Reference library

Off-Grid Reference Charts

The charts and tables off-grid beginners look up again and again, in one place and in plain English. Use them to size a system, pick the right wire, read your battery, and learn the jargon. Every number comes with a note on where it came from.

Appliance Power Consumption Chart

Running watts, surge watts, and daily watt-hours for 100+ common appliances. The starting point for sizing any system.

See the watt chart →

Peak Sun Hours by State

Average daily peak sun hours for all 50 states, with winter lows and summer highs. The number that decides how many panels you need.

Find your state →

LiFePO4 Voltage Chart

State-of-charge voltage tables for 12V, 24V, and 48V lithium batteries, plus charging targets and a lead-acid comparison.

Read the voltages →

DC Wire Gauge Chart

The right AWG for your amps and run length, with ampacity, voltage drop, and fuse sizing for 12V, 24V, and 48V systems.

Size my wire →

Off-Grid Glossary

Over 70 off-grid, solar, battery, and self-reliance terms defined in plain English, with links to the deep guides.

Look up a term →

Want the math done for you? The same data powers our free solar calculator, battery bank calculator, and run-time calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these reference charts free to use or cite?

Yes. Everything here is free to read and reference. If you run a site or forum and want to point your readers to one of these charts, link away. We keep the numbers conservative and explain where they come from.

How accurate are the numbers?

We use widely-published, conservative values and show ranges where real life varies. Each chart includes a short note on its basis, whether that is NREL solar data, manufacturer battery specs, or standard ampacity tables. Always confirm against your own gear's label.

Where should a beginner start?

Start with the appliance power consumption chart to figure out your daily watt-hours, then use peak sun hours by state and our calculators to turn that into panels and battery. The glossary is there whenever a term trips you up.