DIY Off-Grid Solar Systems with Quality, Durability, And Cost In Mind

Off-grid solar energy systems are gaining popularity as the go-to method of generating electricity for places like cabins, boats, RVs, campsites, and for emergency electricity in the event of a catastrophic or long-term power grid failure. Just as residential solar energy systems become more common, so do off-grid solar systems. The differences between typical residential solar energy systems and off-grid versions are simply a matter of size, connectivity, and cost.

Where a standard system for a home uses a relatively large array of solar panels, an off-grid system might use one, a few or several panels, often in the form of solar panel kits plus accessories and usually a deep cycle battery or two. Also, residential solar systems often connect to the grid and act as supplemental to municipal power or have the potential to sell power back to utility companies.

An off-grid system doesn't connect to the grid. That limits its 24/7 use unless you install batteries and other necessary components for electricity when the sun is not shining. However, off-grid energy systems are excellent for getting power to where you need it without a lot of hassle. Also, the cost of an off-grid solar energy system is typically far below that of an entire residential solar array and its components.

While the solar panels for a large home solar system are typically installed on a roof or pole mount, the off-grid system can be installed on a roof, pole mount, or simply on the ground facing the sun. Roof mounted and pole mounted panel installation is typically mounted in a fixed direction and angle. A ground mount can be repositioned to target the sun as the sun moves during the day. A ground mount is easier to maintenance, clean and remove snow, but requires ground space and is very accessible to thieves. There is no perfect exact fixed panel direction or angle, just an average estimated opinion of best chance of capturing the suns rays within a period of 365 days or each year as the sun location changes each day throughout the year.

But, choosing the system that meets your off-grid needs best can be daunting. Several good companies exist that each offer several systems and numerous component options. To help you decide which solar energy supplier you need, we have studied several of the top competitors and compiled this list of off-grid solar system companies that we use and can recommend from research and experience.

Note: Always shop for prices before making a final purchase. Most DIY type solar system companies sell the same or equivalent systems and products usually in packaged system kits. Pricing can vary from time to time with BIG discounts offered especially on Black Fridays and Holidays which is when we try to purchase our solar equipment and supplies. Remember to search Amazon as well for price comparison and no hassle free returns.

AcoPower

As a relative newcomer to the DIY solar industry, AcoPower is an emerging solar equipment supplier leader. Providing small-scale DIY solar solutions for RV and off-grid power generation, the company offers a wide range of solar products, including low-cost startup kits. AcoPower also offers larger solar energy DIY kits and a long list of additional associated hardware.

AcoPower's solar products include solar freezers and fridges, storage battery systems, foldable and flexible solar panels, off-grid solar panels, charge controllers and inverters, solar generators and batteries, and wiring and accessories. AcoPower scores well in star ratings and our experiences with the company.

Renogy

With a huge product selection, including DIY kits from small to very large systems, Renogy provides dependable, quality equipment with various options. Many of Renogy's off-grid solutions are low-cost, basic kits that include panels, a charge controller, and wiring. While you'll need to purchase a battery to store power with most of their solar kits if your needs require a battery. Renogy is great for first-timers and newcomers to solar.

On the other hand, if you know you're in it for the long haul, Renogy also offers DIY kits large enough to meet all of your full-time RV, tiny home, cabin or boating needs, and emergency power needs. These kits include everything you need to power your lifestyle with free solar energy, the sun.

Renogy provides off-grid solar energy consumers with a massive selection of kits and customization options. Whether you're looking to get into solar energy for the first time, perhaps intending to expand later, or you're a solar veteran, Renogy likely has a product (or several) to fit your needs.

Renogy's solar products include solar kits, flexible, foldable and rigid solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, battery chargers, EIoT Monitoring, wiring and accessories. Plus, the Lycan 5000 Power Box portable and expandable solar generator.

HQST

HQST is very similar to Renogy for solar products. Although HQST offers less solar equipment and accessories options, HQST prices are sometime less than others for the same or equivalent solar equipment and supplies. A good place to compare prices before making a final purchase.

HQST's solar products include solar kits, flexible, foldable and rigid solar panels, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, and wiring and accessories.

Eco-Worthy

After 15+ years in business and over half a million solar energy systems sold, Eco-Worthy maintains high average consumer and product ratings. Customers can choose from a massive selection of energy production and storage kits, from tiny and portable to full-sized home-worthy systems. Eco-Worthy is the only solar company we know that offers solar and wind hybrid systems for ultimate compatibility in multiple situations. Eco-Worthy also provides valuable information on its website to help you choose the right solar energy system for your needs.

With Eco-Worthy's long list of available off-grid solar products and kits ranging from 100 watts to 5 kW, Eco-Worthy offers just about any size and type of off-grid system your small home, cabin, RV or emergency electricity plan. One of its entry-level kits even includes a flexible solar panel for increased installation options.

Eco-Worthy's solar products include solar panels, solar panel kits, charge controllers, lithium batteries, inverters, and typical solar accessories. Plus a Solar Wind Hybrid Kit with the option to add solar panels and batteries.

EcoFlow

EcoFlow has two lines of portable power stations. The EcoFlow River and the EcoFlow Delta. Each one of these power stations is impressive in its own right.

The EcoFlow River was the company's first foray into portable power stations. The River was designed with campers and adventurers in mind. It's an ideal product to take on weekend trips to keep phones and laptops charged. The EcoFlow River charges quickly by AC or solar panels.

The EcoFlow Delta is EcoFlow's newest iteration of portable power stations. Like the River, the Delta comes with patented technology that allows superfast charging times. This power station (solar generator) comes with a built-in MPPT charge controller, making the EcoFlow Delta compatible with solar panels straight out the box. The generator is bigger and heavier than the River, but it comes with more than 4 times the capacity and twice the power outlets.

At EcoFlow, you will find a variety of solar generator kits, add-on batteries, and folding solar panel kits.

How to Determine Which Off-Grid Solar System Is Best for You:

While much of the decision will hinge on the specific system, choose a supplier company that can meet your needs best without many substitutions. For instance, select a company that can provide the kit you need instead of mixing several packages with mixed components. Solar kits are designed with components that have a track record of working together for optimal performance and should always cost significantly less than purchasing all of the components separately.

Energy Consumption - The first step in determining which company and system is right for your needs is to assess your energy use and needs. While figuring out power consumption amounts can be tedious, it's crucial for properly sizing your system. Add up the watts each device you wish to power uses multiplied by the hours per day it consumes power. Add the consumption of all devices together to determine your daily power needs. If you'll need 24/7 power, you'll also need storage batteries. Start looking at off-grid solar energy systems that meet that power and storage demand.

Budget - One of the primary reasons to install solar energy generation capability, whether on- or off-grid, is cost savings. Determine your budget and balance the price of the various systems against your power demands.

Kit Components - Once you determine which solar energy kits meet your power demands and budget, look at the components within each kit. Look for high-quality charge controllers, included batteries and hardware availability.

Warranties - While we hope that our solar energy systems always work perfectly, they sometimes fail. Protect your investment by ensuring the kit you choose contains material, manufacturing and performance warranties that make you comfortable.

Installation Needs - DIY, off-grid solar energy systems should be relatively easy to install. However, some are easier than others. Ensure the kit you're considering is within your DIY skill range for installation or the range of someone you hire to do the work.

Note: The main advantage of a solar system is to provide electricity when there is no electricity available or it is too costly or impossible to install electricity at a particular location. Another advantage is that the sun will continue to provide free energy when the generator stops working for whatever reason. Plus, a solar system is quiet and does not emit dangerous fumes.