Installing an off-grid solar system for your home or business means relying on the sun for almost all of your energy needs. If you’re located in a remote location far away from the nearest power line an off-grid system may be right for you.
The best solar systems for off-grid living include a battery, such as a HomeGrid, to take full advantage of the energy you’re bringing in. Advances in the solar industry have allowed off-grid solar to become more mainstream and it’s now fairly common to see RVs, cabins and even businesses leverage this technology.
If you’ve been thinking about installing an off-grid solar system at your home or secondary property then you’ve come to the right place. The team at Peninsula Solar have decades of experience in crafting the right size solar setup for your needs. You’ll find our industry leading automated solar system is powered by top-of-the-line equipment and gives you full access to monitor and control the power you use.
Call us today at 906-235-0340 or request a quote online to learn more about our products and services.
Best Uses for Off-Grid Solar
If you live a distance away from the nearest power line or you are not currently tied to the electrical grid, an off-grid solar system may be your best option.
Peninsula Solar uses state-of-the-art equipment when designing and installing your off-grid system. With the appropriate equipment, an off-grid system can power your home just as well as any grid-tied solar system.
This biggest reason most install these types of solar systems is due to the astronomical cost of having a new power line installed. There are many factors involved in cost such as distance, installing new poles, vegetation to clear and more.
Depending on all of these factors you could end up paying upwards of $100,000 to cover a distance as little as 1 mile. This fee does not include any additional payments each month you’ll have to make to the power company.
If you are currently connected to the energy grid you may opt for a grid-tied home solar system instead.
Commercial Off-Grid Solar Systems
If your business is in a remote location, uses very little power or is not tied to the electrical grid already, an off-grid solar system may be your best option.
As the premier commercial solar system installer in Northern Michigan, Peninsula Solar has helped many businesses reduce their reliance on energy companies and save money over time.
An off-grid solar system for your business can help offset growing energy costs and even keep your business running while others, tied to the energy grid, are losing time and money from having no power.
Peninsula Solar has been able to help several businesses keep power and in business during power outages. For example, a restaurant installing solar power can help keep their lights on during a power outage allowing them to continue serving customers and avoiding food waste which could cost them thousands more.
If you are currently connected to the energy grid you may opt for a grid-tied commercial solar system instead.
Benefits of an Off-Grid Solar System
An off-grid lifestyle can be enticing for many, especially those who prefer to live a more sustainable lifestyle and rely solely on themselves.
The main advantages of an off-grid system:
- Complete freedom from the grid. The main reason many install an off-grid system is to remove reliance on the energy grid.
- Avoid power outages. The Sol-Ark systems we install are designed to integrate with a generator so that you’ll never run out of energy.
- Can work almost anywhere. These systems are best suited for remote locations where getting a power line will be too costly.
Tax Credits for Off-Grid Solar Systems
You can currently get 30% off your installed off-grid solar system through federal tax credits. This tax incentive applies to primary and secondary residences.
This tax credit can end up saving you thousands on a new installation. For example, if your system cost $45,000 to install then you’d get $13,500 in tax credits returned to you when you file taxes the following year.
You can find more information on receiving this tax credit by going to Energy.gov.
IRS form to file with taxes: IRS Form 5695
Financing Your Off-Grid System
There are two ways to pay for your new off-grid system: cash or financing. If you’re paying cash for your installation it’s pretty straight forward and you just need to speak with a sales representative and get quoted.
If you’re financing your solar installation, Michiganders can take advantage of the Michigan Saves loan program.
The Michigan Saves program is a home energy loan program that helps homeowners get approved to make upgrades to their home with a low or no upfront cost.
The maximum loan amount you can receive with a Michigan Saves loan is $60,000. Your credit will affect your interest rate but most applicants have an interest rate around 5-6%.
Warranty Information
Installed systems have a 10-25 year manufacturer warranty dependent on what equipment is chosen for the project. One of the strongest properties of solar is the strength of the warranties inherent to the materials.
