Real energy independence can be tricky to accomplish, but during the past few years, I've accumulated some insights that aren't so obvious. The main misconceptions about life off-grid are that it's a ...

Off-grid solar systems generate and store power wherever the sun shines, making them a great green update to your home. Today, lots of one-stop-shop companies offer all the equipment, warranties and ...

I'm in Tampa on my 5th day without power. I have a rechargeable battery and solar panels that meets my family's basic needs. I want to expand our offline power to increase our comfort the next time a ...

Across the globe, commercial and residential areas have begun transitioning to greener energy solutions. If you’re thinking about making the eco-friendly switch, outfitting your home with a solar ...

Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and ...

Welcome to our series answering reader questions and concerns about how to cut the utility company cord. I currently use wood to heat my off-grid home but would like to figure out my options for using ...

Let me be honest. Three years ago, I thought disconnecting from civilization would solve everything. No more electric bills, no reliance on corporations, no stress. Just me, solar panels, and freedom.

Not everyone is on the solar power bandwagon just yet. The overall driving question is: Is it worth the cost? One YouTuber, The Old Jarhead (@TheOldJarhead), said: "I am my own power company." But ...

The author lives in a 2,000-square-foot solar-powered octagonal home made with post-and-beam logs and straw bale infill walls and insulation. Decades of problem-solving and experimenting have given ...