 2014. Five years later, he contacted us to share his reflections on going solar in a freezing cold climate.
Your Success is Our #1 Priority
Are you ready to start the conversation on how you can Save Thousands when you Power Your Own Way with Do-It-Yourself-Solar?
For the past 20 years Unbound Solar’s mission has been to build confidence and guide DIY enthusiasts like you through the most affordable and satisfying solar buying experience in the industry. Here’s what you can expect:
Solar Tech Assignment, Energy Evaluation, Site Considerations, System Customization, System Design Checks, Permitting Guidance, Free Lifetime Post-Sale Support
