Solar & Energy Blog
Expert tips, guides, and stories about off-grid solar, battery storage, and DIY system design. Learn how to size, build, and optimize your own independent power system.
Featured Article
How to Calculate Solar Panel Efficiency: A Complete Guide for 2026
Learn how to calculate solar panel efficiency with our step-by-step guide. Discover what impacts real-world performance and how to maximize your solar output.
All Articles
How to Choose a Solar Charge Controller: MPPT vs PWM Guide
Learn how to choose the right solar charge controller for your off-grid system. Compare MPPT and PWM technologies, sizing formulas, and real-world considerations.
How to Connect Solar Panels in Series vs. Parallel
Understand the differences between wiring solar panels in series and parallel. Learn how voltage and amperage change, and which method is best for your off-grid system.
How to Size a Battery Bank for Solar
A complete guide to calculating the right battery bank size for your solar setup. Learn how to factor in daily energy use, days of autonomy, and battery chemistry.
How to Size an Off-Grid Solar System
Learn how to properly size an off-grid solar system, from calculating your daily energy load to selecting the right solar panels, battery bank, and inverter.
How to Wire 12V Batteries in Parallel
A step-by-step guide to wiring 12V batteries in parallel to increase amp-hour capacity while maintaining a 12V system voltage. Includes diagrams and safety tips.
DIY Off-Grid Solar System Wiring Guide: Every Connection, Every Component
A complete, step-by-step wiring reference for DIY off-grid solar — from panel strings through charge controller, battery bank, inverter, and AC load center — with wire sizing, fuse placement, and grounding rules.
Peak Sun Hours by Zip Code: Solar Calculator & All-State Table
Your zip code determines how large your solar array must be. Look up exact peak sun hours, understand why the number changes by month, and plug it straight into your off-grid sizing math.
How to Calculate Your Electricity Bill from kWh
Calculate your power bill accurately from kWh usage, tiered rates, and fixed charges. Includes formulas, real examples, and a monthly appliance-cost table.
Off-Grid Solar System Sizing Calculator: What to Enter and What You Get
Use an off-grid solar sizing calculator the right way. What to enter (loads, sun hours, voltage, chemistry) and how to read panel, battery, and component results.
Size Your System
Use our free calculator to estimate your off-grid solar and battery needs.
Open Calculator