A field guide for beginners
Off-grid power, finally explained like a human.
Already know what you need to run? Get a matched parts list. Still learning panels, batteries, and inverters? Start with the beginner guide, then come back when the system makes sense.
Or choose where it will live
HomeOutage Backup Stations 
CabinDIY Cabin Solar Kits 
CampervanCampervan Solar Kits 
RVRV Solar Kits Copy-and-buy builds
Don't buy one part. Buy a system that works together.
Small vans & cars The Minimalist Van Build
A simple, affordable starter system. About 5 parts.
View parts list → RVs, vans & buses The Classic 400W RV Build
Runs a fridge, lights, and devices comfortably off-grid.
View parts list → Cabins & tiny homes The Off-Grid Cabin System
A full 48V system to power a small home off the grid.
View parts list →Free interactive tool
Tell us your van, cabin, or RV. Get a starting parts list.
Pick your use-case, budget, and what you want to run. The Solar Calculator hands you a starting shopping list. No electrical degree required.
Open the Solar CalculatorThe power cluster
How an off-grid system fits together
Every off-grid setup is the same handful of parts, wired in a chain. Follow the flow to see how power moves, or jump straight to a topic.
Step 1 Solar Panels Collect sunlight 
Step 2 Charge Controller Regulate the charge 
Step 3 Battery Store the energy 
Step 4 Inverter Convert to AC Step 5 Your Devices Power everything 
Portable Power StationsAll-in-one units. The easiest way to start. 
Solar GeneratorsA power station plus solar panels, bundled. Solar PanelsCapture the sun. Rigid, portable, or flexible. Batteries (LiFePO4)Store your power. The heart of the system. InvertersTurn battery power into household AC. Charge ControllersProtect the battery while it charges. 
Solar KitsPre-matched parts in a single box. 
Backup GeneratorsFor cloudy weeks and heavy loads. Complete BuildsCopy-and-buy parts lists for vans, RVs & cabins. 
Tools & CalculatorsSize your system in minutes, for free. Power is one part of the setup. Plan your water, heat, food, communications, sanitation, security and cooling too.
Head-to-head
Popular comparisons
Shopping for a specific job? Jump to the best power stations for a CPAP, the best 12V fridges for van life, or the full comparisons index.
The best DIY solar brand for your budget.
The popular 1000Wh stations, head-to-head.
Jackery, EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker and Goal Zero.
The battery question every beginner asks.
Learn the basics
Beginner guides
Start here Off-Grid Solar Explained
How the whole system works, in plain English.
8 min read → Sizing How Many Solar Panels to Power a Cabin?
Worked examples for small, medium & full-time use.
6 min read → Run-times What Can a 1000Wh Power Station Run?
Fridge, CPAP, phones, plus real numbers and a formula.
5 min read →
Wiring 12V vs 24V vs 48V Off-Grid Systems
Pick the right system voltage the first time.
7 min read →Free tools & reference
Do the math, or skip it entirely
Our free calculators size your system in minutes, and our reference charts give you the raw numbers behind them. No sign-up, no math headache.
Solar Calculator
Size your panels, battery, and inverter from your daily power use.
Battery Bank Calculator
How many batteries you need and how to wire them, for any voltage.
Appliance Wattage Chart
Running and surge watts for 100+ appliances, plus daily watt-hours.
Peak Sun Hours by State
Average sun hours for all 50 states, the number that sizes your solar.
See every free calculator and off-grid reference chart.
Free tool
Size your off-grid system in minutes
Tell it what you want to run and it works out the solar, battery and inverter you actually need, without the math headache.
Free, instant, and nothing to sign up for.